How to recognise a possible Bartholin cyst

Its appearance varies: some cysts create only a subtle one-sided swelling, while others form an obvious rounded bulge. If infection produces an abscess, the area can become intensely tender, warm, red, and filled with pus.

The Bartholin glands release lubricating fluid through narrow ducts. When a duct is blocked, retained fluid stretches the surrounding tissue and creates a cyst. Texture can range from soft to tense depending on the amount of fluid and inflammation.

Photos and symptom lists cannot reliably separate a Bartholin cyst from an ingrown hair, skin cyst, swollen gland, abscess from another source, or a less common vulval growth. A clinician uses the exact site, surface changes, tenderness, discharge, and your history to narrow the cause.

Avoid squeezing, cutting, or inserting a needle into the swelling. Those actions can damage sensitive tissue and spread infection. For mild discomfort, warm sitz baths, gentle washing with water, and loose clothing may reduce irritation while you arrange care if needed.

Notice whether the lump sits beside the vaginal entrance, changes size, drains, or becomes more painful. This information helps at an appointment, but it does not replace examination. A persistent or uncertain lump should be checked rather than identified from an online image.

Get prompt medical help for fever, chills, severe pain, rapidly enlarging swelling, spreading redness, foul-smelling drainage, trouble passing urine, or feeling markedly unwell. These signs can occur when a painful collection needs medical drainage.

Arrange an examination for any lump that is new, hard, irregular, bleeding, repeatedly returning, or not settling. Changes that do not match the usual position of a Bartholin gland also deserve assessment so another cause is not missed.

Ask what features support the diagnosis, whether there are signs of an abscess, and if any further evaluation is needed. If treatment is proposed, ask how it keeps the duct open, what aftercare involves, and what recurrence would look like.