What to do when a Bartholin cyst will not pop

Unlike a surface spot, the fluid sits in a deeper cavity connected to a blocked duct. Pressure on the skin may cause bruising or a small wound without opening the part that needs to drain.

Bartholin glands release lubricating fluid beside the vaginal opening. When a duct closes, the retained fluid expands under the skin, often on one side. The cavity may be soft, firm or tense, and it may have no visible exit.

If infection develops, the collection becomes an abscess and can cause intense pain, heat, redness and swelling. Even an abscess may not rupture by itself. A clinician can assess its depth and choose a drainage method that reaches the cavity while protecting surrounding tissue.

Stop pressing or trying to pierce the lump. Comfortably warm water soaks, loose underwear and avoiding friction can ease irritation while you monitor it. If it opens naturally, allow free drainage, rinse with water, pat dry and use a clean pad rather than inserting anything into the opening.

Contact a clinician when pain continues, the lump enlarges, or swelling returns. Depending on the examination, care can include observation, drainage with a small catheter or creation of a new drainage opening. These approaches address the cavity and its tendency to seal again.

Obtain urgent medical assessment if you develop fever, spreading redness, rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain or a general feeling of illness. Seek prompt help as well if the lump makes urination, walking or sitting difficult.

A new vulval lump that does not resolve deserves a routine examination, particularly after menopause. Its position may suggest a Bartholin cyst, but only assessment can distinguish it from other vulval lumps.

Ask whether this is a cyst or abscess, whether it needs drainage and how recurrence can be reduced. Clarify how to wash the area, when you can resume sex or exercise, whether any medicine is indicated and what would signal that the opening has closed again.