Does a Bartholin cyst cause vulval pain?

A small, uncomplicated cyst may feel like a soft lump with little discomfort. Pain can increase with walking, sitting, sexual activity, or pressure from clothing. An infected cyst, sometimes called an abscess, may cause worsening tenderness, warmth, swelling, redness, or discharge. Vulval pain has several possible causes, so the symptom alone does not identify a Bartholin cyst.

Keep the area clean and dry, choose loose clothing, and avoid squeezing or trying to drain the lump. A warm bath or warm compress may ease discomfort for some people. Arrange a clinical assessment if the lump is painful, growing, recurring, or making everyday activities difficult; treatment may involve drainage or another procedure depending on the findings.

Seek prompt medical care for rapidly increasing pain or swelling, fever, feeling unwell, spreading redness, or difficulty walking, sitting, or passing urine. A new vulval lump should be examined, especially after menopause or if it is firm, fixed, or does not settle.

Ask whether the lump appears to be a cyst or abscess, whether drainage is appropriate, how to manage pain while waiting, and what changes should prompt urgent review.