Hemorrhagic Bartholin cyst: what to know

Bartholin glands sit near the lower vaginal opening and help provide moisture. If a duct becomes blocked, fluid can form a cyst. Small blood vessels can bleed into it after friction, pressure, inflammation, or minor injury, making the lump look darker or feel more tender. Infection can turn a cyst into an abscess, with increasing pain, warmth, redness, pus, or fever. A clinician may need to distinguish a cyst from another vulval lump, especially when it is new or does not settle.

Arrange a gynaecological examination rather than squeezing or puncturing the swelling. A warm sitz bath may ease discomfort while you arrange care, and loose clothing can reduce rubbing. Use pain relief only as directed for you. The clinician may recommend observation, drainage, a small catheter, antibiotics when infection is present, or marsupialisation to create a lasting drainage opening. Recurrent swelling should be discussed even if pain improves.

Seek same-day care for rapidly worsening vulval pain, fever, spreading redness, difficulty sitting or walking, difficulty passing urine, or feeling generally unwell. Go to emergency care for severe pain with faintness, heavy bleeding, or signs of a serious infection. A new Bartholin-area lump after menopause also warrants prompt examination rather than home treatment.

Ask whether the lump is a cyst, abscess, or another lesion; whether a sample or biopsy is needed; which treatment fits its size and recurrence; and how to care for the area after drainage. Ask when sexual activity, exercise, and bathing can safely resume.