What should you know about a left Bartholin cyst?

Bartholin glands sit near the lower part of the vaginal opening and release fluid that helps with lubrication. If a duct is blocked, fluid can collect and form a cyst on one side. Bacteria can turn it into an abscess, causing increasing pain, warmth, redness, swelling, or pus. Walking, sitting, and sex may become uncomfortable. A cyst is not the same as vulval pain generally, and its appearance alone cannot confirm the cause; a clinician can examine the area and consider other explanations.

Keep the area clean and dry, wear loose clothing, and avoid squeezing or trying to drain the lump yourself. A warm sitz bath may ease discomfort if it feels soothing. Arrange a gynaecology review if the swelling persists, returns, interferes with movement, or becomes painful. A clinician may drain an abscess and create a small opening to reduce the chance of immediate re-collection; this is called Bartholin cyst marsupialisation. Antibiotics may be considered when infection extends beyond the cyst or particular risks are present.

Seek prompt care for rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, fever, pus, spreading redness, or difficulty sitting or walking. Urgent assessment is appropriate if you feel faint or severely unwell. A new Bartholin-area lump after menopause should be examined rather than treated at home.

Ask whether the lump is a cyst or abscess, whether drainage or marsupialisation is suitable, how to manage pain, and what signs suggest recurrence or infection. Tell the clinician if you have had similar swellings before.