My Bartholin cyst is draining

Bartholin glands sit near the vaginal opening. When their duct becomes blocked, fluid can collect and form a cyst; infection can turn it into an abscess. Drainage may reduce pressure and tenderness, yet the opening can close before the collection has fully cleared. Blood, cloudy fluid, or an unpleasant smell can occur with irritation or infection. A clinician may need to examine the area to decide whether it is draining adequately.

Pain around the vulva can make sitting, walking, or sex uncomfortable. See more about [Vulval Pain](/symptoms/vulval-pain/).

Keep the area clean with lukewarm water and pat it dry. Wear loose, breathable underwear and use a clean pad if fluid is leaking. Do not squeeze, pierce, or repeatedly press the swelling. A warm shallow bath may ease discomfort if it feels soothing. Wash your hands before and after touching the area, and avoid sex until pain and drainage have settled or a clinician has advised you.

Arrange an appointment if the lump remains, returns, or continues to drain. A procedure called [Bartholin Cyst Marsupialisation](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/bartholin-cyst-marsupialisation/) can create a lasting opening to help fluid drain when cysts or abscesses recur.

Seek urgent medical advice for fever, chills, rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, spreading redness, feeling faint, or difficulty passing urine. Contact a clinician promptly if the discharge smells strongly, the area is increasingly tender, or the lump is not getting smaller after it drains. If you are pregnant, recently gave birth, or have a condition or medicine that affects immunity, ask for advice earlier.

Ask whether the cyst has drained fully, whether an abscess is still present, how to care for the opening, and what changes should trigger a same-day review. You can also ask how to reduce the chance of another blockage and whether a drainage procedure is appropriate.