What should you know about a painless Bartholin cyst for years?

Bartholin glands sit near the lower vaginal opening and help provide moisture. If a gland duct becomes blocked, fluid can collect and form a cyst. A cyst may feel smooth and may cause little or no discomfort. Infection can turn it into an abscess, which is more likely to cause swelling, tenderness, warmth or drainage. A stable lump is not automatically an emergency, but its location and appearance can overlap with other vulval conditions.

A clinician may ask how long the lump has been present, whether it changes with time, and whether you have discharge, fever or difficulty sitting or walking. Examination is usually the first step; further testing depends on your age, examination findings and symptoms.

Arrange a routine appointment if the lump has never been checked, has grown, feels firm or has changed recently. Do not squeeze, pierce or drain it yourself, because this can injure the skin and introduce infection. Keep the area gently clean and avoid products that sting. A clinician may recommend observation when the cyst is small and quiet, or discuss drainage procedures such as Bartholin cyst marsupialisation when it is troublesome or returns.

Seek same-day medical advice for rapidly increasing swelling, severe vulval pain, fever, feeling unwell, pus-like drainage or difficulty passing urine. These features can indicate an abscess or another problem requiring treatment. New lumps after menopause, or any lump that bleeds, ulcerates or becomes hard, should be assessed without delay rather than monitored at home.

Ask whether the lump has the typical features of a Bartholin cyst, whether an abscess is present, what changes should prompt review, and whether a procedure or sample is appropriate. You can also ask how to care for the area while waiting and what to expect if drainage is recommended.