Pea-sized Bartholin cyst

Bartholin glands sit on either side of the vaginal opening and help provide moisture. If a duct becomes blocked, fluid can collect and form a cyst. A cyst may feel smooth and localised; infection can make it rapidly more painful, swollen, warm or filled with pus. A lump in this area can have other causes, so a clinician should assess one that is new, persistent or changing.

Keep the area clean and dry, wear loose underwear and avoid squeezing, cutting or attempting to drain the lump. A warm sitz bath may ease discomfort if it feels soothing. Arrange a gynaecology appointment if the lump remains, returns, interferes with walking or sex, or you are unsure what it is. A clinician can discuss observation, drainage or Bartholin Cyst Marsupialisation when appropriate.

Seek prompt care for increasing Vulval Pain, redness, warmth, pus, fever or difficulty sitting or walking. Urgent assessment is needed if you feel severely unwell or the swelling grows quickly. A new Bartholin-area lump in a later stage of reproductive life should be examined rather than treated at home.

Does this look like a Bartholin cyst or an abscess? Is observation suitable? What signs mean I need drainage, and would marsupialisation be appropriate if it returns?