What should you know about Phoebe's remedy for a Bartholin cyst?

A Bartholin cyst forms when a gland near the vaginal opening becomes blocked. It may be small and painless, or it can become infected, swollen and tender. A warm sitz bath can relax the area and encourage gentle drainage in some uncomplicated cysts. Do not squeeze, pierce or cut the lump: this can worsen tissue injury and infection.

Severe vulval pain, increasing swelling, warmth, pus or fever can indicate an abscess rather than a cyst that is settling. A new lump after menopause also deserves prompt clinical assessment.

Sit in comfortably warm water for short periods, keep the area clean and dry, and wear loose underwear. Simple pain relief may help if it is suitable for you; follow the product instructions and check with a pharmacist if you are pregnant or have another condition. If the lump interferes with walking, sitting or sex, arrange an appointment. A clinician may recommend drainage, a small procedure or antibiotics depending on the findings.

Seek urgent medical help for fever, rapidly worsening pain or swelling, feeling faint or very unwell, or redness spreading beyond the lump. Arrange prompt review for a persistent, recurrent or unexplained lump. Bartholin cyst marsupialisation is one procedure a clinician may discuss when a cyst keeps returning or needs a lasting drainage opening.

Could this be an infected cyst or abscess? Do I need drainage, a swab or treatment for infection? What should I do if it returns?