Where does a Bartholin cyst come from?

Bartholin glands sit on either side of the lower vaginal opening and release lubricating fluid. If an outlet becomes narrowed or blocked, the fluid has nowhere to drain and a lump can develop. A simple cyst may be small and cause little discomfort. An abscess contains infected fluid and is more likely to cause rapid swelling, warmth, redness, throbbing pain, or fever.

A Bartholin cyst is not caused by poor hygiene. Several infections can be present at the same time, so a clinician may recommend tests based on your symptoms and sexual health history. New or persistent vulval pain deserves an examination rather than squeezing the lump.

Use warm sitz baths for comfort if they are safe for you, keep the area clean and dry, and wear loose underwear. Do not pierce, squeeze, or attempt to drain the swelling yourself. Arrange a medical review if it is painful, recurrent, growing, or interfering with sitting or walking. A clinician may discuss drainage or [Bartholin Cyst Marsupialisation](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/bartholin-cyst-marsupialisation/) when appropriate.

Seek prompt care for severe vulval pain, rapidly increasing swelling, fever, chills, spreading redness, or difficulty walking, sitting, or passing urine. Emergency help is appropriate if you feel faint or severely unwell. A new Bartholin-area lump after menopause should be assessed without delay.

Ask whether the lump is a cyst or abscess, whether infection testing is needed, which pain relief is suitable, and whether drainage or marsupialisation would reduce recurrence. Ask how to care for the area after treatment and which symptoms require review.