What should you know about treatment after a Bartholin cyst bursts?

A Bartholin cyst forms when a gland duct near the vaginal opening becomes blocked. If it becomes infected, it may develop into an abscess with increasing swelling and pain. When it bursts, fluid or pus may drain and pressure can ease, but the opening may remain irritated and the duct can close again.

Vulval pain, redness, warmth, fever, or foul-smelling drainage can signal ongoing infection. A clinician may need to examine the area to decide whether it has drained fully and whether further treatment is needed.

Wash gently with lukewarm water, pat dry, and wear loose, breathable underwear. A warm sitz bath may ease soreness if it is comfortable. Use a clean pad for drainage and change it regularly. Wash your hands before and after touching the area, and avoid squeezing, cutting, or inserting anything into the opening.

Avoid sex until drainage and tenderness have settled or a clinician confirms it is appropriate. Arrange a review if this is the first lump you have noticed, if the swelling returns, or if the wound does not settle. Recurrent cysts may be treated with a procedure such as Bartholin Cyst Marsupialisation.

Seek urgent care for fever, rapidly worsening pain or swelling, spreading redness, feeling faint or very unwell, or difficulty passing urine. Contact a clinician if pus continues, the area remains painful, or the lump returns after it has drained.

Ask whether the cyst has drained completely, whether you need an examination or medicine, how to keep the area comfortable, and when sexual activity is safe. If it has happened before, ask about procedures that can create a more lasting drainage opening.