Bartholin’s Cyst

Many people with a Bartholin’s cyst do not notice any symptoms, especially if the cyst is small.

The most common sign is a soft lump on one side of the vaginal opening, which is usually painless.

As the cyst grows, you may experience:

• Discomfort or pressure in the genital area
• Pain when walking, sitting, or during sexual intercourse

If the cyst becomes infected, it may form an abscess. Symptoms can then develop quickly and may include:

• Severe pain
• Redness and swelling
• Tenderness or warmth in the area
• Fever or feeling generally unwell

If you notice a new lump or swelling in the genital area, it is best to have it checked by a healthcare professional.

Yes, many Bartholin’s cysts do not cause noticeable symptoms.

Small cysts are often painless and may only be discovered while washing or during a routine physical examination.

If the cyst grows larger, you may notice a lump near the vaginal opening. If it becomes infected, symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling may occur.

If you find a new lump or feel unsure about any symptoms, it is advisable to have it assessed by a healthcare professional.

A Bartholin’s cyst usually appears as a small swelling or lump on one side of the vaginal opening.

It may:

• Look like a rounded bump under the skin
• Be the same colour as the surrounding skin
• Feel soft or slightly firm
• Range in size from a small pea to a golf ball

Most cysts are painless. However, if the cyst becomes infected, the area may become red, swollen, hot, and painful, making sitting or walking uncomfortable.

Because different types of genital lumps can look similar, it is best to have any new swelling examined by a healthcare professional.

Bartholin’s cysts affect women and people assigned female at birth who have reached puberty.

They are most common in people aged 20 to 30 years, although they can occur at any time during the reproductive years. Around 2 in 100 women experience a Bartholin’s cyst at some point in their lives.

They are much less common after menopause, as the Bartholin’s glands become smaller and less active.

If you notice a new lump or swelling in the genital area, a healthcare professional can assess it and confirm the diagnosis.

Some small cysts remain stable and painless without treatment. However, complications can occur.

The most common complication is infection, which can turn the cyst into an abscess. This may cause:

• Severe pain
• Redness and swelling
• Warmth in the area
• Fever or feeling unwell

A growing cyst can also cause discomfort during everyday activities such as walking, sitting, or sexual intercourse.

Sometimes a cyst may burst and drain on its own, but it can return later.

If the lump becomes painful, larger, or firm, it is advisable to seek medical advice.

Symptoms usually appear when the cyst becomes large enough to cause discomfort.

Small cysts often cause no symptoms and may only be noticed as a small lump near the vaginal opening.

As the cyst grows, you may experience:

• Pressure or a dull ache
• Discomfort when sitting, walking, or during sexual intercourse

If the cyst becomes infected, symptoms can develop quickly and may include pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness.

If you notice a new lump or sudden pain in the genital area, it is best to seek medical advice.

Yes, Bartholin’s cysts can be treated if necessary.

Small cysts that do not cause symptoms may not require treatment.

If treatment is needed, options may include:

• Warm sitz baths to help the cyst drain naturally
• Drainage procedures to remove the fluid
• Word catheter placement to keep the duct open while healing
• Marsupialisation, which creates a small permanent opening to prevent recurrence
• Antibiotics if infection is present

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Treating a Bartholin’s cyst can provide several benefits, including:

• Relief from pain and discomfort
• Improved ability to walk, sit, and exercise comfortably
• Reduced risk of infection or abscess formation
• Improved comfort during sexual activity

Treatment also provides reassurance by confirming the diagnosis and addressing any concerns.

Not always.

Small cysts that do not cause symptoms may not require treatment.

Procedures are usually recommended if the cyst:

• Becomes large or painful
• Forms an abscess
• Causes problems with daily activities

Common procedures include drainage, Word catheter placement, or marsupialisation.

A healthcare professional can recommend the most appropriate option based on your symptoms.

If the cyst is small and painless, you may try:

• Warm sitz baths several times a day to encourage drainage
• Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen

Do not attempt to squeeze or drain the cyst yourself, as this can cause infection.

If the cyst becomes painful, swollen, or you develop a fever, seek medical advice.

Most people can be treated for a Bartholin’s cyst. However, there are situations where treatment may be delayed or adjusted to ensure it is safe and appropriate.

If the cyst is small and not causing pain or discomfort, treatment may not be necessary and simple monitoring may be recommended instead. If the cyst has become infected or formed an abscess, the first step is usually to drain the fluid and manage the infection before considering longer-term procedures.

Certain medical factors may also influence treatment decisions, including:

• allergies to local anaesthetics such as lidocaine
• the use of blood-thinning medications
• pregnancy, where more conservative treatment is often preferred

For individuals over the age of 40, a clinician may recommend taking a small tissue sample (biopsy) first to rule out other rare conditions. During your consultation, these factors will be reviewed to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

The long-term outlook for someone with a Bartholin’s cyst is generally very good. Most cysts are small, painless, and do not cause lasting health problems. In many cases, they remain stable and do not require treatment.

If a cyst becomes larger or develops into an infection (known as an abscess), treatment is usually very effective. Although there is a small chance that the cyst may return in the future, procedures are available to reduce the risk of recurrence.

A Bartholin’s cyst does not usually affect fertility, sexual health, or long-term wellbeing. For individuals over the age of 40, a clinician may recommend further examination or a biopsy as a precaution.

No, treatment does not provide immunity against Bartholin’s cysts. These cysts develop when the duct of the Bartholin’s gland becomes blocked, which is a physical issue rather than an infection.

Many people only experience a cyst once, but it is possible for another cyst to develop in the same area or on the opposite side. Some treatments aim to keep the duct open to reduce the chance of future blockages, although recurrence can still occur.

If you notice a lump returning or develop new symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical advice so the area can be assessed.

It is not always possible to prevent a Bartholin’s cyst from returning because the blockage of the gland duct can occur without a clear cause. However, some simple measures may help reduce irritation in the area.

Maintaining gentle genital hygiene is recommended. It is best to avoid scented soaps, bubble baths, or harsh products that may cause irritation, and instead use plain water or mild, unperfumed products. Practising safe sex may also help reduce the risk of infections that could contribute to inflammation of the gland.

If you notice early signs of a cyst, such as a small lump or mild discomfort, soaking the area in warm water may sometimes help the gland drain naturally.

If cysts occur repeatedly, your clinician may discuss procedures designed to help the gland drain more effectively and reduce the risk of recurrence.

A Bartholin’s cyst is not a sexually transmitted infection and is not contagious. It occurs when the duct of the Bartholin’s gland becomes blocked, causing fluid to build up.

Because of this, there is no medical requirement to inform your partner, and it does not pose a risk to their health.

Whether you choose to share this information is entirely personal. Some people choose to mention it if the cyst causes discomfort that may affect intimacy.

If you have concerns about a lump, pain, or possible infection, it is advisable to seek medical advice.

A Bartholin’s cyst cannot be transmitted to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth because it is not an infectious condition. It develops due to a blockage of the gland duct rather than a virus or bacteria.

However, if the cyst becomes infected and the infection is linked to a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, that infection may need to be treated during pregnancy.

Most Bartholin’s cysts do not affect pregnancy or the type of delivery you can have. If a cyst becomes very large or painful, treatment may be recommended to help keep you comfortable.

If you notice a new lump or symptoms during pregnancy, it is best to discuss them with your midwife or healthcare provider.

Bartholin’s cysts during pregnancy are usually not serious, but they can sometimes become more noticeable due to increased blood flow in the pelvic area.

The main concern is infection, which can lead to a Bartholin’s abscess. This may cause significant pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes fever. If an abscess develops, treatment such as antibiotics or a minor drainage procedure may be required.

In most cases, a cyst does not interfere with vaginal delivery. Only rarely, if the cyst becomes very large, might treatment be recommended before or during labour.

If you notice the lump becoming larger, more painful, or inflamed during pregnancy, you should seek medical advice.

Bartholin’s cysts are relatively common among women of reproductive age, including those who are pregnant. It is estimated that around 2 in 100 women will develop a Bartholin’s cyst at some point in their lives.

Pregnancy itself does not necessarily increase the risk of developing a cyst. However, hormonal changes and increased blood flow in the pelvic area may make an existing cyst more noticeable.

Most cysts remain small and do not cause problems during pregnancy or delivery. If the cyst becomes painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection, it should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Treatment during pregnancy depends on the size of the cyst and whether it is causing symptoms.

If the cyst is small and painless, monitoring is usually recommended. Many cysts do not cause problems during pregnancy and may resolve after childbirth.

If the cyst becomes large, painful, or infected, treatment may be needed. This may involve a minor procedure to drain the cyst, which is usually performed under local anaesthetic. Because the anaesthetic works only in the treated area, it is considered safe during pregnancy.

In some cases, a small tube called a Word catheter may be placed temporarily to help the gland drain properly. If antibiotics are required, medications known to be safe during pregnancy will be prescribed.

Although it is not always possible to prevent a Bartholin’s cyst, some precautions may help reduce irritation and lower the risk of infection during pregnancy.

Gentle hygiene is important. Washing with plain water or mild, unperfumed products can help avoid irritation. Wearing loose, breathable underwear may also help reduce friction in the area.

It is important not to squeeze or attempt to drain the cyst yourself, as this can introduce bacteria and lead to infection.

If the cyst becomes painful, red, swollen, or warm, or if you develop a fever, you should contact your healthcare provider promptly. If the cyst becomes very large or uncomfortable, your clinician can advise whether treatment is needed before delivery.

A Bartholin’s cyst may cause discomfort during the postpartum period, but it does not affect breast milk production or the ability to breastfeed.

If the cyst becomes enlarged or infected after childbirth, it may make sitting, walking, or moving around uncomfortable while caring for your newborn. An infected cyst may also cause significant pain and sometimes fever.

Breastfeeding itself is not affected, although discomfort may make it harder to find a comfortable feeding position.

If treatment is required, such as antibiotics or a minor drainage procedure, most medications used are safe during breastfeeding. It is important to inform your healthcare provider that you are breastfeeding so appropriate treatments can be chosen.

If you notice a new lump or increasing pain after giving birth, it is advisable to seek medical advice.

A Bartholin’s cyst develops when the duct of a Bartholin’s gland becomes blocked.

These glands are located near the vaginal opening and produce fluid that helps keep the area moist. When the duct is blocked, fluid builds up and forms a cyst.

The blockage may sometimes be related to irritation or inflammation, and previous infection in the area.

The cyst is usually painless, but it may become uncomfortable if it grows larger or becomes infected.

If you notice any new lumps in the genital area, it is advisable to have them checked by a healthcare professional.

A Bartholin’s cyst is usually caused by a blocked gland, not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

However, some infections — including chlamydia or gonorrhoea — can sometimes cause inflammation that leads to blockage or infection of the gland.

If the cyst becomes painful or forms an abscess, a healthcare professional may recommend STI testing to check for any underlying infection.

If you notice a new lump or discomfort in the area, it is best to seek medical advice.

Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing a Bartholin’s cyst, including:

• Being of reproductive age, especially between 20 and 30
• Previous Bartholin’s cysts, as they can recur
• Sexual activity, which increases gland activity
• Injury, irritation, or surgery in the genital area
• Certain bacterial infections, including STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea

If you notice swelling or pain near the vaginal opening, it is advisable to seek medical advice.

The severity of symptoms can vary depending on several factors.

The most important factor is infection, which can turn the cyst into a painful abscess.

Other factors include:

• Growth in size, causing pressure on surrounding tissue
• Bacterial infection, including E. coli or some STIs
• Friction or irritation, such as tight clothing or repeated movement
• Severe symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness, and fever.

If the lump becomes larger or painful, it is important to seek medical advice.

It is not always possible to prevent a Bartholin’s cyst, as blockages can occur for unclear reasons.

However, you can support genital health by:

• Practising safe sex, including using condoms
• Maintaining gentle hygiene, using mild or unperfumed soaps
• Avoiding scented products that may cause irritation

If you notice any new lumps or discomfort in the genital area, it is important to seek medical advice early.

A Bartholin’s cyst is usually diagnosed through a physical examination.

During the appointment, a healthcare professional will:

• Ask about your symptoms
• Examine the vulva and vaginal opening
• Check the size, position, and appearance of the lump
• If there are signs of infection, a swab test may be taken.

For individuals over the age of 40, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be recommended as a routine precaution to rule out other conditions.

Diagnosis is usually made during a physical examination. However, additional tests may be used if an infection is suspected.

These may include:

• Swab tests to check for bacteria or STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea
• Fluid or pus analysis if an abscess is present
• Biopsy for individuals over 40 to rule out rare conditions

These tests help guide the most appropriate treatment.

Several factors help healthcare professionals confirm the diagnosis, including:

• The location of the lump near one side of the vaginal opening
• The appearance and size of the swelling
• Whether the lump is painless or tender
• Signs of infection such as redness or warmth
• Your age, symptoms, and medical history

A physical examination is usually enough to confirm the diagnosis.

Yes. Several other conditions can cause lumps in the genital area and may look similar to a Bartholin’s cyst.

These may include:

• Sebaceous cysts (blocked oil glands)
• Ingrown hairs or inflamed hair follicles
• Other vaginal cysts
• Lipomas (fatty growths)
• Haematomas (blood collections from injury)

In rare cases, especially in people over 40, other conditions may need to be ruled out.

Because of this, any new lump should be examined by a healthcare professional.

A physical examination is usually enough to diagnose a Bartholin’s cyst.

If necessary, additional tests may include:

• Swab tests for infection or STIs
• A biopsy for individuals over 40
• An ultrasound scan if the diagnosis is unclear

These tests are only used when needed.

Yes. In most cases, a physical examination alone is enough to diagnose a Bartholin’s cyst.

The location and appearance of the lump near the vaginal opening usually make the diagnosis clear.

Additional tests may only be needed if:

• Infection is suspected
• Symptoms are unusual
• The patient is over 40

You may notice a lump near the vaginal opening, but self-diagnosis is not recommended.

Other conditions can look similar and may require different treatment.

If you notice a new lump, swelling, or pain in the genital area, it is best to have it examined by a healthcare professional.