A Bartholin's cyst is a gynecological condition named after the Bartholin glands, located near the vaginal entrance. These glands secrete fluid to lubricate the labia. When one of the glands becomes enlarged and fluid accumulates inside, it is referred to as a cyst.
A Bartholin's cyst forms when the gland becomes blocked and the secreted fluid accumulates inside. The gland enlarges, causing a cyst and a possible infection. The condition is caused by bacteria that enter the gland. These are usually bacteria from sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, or bacteria from the digestive system.
A woman may notice the problem through a slightly enlarged gland and itching on one side of the labia. Worsening symptoms include redness, tenderness, and mild pain, especially when sitting or during sexual intercourse. If the cyst is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, the discomfort during intercourse may be more pronounced. An untreated cyst can lead to worsening symptoms and cause more significant pain over time.
A doctor typically diagnoses this type of cyst during a routine gynecological examination, which includes basic tests and swabs. The evaluation may also involve urine and blood tests. If the woman is in menopause, the doctor will often recommend a biopsy of the cyst to rule out vulvar cancer.
Basic information
- Treatment depends on the cyst's condition
- Warm sitz baths are recommended to relieve the cyst. A 10-minute bath should not be cold or too hot and should be repeated several times a day
- If symptoms such as cyst enlargement, pain, and itching persist, a doctor should be consulted
- The doctor will clean the cyst of accumulated fluid and, if necessary, recommend medication
- In cases of recurrent infections, antibiotic therapy is initiated, and in extreme cases of recurring problems, surgery is performed to create a passage for the cyst's secretions to drain continuously
- Before surgery, a blood sample and preoperative examination are required; the procedure itself does not require special preparation
- On the day of surgery, the patient must not eat or drink for 6 hours before the procedure
- The procedure takes about 45 minutes
- After a thorough postoperative observation, the patient goes home after a few hours
- After the procedure, the patient may experience mild pain at the surgical wound site, which usually requires analgesic treatment
- After the procedure, it is necessary to follow a rest regimen, avoid lifting heavy loads to prevent bleeding or infection (do not use menstrual tampons, vaginal douches). Showering is recommended, not bathing
- The surgical wound should be rinsed several times a day in the first days with solutions with disinfectant effects (comfrey sitz bath, oak bark decoction, or Betadine soap)
- The wound should be kept dry with sufficient access to fresh air
- Until the wound is completely healed, sexual intercourse should be restricted (min. 3-4 weeks)