Bartholin glands can be found on both sides of your vaginal opening. These glands produce lubricating fluid, which travels down your vagina through tubes. Occasionally, the glands can become blocked, leading to fluid accumulation in them. This can turn into cysts. You may need to see the best gynecologist in Thane if the cyst becomes infected. 

The cysts can be small and painless. They remain unnoticed and are usually detected during a routine checkup. They are mostly present on one side of the vaginal opening, but some women might get them on both sides. 

Symptoms

The cyst feels like a tiny, rounded, swollen bump on the labia. They can be swollen, red, or painful to touch if they are infected. Fortunately, you won’t usually experience any serious symptoms if the cyst remains small. If an abscess forms, here’s what happens:

  • Painful intercourse or pain when wiping the vagina after using the restroom
  • Difficulty sitting, standing, or walking
  • Swelling, redness, and tenderness around the site
  • Fever (if an infection develops)
  • Pus 
  • A noticeable bump that gets bigger gradually

The cyst can be the size of a pea or as huge as a golf ball. If it grows bigger, one side of your labia will look swollen or heavier than the other.

Causes

Experts haven’t discovered the exact reason that obstructs your Bartholin glands, but prolonged skin irritation, sexually transmitted infection, bacterial infection, like E.coli, or vaginal birth can be the reasons. 

They are more common among women of childbearing age. The risk declines as you near menopause. Any lumps or cysts that appear after menopause require medical evaluation.

Diagnosis

Your gynecologist will physically examine the vaginal opening to identify any lump, its size, and whether there’s any drainage. If they notice pus, they will collect a sample and test it for STIs or bacteria. For those above 40 or who have reached menopause, a sample of the tissue from the Bartholin cyst is taken and checked under a microscope to rule out cancer. It’s called a biopsy.

Treatment Options

Most women (under 40) don’t need treatment for a Bartholin cyst, as long as it doesn’t cause discomfort or produce uncomfortable symptoms. If it’s painful, you can try home remedies, like:

  • Warm Compresses
  • A sitz bath
  • Over-the-counter pain-relief medication

Antibiotics and Topicals

If your cyst is infected, your doctor will start you on an antibiotic course to treat the underlying bacterial infection. They may also prescribe a topical to apply to the cyst. 

Surgical Drainage or Bartholin Gland Removal

Although bartholin cyst surgery is uncommon, it may be necessary if you have recurrent cysts. Sometimes, the doctor may drain the cyst by making a small incision around the vaginal opening to support fluid drainage. If the cyst doesn’t respond to home remedies, painkillers, antibiotics, and drainage, a surgical removal of the gland is recommended.

When to Seek Medical Attention

  • Severe pain in the vaginal opening 
  • Fever and chills
  • Redness, tenderness, and swelling
  • The cyst doesn’t go away or keeps getting bigger 

Prevention Tips

Keep your genitals clean and dry. Never use scented items or consider douching, as both can irritate the vaginal opening. Always practice safe sex and avoid multiple sexual partners to reduce your risk of getting an STI.