Alternative Names Bartholin duct cyst, Bartholin gland cyst
Definition The Bartholin's glands are located on both sides of the vaginal opening. They secrete fluids that help lubricate the vagina. If the gland gets blocked for any reason, a round swelling called a cyst may develop.
What is going on in the body? The Bartholin's gland ducts drain the fluid made by the glands. These ducts may become blocked due to infection or chronic inflammation. When a duct gets obstructed, the gland fills with fluid. This forms a cyst. The cyst can grow from very small to the size of a golf ball. Occasionally, the cyst itself may become infected and an abscess, or pocket of pus, develops.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition? The main indication of this condition is a painless lump on one side of the vaginal opening. In some cases, discomfort while walking, sitting, or having sex may occur. If an abscess forms, the lump may become swollen red, warm, and tender.
What are the causes and risks of the condition? The main causes of this condition include:
previous surgery or injury in the vaginal area
previous or current infection in the vagina
cancer. This is rare and usually only occurs in women over age 40.
In many cases, the cause is unknown. Several different bacteria may cause a Bartholin's abscess.
What can be done to prevent the condition? There are few effective ways to prevent this condition. Practicing safe sex can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases, which may cause this condition. Using good hygiene can help to prevent an abscess. After having a bowel movement, a woman should always wipe from the front to the back to prevent bacteria that live in the bowels from getting into the vagina.
How is the condition diagnosed? A pelvic examination is all that is generally needed to diagnose this condition.
What are the long-term effects of the condition? A Bartholin's cyst doesn't normally cause any long-term effects and often causes no symptoms. If a Bartholin's abscess develops and goes untreated, it can lead to a serious infection of the bloodstream known as sepsis. If cancer is the cause of this condition, death may occur if the condition goes untreated for too long.
What are the risks to others? There are no risks to others as this condition is not contagious.
What are the treatments for the condition? The treatment of this condition depends on the size of the cyst, how painful it is, and if the cyst is infected. In most cases, this condition causes no symptoms and needs no treatment. The cyst can be watched over time to see if it grows or causes symptoms. An abscess usually needs to be drained. This means a small incision is made into the cyst to release the trapped pus. Antibiotics may then be given.
In cases of repeated cyst infection or a cyst that causes uncomfortable symptoms, the doctor may perform a minor surgery to open the gland and its duct.
What are the side effects of the treatments? Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, diarrhoea, and in some cases an allergic reaction.
All surgery carries the risks of bleeding, infection, and reactions to any pain medications used.
What happens after treatment for the condition? Recovery from surgery usually takes less than 2 weeks. No further treatment is usually needed after recovery. There is a 10% recurrence rate. Sometimes a cyst will come back years later. It can be treated again in this case.
How is the condition monitored? The condition is monitored mainly by the symptoms.
Author: Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
