Overview

The Bartholin's (BAHR-toe-linz) glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening. These glands secrete fluid that helps lubricate the vagina.

Sometimes the openings of these glands become obstructed, causing fluid to back up into the gland. The result is relatively painless swelling called a Bartholin's cyst. If the fluid within the cyst becomes infected, you may develop a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue (abscess).

A Bartholin's cyst or abscess is common. Treatment of a Bartholin's cyst depends on the size of the cyst, how painful the cyst is and whether the cyst is infected.

Sometimes home treatment is all you need. In other cases, surgical drainage of the Bartholin's cyst is necessary. If an infection occurs, antibiotics may be helpful to treat the infected Bartholin's cyst.

Illustration showing location of a Bartholin's cyst

Bartholin's cyst

The Bartholin's glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening. They secrete fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. Sometimes the ducts of these glands become obstructed and fluid backs up, forming a cyst.


Symptoms

If you have a small, noninfected Bartholin's cyst, you may not notice it. If the cyst grows, you might feel a lump or mass near your vaginal opening. Although a cyst is usually painless, it can be tender.

A full-blown infection of a Bartholin's cyst can occur in a matter of days. If the cyst becomes infected, you may experience:

  • A tender, painful lump near the vaginal opening
  • Discomfort while walking or sitting
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Fever

A Bartholin's cyst or abscess typically occurs on only one side of the vaginal opening.


When to see a doctor

Call your doctor if you have a painful lump near the opening of your vagina that doesn't improve after two or three days of self-care — for instance, soaking the area in warm water (sitz bath). If the pain is severe, make an appointment with your doctor right away.

Also call your doctor promptly if you find a new lump near your vaginal opening and you're older than 40. Although rare, such a lump may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as cancer.


Causes

Experts believe that the cause of a Bartholin's cyst is a backup of fluid. Fluid may accumulate when the opening of the gland (duct) becomes obstructed, perhaps caused by infection or injury.

A Bartholin's cyst can become infected, forming an abscess. A number of bacteria may cause the infection, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and bacteria that cause sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.


Complications

A Bartholin's cyst or abscess may recur and again require treatment.


Prevention

There's no way to prevent a Bartholin's cyst. However, safer sex practices — in particular, using condoms — and good hygiene habits may help to prevent infection of a cyst and the formation of an abscess.


Apr 30, 2022

  1. Smith RP. Bartholin gland: Cysts. In: Netter's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 26, 2020.
  2. AskMayoExpert. Bartholin cyst. Mayo Clinic; 2019.
  3. Illingworth BJG, et al. Evaluation of treatments for Bartholin's cyst or abscess: A systematic review. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2020; doi:10.1111/1471-0528.16079.
  4. Chen KT. Bartholin glad cyst and abscess: Word catheter placement. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 26, 2020.
  5. Burnett T (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Feb. 26, 2020.

CON-XXXXXXXX

Your gift holds great power – donate today!

Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine.