Bartholin Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Complications

The Bartholin's glands are situated on either side of the vaginal entrance. These glands secrete a lubricant that benefits the vagina.

It is possible for the apertures of these glands to periodically become clogged, which results in a buildup of fluid inside the gland. A Bartholin's cyst, a swelling that is normally painless, is the outcome. If the cyst's fluid becomes infected, an abscess (a collection of pus surrounded by inflammatory tissue) could emerge.

Cysts and abscesses are typical with Bartholin. How a Bartholin's cyst is managed depends on the degree of its pain, its size, and its level of infection.

At-home care alone is sometimes required. In other cases, it is required to surgically drain a Bartholin's cyst. Infections can sometimes be treated with antibiotics if they do occur.

Causes Of Bartholin Cyst

A fluid backup is thought to be the main factor causing a Bartholin's cyst. Whether due to disease or an accident, fluid may build up when the gland's (duct's) opening is blocked.

An abscess can develop from a Bartholin's cyst that is infected. Escherichia coli (E. coli), bacteria that cause gonorrhoea and chlamydia, which are sexually transmitted infections, are only a few of the bacteria that may be responsible for the infection.

Symptoms Of Bartholin Cyst

You might not be able to see a small, uninfected Bartholin's cyst. You can detect a lump or mass close to your vaginal opening if the cyst expands. Cysts are often not dangerous, however, can may cause discomfort.

A Bartholin's cyst infection can become completely developed in just a few days. Once the cyst is infected, you could experience:

• A painful, sensitive lump around the vaginal opening which causes pain when sitting or moving around.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Fever
• A Bartholin's cyst or abscess normally only affects one side of the vaginal opening.

Also Read: Barrett's Esophagus: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Diagnosis Of Bartholin Cyst

Your physician might be able to identify a Bartholin's cyst by:

• Inquire about your medical education.
• Examine your pelvis.
• Take a sample of the fluids coming from your cervix or vagina to be tested for a sexually transmitted infection.
• If you are postmenopausal or older than 40, would advise having the mass biopsied to look for malignant cells.
• A gynaecologist who specialises in cancers of the female reproductive system can be recommended if you are worried about cancer.

Treatment Of Bartholin Cyst

A Bartholin's cyst frequently doesn't need to be treated, especially if it shows no symptoms or warning signals. If treatment is required, it will depend on the size of the cyst, how bothersome it is for you, and whether it is infected, which could lead to an abscess.

One of the following therapies may be suggested by your doctor:

• Sitz baths: A small, infected cyst may burst and drain on its own after a few days of numerous daily sitz baths in a tub with a few inches of warm water.
• Surgical drainage: A large or unhealthy cyst can require surgical drainage. Under sedation or local anaesthesia, a cyst can be removed. Your doctor operates by making a tiny incision in the cyst, letting it drain, and inserting a tiny rubber tube (catheter) into the incision. To maintain the incision open and allow for proper drainage, the catheter is left in place for up to six weeks.
• Antibiotics: If tests show you have a sexually transmitted disease or if your cyst is infected, your doctor may advise taking an antibiotic. Antibiotics might not be necessary, though, if the abscess is effectively treated.
• Marsupialization: A marsupialization technique can be beneficial if cysts trouble you or recur. On either side of a drainage incision, your doctor sutures a permanent aperture that is no longer than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimetres). A catheter may be implanted to encourage drainage and aid in recurrence prevention for a few days following the therapy.
• Surgical Removal: Rarely, your doctor may advise having the Bartholin's gland surgically removed if the chronic cysts don't respond to the aforementioned treatments. Surgery removal is frequently performed under general anaesthesia at a hospital. Following the procedure to remove the gland, there is an increased risk of bleeding or complications.

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Prevention Of Bartholin Cyst

A Bartholin cyst cannot be stopped from developing. However, safer sexual behaviours, such as the use of condoms, and proper hygiene practices may help prevent cyst infection and the development of an abscess.

Complications Of Bartholin Cyst

A Bartholin's cyst or abscess may come back and require more medical attention.

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