Finding a new lump or growth in the pelvic region often triggers concern about a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Nabothian cysts are a common finding during routine gynecological examinations. Understanding their nature is important for alleviating worry and seeking accurate information.
What These Cysts Are and Where They Form
Nabothian cysts are small, non-cancerous bumps that appear on the surface of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. These cysts are also known as mucinous retention cysts or epithelial cysts, but they all refer to the same benign growth.
They are retention cysts, forming when fluid becomes trapped beneath the surface tissue. The fluid filling these small, smooth, dome-shaped nodules is mucus, normally secreted by specialized glands in the cervix, called Nabothian glands. The resulting cysts are typically white or yellow and range from a few millimeters to about four centimeters in diameter.
Are Nabothian Cysts Sexually Transmitted?
Nabothian cysts are not sexually transmitted infections. They are a common, normal physiological finding, particularly in individuals of childbearing age or who have given birth. Unlike STIs, which are caused by pathogens transferred through sexual contact, these cysts result from a natural remodeling process of cervical tissue.
Confusion often arises because these cysts are frequently discovered incidentally during routine pelvic exams or Pap smears. These screenings are also used to test for STIs and check for cancerous changes. Although Nabothian cysts are non-infectious, chronic inflammation of the cervix—which can sometimes be caused by an STI—may contribute to their formation.
How Nabothian Cysts Actually Develop
The cervix contains two main types of tissue: the columnar, mucus-secreting epithelium lining the inner canal, and the squamous epithelium covering the outer surface. The area where these two tissues meet is called the transformation zone, where a natural process known as squamous metaplasia occurs.
During metaplasia, new squamous cells grow outward, replacing the columnar cells. This growth can inadvertently cover the openings of the mucus-producing Nabothian glands. When the gland opening is sealed off, the mucus secreted by the columnar cells becomes trapped beneath the surface. This accumulation causes the blocked gland to swell, forming the characteristic retention cyst.
This tissue remodeling is often triggered by hormonal shifts, such as those occurring during pregnancy, or by physical trauma to the cervix, including childbirth. The process is considered benign and represents a natural adaptation of the cervical tissue. It is a simple physical obstruction of a mucus duct, not a sign of infection.
Medical Evaluation and Treatment
Nabothian cysts are most often discovered during a standard pelvic examination or a colposcopy, which uses a magnified view of the cervix. In most cases, the benign appearance is enough to confirm the diagnosis. If the appearance is atypical, imaging like a transvaginal ultrasound can be used to characterize the cyst and rule out other lesions.
Because these cysts are harmless and typically cause no symptoms, they usually require no specific treatment. Intervention is reserved for rare instances where a cyst grows unusually large, causing symptoms like pelvic pain, or if it obstructs the physician’s view during screening procedures like a Pap smear. Treatment options include a procedure to puncture and drain the cyst, or techniques like electrocauterization or cryotherapy to remove it.