A vaginal cyst is a benign, non-cancerous growth that presents as a sac filled with air, fluid, or semi-solid material, forming beneath the skin of the vagina or vulva. These growths vary in size, sometimes being as small as a pea or growing to the size of a golf ball or larger. They are relatively common, often discovered incidentally during a routine pelvic examination. Vaginal cysts are generally harmless and do not require treatment unless they cause symptoms.
Addressing the Primary Symptom: Are Vaginal Cysts Itchy?
Uncomplicated vaginal cysts typically do not cause itching. Most cysts are asymptomatic, producing no noticeable symptoms, or only causing mild discomfort related to their size or location. If a cyst grows large enough, the primary symptoms are usually a feeling of pressure, a noticeable lump, or discomfort during sexual intercourse or tampon insertion.
If a cyst becomes infected, the body’s response centers on inflammation and pain, not chronic itching. An infected cyst, which can develop into an abscess, will present with localized pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness. These acute symptoms are a direct result of the bacterial infection and pus formation within the sac. The presence of persistent vulvovaginal itching alongside a cyst often suggests a separate, concurrent condition.
Understanding Common Vaginal Cyst Types
Vaginal cysts are categorized by their location and origin.
Bartholin’s Cysts
The Bartholin’s cyst forms near the opening of the vagina on either side of the labia. These cysts occur when the duct of a Bartholin’s gland, which secretes lubricating fluid, becomes blocked, causing fluid to back up and form a lump.
Other Common Types
The vaginal inclusion cyst often results from trauma to the vaginal wall, such as injury during childbirth or surgery. These are typically small, located on the lower back wall of the vagina, and are the most frequently encountered type. They are generally asymptomatic. Gartner’s duct cysts arise from the remnants of the Wolffian duct, accumulating fluid on the side walls of the vagina. Large Gartner’s duct cysts may occasionally cause pressure or discomfort.
If Itching is Present: Other Causes of Vulvovaginal Irritation
When a person experiences both a vaginal lump and noticeable itching, the itch is far more likely to be caused by a common vulvovaginal condition unrelated to the cyst.
- Yeast infections (candidiasis) are a frequent cause of intense vulvar and vaginal itching, often accompanied by a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge.
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) results from an imbalance in the vaginal flora, typically causing a thin, grayish-white discharge with a distinct fishy odor.
- Contact dermatitis occurs when the sensitive skin of the vulva reacts to irritants or allergens, such as scented soaps, detergents, or feminine hygiene products.
- Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as trichomoniasis, can cause significant irritation and itching, often accompanied by a frothy, yellow-green discharge.
Differentiating these symptoms is important, as the presence of abnormal discharge or odor suggests an infectious cause rather than a simple cyst.
When to Seek Medical Consultation
It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider any time a new lump is discovered in the vulvar or vaginal area, regardless of whether it is causing symptoms. A medical professional can perform a pelvic examination to accurately diagnose the mass and rule out other, potentially more serious conditions. Consultation is particularly important if the lump is increasing rapidly in size or if it is felt by a postmenopausal woman.
Immediate medical attention is warranted if the cyst or surrounding area develops signs of an abscess or infection. These signs include severe, increasing pain, significant swelling, warmth, and redness, or if they are accompanied by a fever. Furthermore, any persistent vulvovaginal itching that does not resolve within a few days, or is associated with unusual discharge, odor, or pain during urination or intercourse, requires professional evaluation.