A common question arises regarding Bartholin cysts and whether they can disrupt the regularity of a period. This article clarifies the nature of Bartholin cysts and their relationship with the menstrual cycle.
Understanding Bartholin Cysts
The Bartholin glands are small, pea-sized structures located on each side of the vaginal opening. They produce a lubricating fluid that travels through small ducts to the vaginal vestibule.
A Bartholin cyst forms when one of these ducts becomes blocked, preventing fluid from draining. This blockage causes fluid to accumulate, leading to a swelling or lump. While a cyst is a fluid-filled sac, an abscess occurs if this trapped fluid becomes infected, resulting in a painful, pus-filled collection. Abscesses are a more common occurrence than uninfected cysts.
Bartholin Cysts and Menstrual Cycles
Bartholin cysts do not directly interfere with the menstrual cycle’s hormonal regulation. The glands are not involved in the hormonal processes of ovulation or menstruation, meaning a cyst does not directly cause late, early, or missed periods. However, a cyst can sometimes lead to perceived or indirect effects on the menstrual cycle.
Severe pain and discomfort from a Bartholin cyst, particularly if it becomes large or infected, can induce significant stress. Elevated stress levels are known to influence the regularity of the menstrual cycle, potentially causing temporary disruptions. Hormonal shifts before and during menstruation might also make the Bartholin glands more active or cause the lubricating fluid to become thicker, which could trigger cyst formation or exacerbate existing cyst symptoms.
When a cyst develops into an abscess, the resulting infection can lead to systemic inflammation or fever. Such bodily responses to infection may temporarily impact the menstrual cycle, potentially altering its timing. While medications like antibiotics, sometimes prescribed for infected cysts, do not directly affect menstrual cycles.
When to Seek Medical Advice
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if a Bartholin cyst causes persistent pain or significant swelling that does not improve with home care, such as sitz baths, within a few days. Signs of infection, including increasing redness, tenderness, warmth, pus discharge, or the development of a fever, warrant prompt medical attention.
Difficulty with daily activities like walking or sitting due to the cyst’s size or pain also indicates a need for professional evaluation. If a cyst recurs frequently or if a new lump appears near the vaginal opening in individuals over 40, a doctor should be consulted immediately. While rare, a lump in this area in older individuals may require further investigation to rule out more serious conditions.