A Bartholin cyst forms when one of the two Bartholin glands, located on either side of the vaginal opening, becomes blocked. These pea-sized glands normally produce a fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. When the duct of a gland is obstructed, the fluid builds up, causing a lump that can range in size from a pea to a golf ball.
Why Hydrogen Peroxide is Not Recommended
Using hydrogen peroxide on a Bartholin cyst is not recommended because it can cause more harm than good to delicate tissues. While known for its antiseptic properties, this process can irritate the skin and potentially worsen inflammation. It can delay healing and damage healthy cells surrounding the cyst.
Hydrogen peroxide does not address the underlying cause of the cyst. It will not effectively drain the fluid. Even at 3%, concentrated solutions can cause skin irritation; higher concentrations may lead to chemical burns, blisters, or permanent scarring. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide to prevent further complications.
Safe Home Management Strategies
For managing a Bartholin cyst at home, warm water soaks are a recommended approach. Sitting in a few inches of warm water, in a bathtub or sitz bath, for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times a day, can help reduce swelling and discomfort. This warmth can encourage the cyst to drain naturally.
Applying a warm compress to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes, twice a day, helps alleviate pain and swelling by promoting drainage. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken to manage discomfort. Maintain good hygiene by gently washing the vulva with mild soap and warm water, patting the area dry to prevent irritation and infection.
When Professional Medical Care is Necessary
While many Bartholin cysts resolve with home care, certain signs indicate professional medical attention is needed. If the cyst becomes severely painful, rapidly grows, or causes discomfort when walking or sitting, a doctor should be consulted. These symptoms suggest infection or abscess formation.
Signs of infection, such as fever, increased redness, warmth, or pus draining from the cyst, warrant immediate medical evaluation. If home remedies do not lead to improvement within two to three days, or if the cyst frequently recurs, medical advice is important. For individuals over 40, any new lump near the vaginal opening should be promptly checked to rule out rarer, more serious conditions.
Medical Treatment Options for Bartholin Cysts
When home remedies are insufficient or an infection develops, medical interventions are available. One common procedure is incision and drainage, where a small cut is made to allow fluid or pus to drain. Sometimes, a small rubber tube, known as a Word catheter, is inserted into the drained cyst and left in place for up to six weeks to keep the incision open and prevent recurrence.
If cysts recur frequently, marsupialization may be performed. This involves opening the cyst and stitching its edges to the surrounding tissue, creating a permanent small pouch that allows continuous drainage. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections, especially if tests indicate a sexually transmitted infection. In rare cases of persistent cysts unresponsive to other treatments, surgical removal of the Bartholin gland may be considered.