Bartholin glands are two small, pea-sized structures located on either side of the vaginal opening. These glands produce a fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. A Bartholin cyst forms when the duct allowing this fluid to exit becomes blocked, causing fluid to accumulate and create a lump. While often painless, a cyst can sometimes lead to noticeable swelling.
Massaging a Bartholin Cyst
Massaging a Bartholin cyst is not recommended. Some individuals might consider massage to encourage drainage. However, attempting to squeeze or burst the cyst manually can introduce bacteria, potentially leading to infection or worsening an existing one.
Forcing drainage can also cause additional irritation to the tissues surrounding the cyst. Healthcare providers advise against self-draining due to these risks. While some cysts might drain on their own, direct manipulation can hinder natural healing and increase discomfort.
Home Care Strategies
Several home care strategies can help manage symptoms and potentially encourage an uninfected Bartholin cyst to drain naturally. Soaking in a sitz bath, sitting in a few inches of warm water, can be beneficial. This can be done three to four times a day for 10 to 20 minutes over several days.
Warm water helps relax surrounding muscles, may promote natural drainage, and can alleviate pain. Applying a warm compress to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes twice daily can also provide relief. Maintaining good hygiene is important, including gentle washing of the vulva with mild soap, patting the area dry, and avoiding douches or fragranced products. These measures aim at symptom management and supporting the body’s natural processes, not a definitive cure.
When to Consult a Doctor
Seek medical attention if a Bartholin cyst does not improve with home care within two to three days. Signs warranting a doctor’s visit include increasing pain, significant swelling, or a fever, especially if it exceeds 100.4°F (38°C). Pus or unusual discharge from the cyst, or its rapid growth, are also indicators for professional assessment.
If pain becomes severe and interferes with daily activities like walking or sitting, immediate medical consultation is advised. For women over 40, any new lump near the vaginal opening should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions. A medical professional can accurately diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment to prevent potential complications.
Professional Medical Interventions
When home care is insufficient or if a Bartholin cyst becomes infected and forms an abscess, medical interventions become necessary. One common procedure is incision and drainage (I&D), where a small incision is made in the cyst to allow fluid or pus to drain. Often, a small rubber tube called a Word catheter is inserted into the incision and left in place for up to six weeks to ensure complete drainage and prevent recurrence by creating a new drainage pathway.
For recurrent cysts, a procedure called marsupialization may be performed. This involves incising the cyst and stitching the edges of the cyst wall to the surrounding skin, creating a permanent small pouch that allows continuous drainage. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the cyst is infected, if there are signs of cellulitis, or if a sexually transmitted infection is suspected. In persistent cases where other treatments have not been effective, surgical removal of the Bartholin gland might be considered.