A Bartholin cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops near the opening of the vagina, usually on one side of the labia. This common gynecological concern arises when a small gland becomes blocked, causing its secretions to accumulate and form a lump. The cyst itself is not contagious or transmissible from person to person through sexual contact or shared items. The condition is a localized mechanical issue.
Understanding Bartholin Glands and Cyst Formation
The Bartholin glands are two pea-sized structures located symmetrically on either side of the vaginal opening. Their primary function is to secrete a lubricating fluid that travels through small ducts to the lower part of the vulva, assisting with friction reduction during sexual activity.
A cyst forms when the opening of one of these ducts becomes obstructed, preventing the normal flow of the secreted fluid. The gland continues to produce mucus, which backs up behind the blockage, causing the duct to swell and form a cystic mass. Cysts vary widely in size, sometimes remaining small and asymptomatic, or growing large enough to cause significant discomfort.
The initial blockage results in a non-infectious, fluid-filled swelling. This mechanical obstruction is the core cause of the cyst, explaining why the condition does not spread like a traditional infection.
Why Bartholin Cysts Are Not Contagious
A Bartholin cyst is an internal consequence of an anatomical blockage and cannot be passed to another person. Even if the cyst progresses into a painful abscess, the infection is caused by bacteria already present in the body’s normal flora. Common organisms responsible for most Bartholin abscesses include Escherichia coli (E. coli) or various species of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
These bacteria are considered endogenous, meaning they originate from the person’s own skin or intestinal tract and enter the cyst through the blocked duct. Since these organisms are not transmitted from an external source to cause the cyst, the resulting abscess is not contagious.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, can sometimes cause the initial duct inflammation and blockage. However, the cyst remains a non-transmissible, local complication. In these cases, the STI is the transmissible condition that preceded the cyst, not the cyst itself.
When Medical Attention is Necessary
For small, asymptomatic Bartholin cysts, observation is generally the only management required, as they may resolve on their own. Home care focuses on promoting drainage and includes frequent sitz baths. Soaking the affected area in warm water several times a day can encourage the cyst to open and drain spontaneously.
Medical intervention becomes necessary if the cyst rapidly enlarges, becomes intensely painful, or shows signs of an abscess. Indicators that require professional evaluation include increasing tenderness, significant swelling, redness, and fever. An abscess is a collection of pus signaling a bacterial infection within the cyst, which often requires drainage.
Treatment for an abscess typically involves a minor surgical procedure called incision and drainage (I&D), often performed under local anesthesia. The doctor makes a small cut to allow the infected fluid to escape. A small catheter, such as a Word catheter, may be inserted to keep the drainage channel open for several weeks. For recurrent cysts, a procedure called marsupialization may be performed to create a permanent drainage duct.