Bartholin’s gland cyst is a swelling of one of the bartholin glands located on each side of the vagina.

Causes
This cyst is caused due to inability of the fluid from bartholin gland to drain out due to blockage resulting from:

• Infection
• Injury
• Inflammation
• Rarely, cancer

Symptoms

• Painless lump near the vaginal opening
• Redness

In case of infected cysts:

• Pain while doing any physical activity
• Swelling which may increase
• Redness and tenderness

Treatment

• Warm, moist compresses: This may cure minor and uninfected cysts
• Antibiotics: In case of infection, antibiotics may be used to cure it.
• Marsupialization: A small cut is made and sewed on the edges under local anesthesia to drain out the fluid.
• Catheter: A cut is made on the gland and a tube is inserted for 2 – 6 weeks to drain out the fluid.
• Surgery: For cysts that reoccur very often, the gland may have to be removed surgically.

Prevention

• Good hygiene
• Practicing safe sex