What is the main cause of Bartholin cyst?
Experts believe that the cause of a Bartholin’s cyst is a backup of fluid. Fluid may accumulate when the opening of the gland (duct) becomes obstructed, perhaps caused by infection or injury. A Bartholin’s cyst can become infected, forming an abscess.
How do you get rid of a Bartholin cyst?
Treatment
- Sitz baths. Soaking in a tub filled with a few inches of warm water (sitz bath) several times a day for three or four days may help a small, infected cyst to rupture and drain on its own.
- Surgical drainage. You may need surgery to drain a cyst that’s infected or very large.
- Antibiotics.
- Marsupialization.
Is a Bartholin cyst an STD?
A Bartholin cyst is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD). One of the causes of a Bartholin cyst is sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but the cyst itself is not considered an STI or STD. If you feel a painful lump in your vaginal area, contact your healthcare provider so they can examine you for infection.
What does a Bartholin cyst look like?
Women may notice a painless lump near the opening of the vagina, making the vulva look lopsided. If the cyst becomes infected (forming an abscess), it cause severe pain and sometimes fever. Abscesses are tender to the touch. The skin over them appears red, and women may have a discharge from the vagina.
How long do Bartholin cysts last?
It can stay in place for up to 6 weeks. You’ll feel better right away after the fluid is gone. But you may need to take pain medication for several days afterward. Keep in mind that a Bartholin’s cyst or abscess may come back and need treatment again.
Can Bartholin cyst go away by itself?
Some Bartholin gland cysts go away without treatment. You can take a nonprescription pain medicine such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin, for example) to relieve mild discomfort. To help healing, soak the area in a shallow, warm bath, or a sitz bath. This can help a cyst drain and heal on its own.
What happens if a Bartholin cyst goes untreated?
If a Bartholin’s abscess worsens and goes untreated, the infection could spread to other organs in your body. The infection may enter your bloodstream, a condition called septicemia. This condition is dangerous because the infection can be carried throughout your whole body.