{"id":5328,"date":"2023-01-05T11:32:12","date_gmt":"2023-01-05T11:32:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gustavopineda.com\/?p=5328"},"modified":"2023-01-05T11:32:12","modified_gmt":"2023-01-05T11:32:12","slug":"bartholin-cyst-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gustavopineda.com\/?p=5328","title":{"rendered":"What is a Bartholin\u2019s cyst and how is it treated?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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From time to time, we all experience lumps and bumps around our genitals. That\u2019s just a given. And because it\u2019s so common, it\u2019s hard to know when it\u2019s time for a trip to the doctors and when everything\u2019s just fine and dandy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend speaking to a medical professional whenever anything pops up and starts bothering us around the genitals to rule out anything serious. And if you have a lump near your vaginal opening, it could be a Bartholin\u2019s cyst \u2014 a lesser known type of cyst affecting people with vaginas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s an odd name, we know. It\u2019s named after a Danish doctor who identified Bartholin’s gland (where the cysts develop) way back in the 17th century. It\u2019s hard to spell, but with the help of gynaecologists and GPs, we\u2019ll go through what a Bartholin\u2019s cyst is, where it’s located, how they\u2019re caused, the signs and symptoms, and what to do if you\u2019re experiencing them.<\/p>\n

What is a Bartholin\u2019s cyst?<\/h3>\n

Put plainly, a Bartholin\u2019s cyst is a fluid-filled swelling on one of the Bartholin\u2019s glands, which are located on each side of the opening of the vagina, on the lips of the labia minora. These glands produce vaginal lubricating fluid which helps protect vaginal tissue during sexual intercourse<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Gynaecologist and founder of condom company Hanx<\/u><\/a> Sarah Welsh explains to Mashable that a Bartholin’s cyst is a “small fluid-filled sac at the Bartholin\u2019s gland, which is just inside the opening of the vagina. The Bartholin\u2019s glands are normally pea-sized (about 1cm) and secrete fluid to lubricate the vagina during sex.” If that gland becomes blocked, she explains, they can cause a cyst.<\/p>\n

“If this cyst becomes infected (where pus collects inside), this can also develop an abscess, which can cause the area to become red, tender, and swollen,” she adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dr. Deborah Lee<\/u><\/a> from the Dr Fox Online Pharmacy says: “Bartholin\u2019s glands are found in the genital area. If you are looking directly at the vaginal opening in front of you, they are found at 4 o\u2019clock and 8 o\u2019clock, at either side of the vaginal opening.”<\/p>\n

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She explains that a Bartholin\u2019s cyst will occur when the duct of Bartholin\u2019s gland becomes blocked, so it is unable to drain naturally, and fluid accumulates inside it. “Normally, the glands are not noticeable and only become evident if they fill up with fluid and form a cyst. Usually, these occur only on one side or the other.”<\/p>\n

Bartholin\u2019s cysts are not particularly common. They account for 2<\/u> percent<\/a> of gynaecology referrals every year. They become more common after puberty and less common after menopause. However, six cases<\/u><\/a> have been reported in young girls who have not yet started puberty. Basically, it\u2019s always worth looking out for them no matter your age.\u00a0<\/p>\n

One study<\/u><\/a> shows that Bartholin’s cysts (and abscesses, which can develop from Bartholin\u2019s cysts) were more common in pregnant women, especially if they\u2019d had a\u00a0 Bartholin\u2019s cyst or abscess in the past. And thankfully, they do not affect fertility<\/u><\/a> at all.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Is a Bartholin\u2019s cyst an STI?<\/h3>\n

A Bartholin\u2019s cyst is not a sexually transmitted infection, it is simply a cyst and could be caused by an array of factors and sometimes they happen randomly. However, if you become infected with an STI as well as having a cyst, then the cyst can become infected and develop into a serious abscess.\u00a0<\/p>\n

STIs only rarely<\/u><\/a> cause a Bartholin\u2019s abscess, so STI testing is not routine to avoid them specifically. However, you should be regularly tested for STIs (after every new sexual partner is best) so you\u2019re aware of your status and you can make informed choices about your sexual and reproductive health.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of a Bartholin\u2019s cyst?<\/h3>\n

The Bartholin’s glands produce a fluid which helps lubricate the vagina during sexual intercourse. Therefore, Lee explains that the cyst may be uncomfortable and press on surrounding structures. This can cause:\u00a0<\/p>\n