Symptoms of Bartholin Cysts, Causes, Treatment, and Preventive Measures

Understanding Bartholin Cysts: Key Symptoms and Treatments

A Bartholin cyst is a firm, round swelling in the vaginal region. This cyst is hardly serious. But when infected, it can be dangerous. No specific treatment is required for swollen vaginal glands as it varies depending on its size.

In this blog, I will discuss what Bartholin gland cysts are, the symptoms of this kind of cyst, and its treatment and prevention.

What Is Bartholin Cyst?

A Bartholin cyst is a benign blockage in the Bartholin gland location. This is located on either side of the vaginal opening. The obstruction occurs when the fluid that moisturises the vagina forms a lump. Such lumps are known as a Bartholin cyst.

Most of the time Bartholin’s cysts do not require treatment and resolve on its own. However, when the cysts are infected, it can lead to more serious consequences.

What is an Early-Stage Bartholin Cyst Head?

When it comes to the very early stages of a Bartholin cyst, the cyst itself cannot be observed and would just be a small and painless lump. From there is the formation of a soft swelling that is fluid-filled, which is referred to as the early-stage Bartholin cyst head. The cyst may begin growing and expanding over time.

At this point, Bartholin’s cyst is usually non-threatening and may not require visiting a doctor. But when the cyst is painful, a warm compress or a sitz bath might reduce it. However, when the cyst becomes larger or infected, a visit to a doctor becomes necessary for further treatment.

Symptoms of Bartholin's Cyst

Bartholin's cyst causes barely any symptoms. In case any Bartholin cyst is infected, it may include the following Bartholinitis symptoms:

● Extreme pain during intercourse, walking, sitting, or during menstruation, when someone inserts a tampon
● Swelling in the specific area
● Fever
● Redness
● Drainage from the cyst
● Cysts may become larger

What are the Causes of Bartholin Cyst

Healthcare providers often do not understand why cysts get formed. There is no absolute reason behind that. Here are some possible causes that may increase the risk of such Bartholinitis symptoms:

● Injury, extra formation of your skin in the vulvar area
● Chlamydia, gonorrhoea or SITs
● Bacterial infection

Is Bartholin Cyst Dangerous?

Bartholin’s cyst is hardly dangerous because it does not cause any serious implications unless infected. This is a rare scenario when a woman develops cancer in their Bartholin glands.

If the cysts have developed Bartholin abscess, you should consider having words with the consultation to check for the growth of those Bartholinitis symptoms.

Risk Factors Associated With Bartholin Cysts

As earlier stated, healthcare providers are clueless about the formation of cysts, however, they have listed down a few risk factors associated with such development:

● Women from the age between 20 and 30 years can develop such cysts
● Frequent sexual intercourse can increase the scope
● Any recent injury to the vulva can develop such a risk
● Having a SIT disease

Diagnosis and Tests of Bartholin Cysts

To determine the existence of Bartholin cysts or Bartholin cyst real pictures, healthcare providers suggest thorough examination. Depending on the size of the cysts, they check the roots of infection if there are any. Doctors can even check for any further development of SITs or fluid development.

In case you have attained the age of 40 years old, your doctor might suggest for biopsy. This has been only checked for the cancerous roots. During the assessment, doctors take a small sample of tissue from the cysts and check for cancerous cells.

Bartholin Cyst Treatment

Based on the size of the cysts, Bartholin cyst treatments are available. If the cyst is small and painless, you may not require any specific treatment. If the symptoms are recurring and the cysts become larger, you should contact your doctor. Following are the Bartholin cyst treatment options available for such cystic development:

Sitz Baths: You can sit in a bathtub filled with lukewarm water of 3-4 inches for several days. This helps in melting the cyst and resolve on its own.
Over-the-Counter Medications: You can take acetaminophen and ibuprofen for healing of the pain caused by such cysts.
Antibiotics: When your diagnosis shows that your cysts are infected, your doctors will prescribe antibiotics.
Surgical Draining: Healthcare providers often suggest draining the cysts when they develop abscesses.
Marsupialization: This is a surgical procedure that opens the abscess of the cyst and sews the edges to create a small pouch. This hits when the cysts are recurring in nature and keep coming back.
Bartholin Gland Removal: In extreme cases, such cysts may require surgery to remove the Bartholin glands.

In case when Bartholin’s cyst is left untreated, it may require home remedies. The size of the cysts determines whether it needs treatment or not. The larger it becomes, the more complicated the treatment process will be.

Tips to Prevent Bartholin Cysts from Developing

Here are some effective tips designed for women so that they can take protection against such cystic formation:

Soft Cleaning: Keep your vaginal area clean by washing slowly with dry soaps. Do not use any fragrant soaps for washing this area. After washing, keep this area dry so that it does not develop any bacteria.
Use Cotton Underwear: Choose underwear that is comfortable and does not cause irritation. The underwear should have the maximum airflow in this area to reduce moisture. Cotton and loose-fitting clothes can be effective and one can easily avoid rashes and infection.
Practise Safe Sex: Wear protection while participating in sexual intercourse. This also reduces the risks of SITs from taking place.
Keep Yourself Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body healthy so that it can reduce the gland blockages.
Avoid Irritants: Do not use any scented pads and tampons because it can create irritation in the vaginal area. Such irritants cause burning and discomfort.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Consuming a balanced or healthy diet can strengthen your immune system. It helps your body to fight off the infections.
Manage Chronic Conditions: Try to avoid chronic conditions from developing and if you have one, try to manage it effectively.
Check with Your Consultant Earlier: If you feel there is any development like swelling or tenderness in your vaginal area, it is better to consult with the physician and seek help from them.

While taking these necessary steps as preventive measures, you need to keep in mind that Bartholin cysts can still occur. Cysts occur and resolve on their own. Most of the time, these are not at all harmful. But any symptoms, if persist, should be brought to medical attention.

Conclusion

A Bartholin cyst pops up on its own and sometimes, these are filled with pus, mucus and bacteria. If you are feeling that there are any changes in your vulva which require medical attention, it is better to contact your doctors. Often, doctors prescribe sitz baths to drain cysts on their own.

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FAQ

How long does a Bartholin cyst last?

The cysts resolve within a week if the size is small. When it grows, the cysts cannot drain on its own.

What comes out of a Bartholin cyst when it opens?

A Bartholin cyst when opened can discharge an unpleasant odour. These cysts are filled with pus and that is why such odour comes.

What can be mistaken for Bartholin cysts?

A Bartholin cyst can be mistaken for a sebaceous or gland cyst. It can be also mistaken for cancerous cysts sometimes.

What are the complications of Bartholin's cyst?

Bartholin cysts are harmless and can be painful if they develop an abscess. Bartholin cysts, in rare cases, become cancerous. However, doctors can check for the development of any abnormal cells through biopsy.