Have you ever felt a small, painless lump near the vaginal opening? Has it turned painful over time, accompanied by swelling and tenderness? If yes, then it could be Bartholin's cyst, which is usually harmless but, if infected, can result in complications.
While infectious agents do not cause the formation of the cyst, they can infect the fluid inside the Bartholin’s gland, which can lead to abscesses.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Tejal Deshmukh, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, explains what Bartholin’s cyst actually is, what can make it worse, and ways to manage it.
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What Is Bartholin’s Cyst?
In general, the Bartholin's glands are situated on each side of the vaginal opening. They produce fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. However, when the ducts in these glands get blocked, the fluid can build up and form a cyst.
These are extremely common in women of childbearing age, with incidences mostly reported at the onset of puberty and increasing with age until menopause, according to StatPearls Publishing.
When it comes to the possible causes of Bartholin's cyst, the Cleveland Clinic lists three factors, which include:
- Injury, irritation, or extra growth of skin in the vulva.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
- Bacterial infections such as Escherichia coli (E. coli).
However, it is important to note that although Bartholin’s cysts cannot spread from one person to another through sexual contact, gonorrhoea may be an underlying cause.
What Is Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea, also known as the clap, is an STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat, and while it often shows no symptoms, when present, they can include pain or burning during urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, and a sore throat.
How To Know If Bartholin’s Cyst Is Linked to Gonorrhoea?
Bartholin's cyst is usually painless and harmless. However, if it is infected with gonorrhoea-causing bacteria, it can lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area.
Certain distinct characteristics also include unusual greenish-yellow discharge, fever, and urinary complaints, according to Dr Deshmukh.
He adds, "The patient usually comes with a painful swelling near the vagina that causes discomfort or pain while walking or sitting. In case an infected patient comes with a fever and extreme pain."
Also Read: Vaginal Health After Childbirth: Changes To Note And Tips For Relief
How To Manage Bartholin’s Cyst
According to Dr Deshmukh, management of Bartholin’s cyst often begins with a conservative approach, where a "wait and watch" strategy is recommended.
He advises having warm water baths or applying hot compresses to the affected area, which can help alleviate discomfort and encourage the cyst to drain on its own.
Additionally, if the cyst becomes infected, antibiotics and antipyretics are prescribed to manage the infection and reduce fever, says the doctor, adding that a minor surgical procedure called incision and drainage may be necessary if the cyst persists and causes pain.