Bartholin’s Cyst: All You Need to Know
A Bartholin’s cyst is a benign tumor that is located on the Bartholin’s gland. This gland is located just behind the clitoris, on either side of the vaginal opening. The Bartholin’s gland is a small, thin gland that produces oil and sweat. What are the causes of Bartholin’s cyst? There is no one definitive answer to this question. However, a number of factors may contribute to the development of Bartholin cyst: a birth defect, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, or a disorder in the hormone production pathway. Click Here book an appointment
Symptoms of Bartholin’s cyst
Bartholin’s cysts can range from the size of a pea to as large as a marble or about 0.2 to 1 inch in diameter. It usually grows slowly. In some cases, the Bartholin's cyst does not show symptoms. Some women do not feel this cyst. Unless it shows symptoms, you might not know it is there. In some cases, when symptoms do appear, they can be:
- A painless, small lump near the opening of the vagina.
- Redness near the opening of the vagina.
- Swelling near the opening of the vagina.
- Feeling uncomfortable during sex, walking or sitting.
If the cyst is active then some other symptoms may also appear. This includes the following:
- Fever
- Pus filled discharge
- Difficulty walking
An active cyst is called an abscess.
Causes of Bartholin’s cyst
There can be many reasons for having a Bartholin's cyst. Treatment can commence after knowing its cause and type. Some of them includes:
Blocking of glands:-
According to experts, the cause of Bartholin’s cyst is the backup of the fluid. Fluid can accumulate when there is a blockage in the opening, which may be due to an injury.
Infection due to bacteria or STI:-
Cyst caused by coming into contact with bacteria called (E.coli) becomes active, which makes the problem increases and many types of symptoms appear.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs):-
Actively having unprotected sex with someone who is infected will put you at risk of not just having an STI but also Bartholin’s cyst.
Risk factors
Certain factors increase the chances of having a Bartholin’s cyst:
Diagnosis
In some cases, Bartholin’s cyst does not show symptoms, but if some symptoms are seen, then the doctor will carry out several tests to determine the cause. The doctor can ask questions about your medical history.
Pelvic Exam:-
- Involving in unprotected sex with an infected person.
- Being between 20 to 30 years of age.
- Physical trauma to the affected area.
- Having had surgery on the vagina or vulva before.
- The doctor checks whether the cyst is painful by doing a pelvic exam.
Fluid Sample Test:-
For sexually transmitted infections, the doctor may take a sample of discharge from the vagina. If you are postmenopausal or over 40, a biopsy may be done to check for cancer cells.
Infected Cells i.e., activated cells can get into the bloodstream, which can lead to infection in other organs, which can lead to septicemia.
Prevention of Bartholin's Cyst
There is no specific way to prevent a Bartholin's cyst or boil. But practicing safe sex, use of condoms, and practicing good hygiene will help keep bacteria out of the area, thereby preventing infection. It is also important to find out if you already have a sexually transmitted disease, in such a situation, get the treatment done. Maintaining a healthy urinary tract can help prevent Bartholin's cysts and abscesses from forming. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, and do not hold back urine. Cranberries may help maintain a healthy Urinary tract.
Treatment of Bartholin’s cyst
In some cases, a Bartholin's cyst does not require any treatment. Treatment, when necessary, depends on the size of the cyst and whether it is active.
Treatment options your doctor may recommend include:
Sitz Bath:-
Several times a day for three or four days, a tub filled with slightly warm water (sitz bath). The activated cyst will be broken down and remove.
Drainage of fluid:-
Surgery may be needed to remove an active or very large cyst. local anesthesia or sedation can be done to drain the system. For this procedure, the doctor makes a small incision in the cyst, allows it to be removed, and then A small rubber tube (catheter) is then placed in the incision. To keep the incision open and for complete drainage The catheter is kept in place for six weeks.
Antibiotics:-
If the cyst is infected or if the test shows that there is a sexually transmitted infection, then the doctor Can give antibiotics. If the abscess drains right away, then antibiotics are not needed.
Best treatment for you
The best treatment for a Bartholin's cyst depends on the size and symptoms of the cyst, if it is a small cyst and it doesn't show any other symptoms and that there is no discharge of fluid, sitz bath is a better option. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor may give you antibiotics.
Why choose cicle ?
We at Cicle can help with the diagnosis and treatment of Bartholin’s cyst. All you have to do is contact our health coach and an appointment with a doctor will be made.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can Bartholin's cyst get better on its own?
Yes, sometimes due to excessive body heat, menstruation or home remedies, the cyst can automatically go away. However, a doctor must be consulted to reduce any risk of infection.
How long does it take to recover from Bartholin’s Cyst?
It may take at least 15 days.
Can hormone imbalance lead to Bartholin’s cyst?
Hormone changes and disturbances due to menstruation can cause vaginal dryness and other symptoms, but neither can be the cause of Bartholin's cyst.
Is Bartholin’s Cyst a Sexually Transmitted Disease?
Bartholin's cyst is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD). But one of the causes of Bartholin cyst is STI.
Women of reproductive age should be aware of this and have a good personal hygiene. Women should consider having safe sex to reduce the risk of the cyst. If symptoms appear, a doctor should be consulted. If you have a painless lump near the opening of the vagina, discomfort during sex, walking or sitting, consult a doctor immediately. You can discuss with our expert doctor and book an appointment. Click Here to make an appointment.