Bartholin Cyst and Abscess: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

A Bartholin cyst or abscess is a common and often uncomfortable condition that affects women, particularly during the reproductive years. While many Bartholin cysts are painless and resolve on their own, others can become infected, leading to a painful abscess that requires medical treatment.

At Complete Healthcare in Richland, WA, we frequently evaluate and treat Bartholin gland cysts and abscesses. Understanding the difference between the two and knowing when to seek care can help prevent complications and speed recovery.

What Is a Bartholin Gland?

The Bartholin glands are two small glands located on either side of the vaginal opening. Their function is to produce lubrication that helps keep the vaginal tissues moist, particularly during sexual activity. Each gland drains through a small duct.

When a duct becomes blocked, fluid can back up into the gland, forming a cyst.

What Is a Bartholin Cyst?

A Bartholin cyst occurs when the gland duct becomes obstructed, causing fluid to accumulate. These cysts are often small and painless, and many women may not even realize they have one.

Common features of a Bartholin cyst include:• A soft lump near the vaginal opening• Usually painless or mildly uncomfortable• Often discovered incidentally

Small cysts may resolve without treatment, especially if they are not infected.

What Is a Bartholin Abscess?

A Bartholin abscess develops when a cyst becomes infected, usually by bacteria. This leads to inflammation, pus formation, and significant pain.

Symptoms of a Bartholin abscess often include:• Severe pain and tenderness near the vaginal opening• Rapid swelling on one side of the vulva• Redness and warmth• Difficulty walking, sitting, or having intercourse• Fever or general malaise in some cases

An abscess can progress quickly and typically requires medical intervention.

Causes and Risk Factors

Bartholin cysts form due to blockage of the duct, while abscesses result from infection. Bacteria commonly involved include normal skin flora, gastrointestinal bacteria, and occasionally sexually transmitted organisms.

Risk factors include:• Prior history of Bartholin cyst or abscess• Sexual activity• Trauma or irritation to the vulvar area• Poor drainage of the gland

Many cases occur without a clearly identifiable cause.

How Are Bartholin Cysts and Abscesses Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made through a pelvic examination. Your OB-GYN can typically distinguish between a simple cyst and an abscess based on symptoms, size, tenderness, and appearance.

In women over age 40, persistent or recurrent Bartholin masses may require further evaluation, including biopsy, to rule out rare malignancy.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on whether the mass is a cyst or an abscess and how severe symptoms are.

Conservative Management

For small, painless cysts:• Warm sitz baths several times daily• Observation and monitoring• Avoiding pressure or irritation

Some cysts will drain spontaneously and resolve.

Treatment of a Bartholin Abscess

An abscess almost always requires intervention. Options include:

Incision and drainage A small opening is made to allow pus to drain, providing rapid pain relief.

Word catheter placement After drainage, a small catheter may be placed to keep the duct open and allow proper healing. This reduces recurrence and is often left in place for several weeks.

Antibiotics Antibiotics may be prescribed if there are signs of systemic infection, surrounding cellulitis, or specific risk factors. Drainage is the primary treatment, as antibiotics alone are usually insufficient.

Marsupialization. For recurrent cysts or abscesses, a minor surgical procedure may be performed to create a permanent drainage opening.

Recurrence and Long-Term Management

Some women experience recurrent Bartholin cysts or abscesses. In these cases, more definitive treatment may be recommended to prevent repeated infections and discomfort.

Good vulvar hygiene, prompt evaluation of new symptoms, and early treatment can help reduce recurrence.

When to See an OB-GYN

You should seek medical care if:• You have significant pain or swelling• Symptoms worsen rapidly• You develop fever or chills• A cyst does not improve with home care• You are over 40 with a new Bartholin mass

Early treatment often leads to faster relief and fewer complications.

Key Takeaways

• Bartholin cysts are usually painless and may resolve on their own.

• Bartholin abscesses are painful infections that typically require drainage.

• Sitz baths may help mild cysts but are not sufficient for abscesses.

• Recurrent cases may need surgical management.

• Evaluation is especially important for women over 40.

Compassionate Care at Complete Healthcare

At Complete Healthcare, Dr. Richard Lorenzo and the care team provide prompt, respectful, and effective treatment for Bartholin cysts and abscesses. Our goal is to relieve pain quickly while minimizing recurrence and ensuring long-term vulvar health.

If you are experiencing vulvar pain, swelling, or a persistent lump, schedule an appointment for expert evaluation and personalized care.

Complete Healthcare - Obstetrics and Gynecology

509-392-6700

Richard Lorenzo, D.O.

Kortney Jones ARNP