Have you noticed a small lump near your vagina? It could be a Bartholin Cyst!

Have you ever noticed or felt a small lump on either side of your vagina, near your labia? Sometimes it can be a little scary, but most of the time it could be a Bartholin cyst. Today we're going to talk about this in detail, in a very simple way. I'll explain everything so you can understand.

What is a Bartholin Cyst?

Okay, first let's look at what a Bartholin cyst is. Simply put, it's a lump that forms in one of the two small glands called the Bartholin glands , which are located on either side of the opening of your vagina. These Bartholin glands secrete a fluid that helps keep the vagina moist and lubricated.

Imagine, what happens if the opening of these glands, that is, the way the fluid comes out, gets blocked for some reason? Then, the fluid has no way to come out, and it collects inside the gland, swelling like a small cyst. That's what we call a Bartholin cyst. Most of the time, this only occurs on one side. Some cysts are very small and don't even hurt. However, if this cyst gets a bacterial infection, it can fester and turn into an abscess . In that case, it can be a little painful and may require medical treatment.

What does this tumor look like?

A Bartholin cyst usually appears as a round, slightly firm lump under the skin of the labia. Most of the time, they are painless. However, if they become infected, that is, if an infection occurs, the area may become red, swollen, and painful to the touch . Some Bartholin cysts may also appear to be filled with pus or fluid.

These growths can be as small as a pea or as large as a golf ball. They can cause one side of the labia to appear larger than the other, or to appear heavier on one side.

Is this a common situation?

Yes, this is actually not that rare. About two in 100 women (2%) will develop a Bartholin cyst at some point in their lives. This condition is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 40. After menopause, when menstruation stops, the risk of developing a cyst decreases.

What are the symptoms?

Most Bartholin cysts are small, so they may not cause any symptoms other than mild discomfort. However, as I mentioned earlier, if this cyst becomes infected and becomes pus-filled (an abscess), you may experience symptoms such as:

• Pain or discomfort when having sex, walking, sitting, using a tampon, or going to the toilet.
• The area is swollen and painful to touch .
• Feeling like you have a fever or a cold.
• That's right, it's red .
• Fluid or pus-like discharge from a boil.
• The tumor is gradually getting bigger .

Is the fruit firm to the touch? Is it soft?

A Bartholin cyst usually feels firm and solid when you touch it. However, when the cyst is filled with fluid, it may feel a little soft.

Why do tumors like this form? What are the causes?

In fact, doctors can't say for sure why some people develop these tumors and others don't. However, there are a few reasons that are thought to play a role:

• A sore, bruise, cut, or abnormal skin growth on your vulva.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea .
• Bacterial infections such as E. coli (E. coli is a type of bacteria that normally lives in our large intestine).

Is this contagious?

Most of the time, Bartholin cysts do not become infected. An uninfected cyst like this is not contagious through skin-to-skin contact. However, if an infected cyst bursts, depending on the type of bacteria inside, that bacteria can be transmitted to others.

Are these cysts caused by infection?

No, not all Bartholin cysts are caused by a bacterial infection. However, these cysts can become infected. In particular , E. coli bacteria (a bacteria normally found in our colon), other types of bacteria, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause these Bartholin glands to become blocked and form cysts.

Who is at higher risk of developing these tumors?

Doctors aren't exactly sure why some people get Bartholin cysts and others don't. But if you've had one before, you're more likely to get one again.

Other risk factors are:

• Be between 20 and 30 years old.
• Being sexually active .
• A recent injury or accident to the vulva area.
• Having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) .

After you have a Bartholin cyst, keeping the area clean and dry can reduce the risk of infection.

Can complications occur?

Most of the time, Bartholin cysts are harmless and do not cause serious complications. However, if they develop an infection, the cyst can be very painful .It's possible. It's very rare for a Bartholin's gland to become cancerous. But in some cases, especially if you're over 40, a doctor may want to remove the lump and check for cancer cells.

How does a doctor recognize this?

To find out if you have a Bartholin cyst, your doctor will do a physical exam. They will look for the size of the cyst and any signs of infection (such as redness or swelling). If there is any fluid coming out of the cyst, they may also collect it and test it for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other types of bacteria.

If you are over 40 , your doctor may do a biopsy . This involves taking a small piece of tissue from the lump and looking at it under a microscope to see if it is cancer of the vulva. This is done to rule out any suspicions, as it is very rare for a lump to be cancerous.

What other things can be confused with a Bartholin's cyst?

A Bartholin cyst can sometimes be confused with other types of cysts. For example , Skene's gland cysts or sebaceous cysts . They can also be confused with tumors or lumps that may be cancerous. Your doctor will consider factors such as your age, current infections, and your medical history to determine if you have a Bartholin cyst and treat it.

What are the treatments?

Treatment for a Bartholin cyst depends on your symptoms. If the cyst is small, painless, and does not appear to be infected, no treatment may be necessary.

But if your symptoms persist, or if the lump gets bigger, you may have an abscess. Your doctor may need to drain the pus from the lump or remove the lump itself, especially if it is infected or if there is a suspicion that it could be cancerous (this is very rare).

There are several treatment options:

• Sitz baths: This is very simple. Fill a bathtub with about 3-4 inches of lukewarm water and sit in it several times a day for a few days. This will help reduce pain and aid in healing. It can also help an infected boil burst and drain the pus.
• Over-the-counter pain medications: You can take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (follow the instructions on the label).
• Antibiotics: If your cyst is infected, or if tests confirm that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
• Surgical drainage: If the cyst is infected and causing severe pain and discomfort, a doctor may recommend surgical drainage. There are several methods of draining the cyst, depending on the size of the cyst.
• Marsupialization: This is also a surgical procedure. The doctor opens the cyst and removes its contents. Then, the edges of the cyst wall are sewn together, creating a permanent open pouch that allows pus and other substances to drain out. This procedure is very useful for people who have frequent Bartholin cysts.
• Removal of the Bartholin gland: Very rarely, if no other treatment works, a doctor may decide to surgically remove the Bartholin glands.

Most importantly: A Bartholin cyst should be treated under the guidance of a doctor . Even if it is a home treatment, it is best to talk to a doctor first. Never squeeze, squeeze, or pop the cyst. Doing so can increase the infection and make symptoms worse.

What happens if left untreated?

If you have no symptoms and the cyst is not bothering you, you may not need treatment. Bartholin cysts like these often heal on their own with home remedies, such as warm baths. However, if an infection develops and the cyst becomes large and painful, you may need to take antibiotics to treat the infection or drain the cyst.

Will this fruit split on its own?

Yes, it is normal for Bartholin cysts to heal on their own. Many doctors recommend taking sitz baths to help manage symptoms. If a cyst bursts on its own and pus drains, that's okay. But you should keep the area clean and dry during that time, or the infection can spread. Never try to pop or pop a cyst yourself. Doing so can lead to infection. If the cyst is painful, looks infected, or shows no signs of healing after a few weeks, see a doctor.

How long will this fruit last?

How long a Bartholin cyst lasts depends on its size and whether it is infected. Usually, it heals completely within a few weeks .

What comes out when a cyst bursts?

A Bartholin cyst can be filled with pus, mucus, bacteria, blood, or other fluids . The fluid that comes out can be thick and range in color from light yellow to brown or red. If an infected Bartholin cyst ruptures, it can have a foul odor . That's why it's important to keep the area clean and practice good hygiene.

Should I squeeze this nut open?

No! Never squeeze, squeeze, pop, or force open a cyst with a sharp object like a needle. Doing so can cause injury and spread the infection. It is common for a Bartholin cyst to rupture on its own after a few days of treatment (for example, soaking in warm water or taking antibiotics).

Can this be prevented from happening?

Because doctors don't know why most Bartholin cysts develop, it's usually difficult to prevent them. However, since sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a risk factor, using a condom during sex can help reduce your risk of developing a Bartholin cyst.

Can this tumor come back again?

Yes, some people can get recurring Bartholin cysts. Doctors aren't exactly sure why this happens. Bartholin gland cysts are relatively easy to treat. But if you get them frequently, your doctor may recommend a different treatment.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have a painful lump on one side of your labia that doesn't go away after a few days of home treatment (for example, rinsing with warm water), see a doctor. If you suspect an infection, or if the pain is severe, you should definitely see a doctor for advice.

Especially if you are over 40 , a lump in your vagina could be a sign of a more serious problem. In such cases , see a doctor immediately .

The most important things we need to remember

A Bartholin cyst is usually not harmful, but it can be painful and bothersome if it becomes infected. If you feel like you have a lump near your vaginal opening and you don't know what it is, it's best to see a doctor. He or she can check to see if it's a Bartholin cyst and if there are any signs of infection. Most of the time, these cysts will heal on their own, with a combination of home care and antibiotics. Don't panic, but don't be lazy either. It's wise to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

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