Lately, many people have questions about Bartholin’s cysts, what they are, whether they are dangerous, and who can get them. This guide explains everything you need to know, helping to demystify a part of female anatomy that is often overlooked.
Understanding Bartholin’s Glands and Cysts
Bartholin’s glands are two small glands located on either side of the vaginal opening. A Bartholin’s cyst happens when one of those ducts gets blocked, causing fluid to build up.
What Bartholin’s glands are and their role in vaginal lubrication
There are two Bartholin’s glands located deep within the vagina. These glands secrete mucus into the vaginal and vulvar area through small ducts. This mucus plays an important role in providing natural lubrication and is part of a normal physiological process that occurs continuously.
How a blocked duct leads to a Bartholin’s cyst
A Bartholin’s cyst forms when the duct of one of these glands becomes blocked. When this happens, the mucus produced by the gland cannot drain properly and begins to accumulate. This buildup of fluid leads to swelling and the formation of a small fluid-filled sac known as a cyst.
What Is a Bartholin’s Cyst?
Characteristics of a Bartholin’s cyst
A Bartholin’s cyst is typically a small, fluid-filled swelling near the vaginal opening. In most cases, it is not painful. However, if the cyst becomes very painful, it may indicate that it has developed into an abscess.
Difference between a cyst and normal vaginal changes
A Bartholin’s cyst appears as a noticeable lump near the vaginal opening, often on one side of the labia. It may feel firm or slightly soft and can sometimes cause mild swelling or asymmetry.
In contrast, normal vaginal anatomy does not include any palpable lump. The Bartholin’s glands are usually too small to feel and function quietly by releasing lubricating fluid without causing discomfort.
Most cysts are painless, but if symptoms such as pain, redness, warmth, or swelling develop, this may indicate an abscess rather than a normal change.
Because other conditions can sometimes resemble a cyst, it is recommended to have any new or unusual lump evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if it is painful, growing, or accompanied by fever.
When Does a Bartholin’s Cyst Become an Abscess?
Signs of infection in a Bartholin’s cyst
A Bartholin’s cyst can turn into an abscess if it becomes infected. This usually occurs when bacteria become trapped inside the cyst.
Symptoms of a Bartholin’s abscess
An abscess is often swollen, red, warm, and painful to the touch. The discomfort is typically more intense than with a simple cyst.
Who Can Get Bartholin’s Cysts and Abscesses?
Getting a Bartholin cyst depends largely on anatomy.
How anatomy affects risk
Bartholin’s cysts can occur in any female due to the natural anatomy of the Bartholin glands.
Association with sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly gonorrhea and chlamydia, are a known risk factor for Bartholin’s cysts and abscesses. While many cysts are not caused by infection, these bacteria can block the gland’s duct, leading to fluid buildup and cyst formation.
If bacteria infect the cyst, it can develop into a painful abscess. In these cases, healthcare providers may test for STIs and prescribe antibiotics if needed.
Using protection, such as condoms, can help reduce the risk. However, it’s important to note that other bacteria, like E. coli, can also cause infections in the gland.
Are Bartholin’s Cysts Dangerous?
Bartholin’s cysts are typically harmless and don’t cause serious complications.
Typical outcomes of untreated cysts
A Bartholin’s cyst will usually resolve on its own without the need for medical treatment.
When complications are unlikely
Even when a cyst develops into an abscess, it is very unlikely to be dangerous or cause a serious infection, although medical treatment may sometimes be required.
How to Treat a Bartholin’s Cyst or Abscess at Home
Some at-home remedies, such as warm compresses and sitz baths, are proven to treat Bartholin’s cysts.
Warm compresses and sitz baths
Most cysts or minor abscesses can be managed at home. Applying warm compresses to the affected area or taking sitz baths can help open the duct and reduce swelling.
Pain relief and symptom management
Oral medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Medical Treatment Options for Bartholin’s Abscesses
Even though most Bartholin’s cysts are easily treated at home, in some cases, medical treatment is needed.
When drainage procedures are needed
Larger abscesses, or those that do not improve with home care, may require medical evaluation. In some cases, a procedure may be performed to drain the abscess.
Use of antibiotics in certain cases
Oral antibiotics may be prescribed in some situations, particularly if there is a confirmed infection.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
It is important to be fully informed and know when to seek medical assistance if at-home remedies seem not to be working.
Severe pain, fever, or difficulty walking or sitting
You should seek medical attention if you experience severe pain that makes it difficult to walk or sit, or if you develop a fever. These symptoms suggest the cyst may be infected or worsening.
Signs that require professional care
Medical evaluation is recommended if the lump becomes increasingly painful, swollen, red, or warm, or if it does not improve with home care. These signs may indicate an abscess that requires drainage or additional treatment.
Sex and Bartholin’s Cysts
Bartholin’s cysts are not your fault, but it can affect your sexual life and confidence so it is important to seek help when needed.
When it may be safe to have sex
Whether it is safe to have sex depends on your symptoms and whether you have received treatment. A small, painless cyst may not interfere with sexual activity, but it can still cause discomfort.
If the cyst becomes infected and turns into an abscess, sex is usually too painful and should be avoided until it heals.
After medical procedures, such as drainage or surgery, it is recommended to wait until healing is complete and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions before resuming sexual activity.
Using protection, such as condoms, can help reduce the risk of infections that may contribute to future cysts.
Listening to your body and managing discomfort
However, intercourse may cause discomfort or pain. If symptoms are bothersome, it is best to wait until they resolve. Listening to your body can help guide your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bartholin’s Cysts
Is a Bartholin’s cyst common?
Bartholin’s cysts are relatively common. It is estimated that around 2% of women (or people with a vagina) will develop one at some point in their lives.
They are most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 and become less common after menopause. Having had a cyst before may also increase the likelihood of developing another in the future.
Can a Bartholin’s cyst go away on its own?
Yes, many Bartholin’s cysts, especially those that are small and painless, can resolve on their own within a few weeks without medical treatment.
Home care, such as warm sitz baths, warm compresses, and over-the-counter pain relief, can help promote natural drainage and ease discomfort.
However, you should never try to squeeze or drain a cyst yourself, as this can worsen the condition or cause infection.
Medical evaluation may be needed if the cyst persists, grows, becomes very painful, or shows signs of infection such as fever or discharge.
How can I tell the difference between a cyst and an abscess?
A cyst is usually not painful, while an abscess tends to be painful, swollen, red, warm, and tender to the touch.
Can Bartholin’s cysts come back?
Yes, Bartholin’s cysts can recur. Having had one before increases the likelihood of developing another.
The risk of recurrence depends on the treatment. Procedures such as word catheter placement or marsupialization are often used to reduce the chances of the cyst returning.
In recurrent cases, healthcare providers may recommend further treatment, especially if infections are involved. Using protection during sex can also help lower the risk of future cysts.
Should I avoid sex if I have a Bartholin’s cyst?
You do not necessarily need to avoid sex, but if you experience pain or discomfort, it is recommended to wait until symptoms improve.
About the author: Dr. Kimberly Remski is a family medicine physician with a special focus on sexual and reproductive health. She practices in the United States and is a medical consultant for Find My Method.
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. (2024, 10 de mayo). Bartholin Cyst. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17737-bartholin-cyst
National Health Service (NHS). (2025, 23 de abril). Bartholin’s cyst. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bartholins-cyst/
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2024, diciembre). Bartholin’s cyst or abscess: Information for patients. https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/media/u3lfzaaw/108591bartholins.pdf