Bartholin’s Cyst: Common Treatments

The Bartholin’s glands are a pair of very small glands found inside the labia (vaginal lips). There is one gland on either side. The glands produce fluid to help keep the vagina moist. When the opening of a Bartholin’s gland becomes blocked, the gland may swell and form a cyst. The cyst may vary in size from small to large (1 to 5 cm in size). It may feel like a firm lump within the labia.

Treatment depends on various factors. These include the size of the cyst, whether it causes symptoms, and whether it’s infected. Small or uninfected cysts don’t usually need treatment. Large cysts and those that are painful or infected will likely need treatment. Below are some common treatments that may be done:

• Incision and drainage. In this procedure, the area over the cyst is numbed, cut, and drained. Often, a thin tube (catheter) with a balloon on the end or a short piece of gauze is then inserted into the empty cyst. This allows for further drainage of fluid. The catheter is left in place for 4 to 6 weeks, then removed by the healthcare provider. If gauze has been placed in the cyst, it needs to be removed within several days.

• Marsupialization. With this procedure, the area over the cyst is numbed. The cyst is cut and drained. The edges of the skin are then stitched to create a small opening that will allow for further drainage of fluid.

• Excision. This procedure is done in the operating room. It is often used if other treatments haven't worked.

If you have cysts that keep coming back, you may need other treatments. Your provider can tell you more about these options.

If your cyst is infected, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics. Most infections of Bartholin’s cysts are from bacteria normally present in the vagina. Sometimes the bacteria may have been passed to you during sex. This is called a sexually transmitted infection (STI). A test (culture) of the fluid can confirm if you have an STI.