Bartholin's cyst
Overview
A Bartholin’s cyst is a lump near the opening of the vagina. They do not always need treatment, but always get any lumps checked by a GP.
Causes
A Bartholin’s cyst happens when small glands in the vagina become blocked. It's often not known why the glands become blocked. If a Bartholin’s cyst becomes infected, this can cause an abscess. A Bartholin’s abscess may be caused by infections, includingsexually transmitted infections(STIs) such asgonorrhoeaorchlamydia.
Treatment
If you have an infected Bartholin's cyst, you’ll be offeredantibiotics. If antibiotics do not work, or the cyst keeps coming back, you may need a surgical procedure to drain it. Draining a Bartholin's cyst may be done underlocal anaestheticwhere you'll be awake during the procedure, or with ageneral anaestheticwhere you'll be asleep. The procedure involves making a cut in the cyst. The doctor may leave a small opening so fluid can drain out, or insert a small, thin tube (catheter) into the cyst. You’ll usually have the catheter in for around 4 weeks before it is removed. During the procedure, the doctor may take some fluid from the lump to test for infection.