What is a Bartholin's cyst?

A Bartholin's cyst occurs when the glands at the entrance of your vagina become blocked. This causes fluid to build up, which can form a cyst.

These glands are called Bartholin's glands and are found on each side of your vagina. They produce the fluid that helps lubricate your vagina.

A Bartholin's cyst usually forms on one side of the vagina.

Bartholin's cysts are most common in women between 20 and 50 years of age.

You are more likely to get a Bartholin's cyst if you have had one before.

What are the symptoms of a Bartholin's cyst?

Some people can have a Bartholin's cyst and not notice it. For others, it can cause symptoms such as:

• a tender or painful lump near your vaginal entrance
• pain when you urinate (wee)
• pain during intercourse (sex)
• soreness when walking or sitting

What causes a Bartholin's cyst?

A Bartholin's cyst is caused by blockage of the Bartholin gland.

Bartholin's cysts can be caused by:

• common skin bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Staphylococcus
• injury of your vagina during childbirth
• scarring after surgery

Often, there is no known cause.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you have symptoms of a Bartholin's cyst.

When to seek urgent care

If a Bartholin's cyst becomes infected it can turn into an abscess, which is a serious medical condition.

You should get urgent care if you have symptoms of a Bartholin's cyst, and:

• a fever (temperature of 38°C or higher)
• intense pain around the cyst
• pus (smelly discharge) coming from the cyst
• feel generally unwell

How is a Bartholin's cyst diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose a Bartholin's cyst. They will ask about your symptoms and physically check the cyst.

They may take a sample of vaginal discharge to check for an infection.

Your doctor might also do a biopsy to rule out cancer. This involves removing a small piece of tissue for examination in a lab.

How is a Bartholin's cyst treated?

If the cyst is not causing you pain, you might not need treatment.

Self-care at home for your Bartholin's cyst

Sometimes home treatment can help you manage the pain, and cause the cyst to drain. Here are some tips for self-care at home:

• Soaking your cyst by sitting in a warm bath a few times a day can help it go away. You can add a teaspoon of salt per litre of bath water to help reduce the swelling. This may be called a 'sitz bath'.
• You also apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean, warm, damp cloth. You should do this for 15 to 20 minutes per day. This may be called a 'warm compress'.

If you have mild pain you can take over-the-counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what medicine is right for you.

Medicines for a Bartholin's cyst

You may need to take a course of antibiotics if your cyst is:

• large
• painful
• infected

Other treatment options

Sometimes, surgery may be needed to open the cyst. This procedure is called marsupialisation.

If the Bartholin's cyst comes back after this procedure, your doctor may recommend you have the gland surgically removed.

What are the complications of a Bartholin's cyst?

If the fluid inside the cyst becomes infected, it will form pus and can become a Bartholin's abscess. Symptoms of a Bartholin's abscess include:

• intense pain around the cyst
• smelly discharge (pus) coming from the cyst

If you think your cyst has become infected, or if your pain is getting worse, you should get urgent care.

Can a Bartholin's cyst be prevented?

There is no way to prevent a Bartholin's cyst.

Having safe sex and using a condom can help reduce the chance of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This may mean a Bartholin's cyst is less likely to form.

It's also important to treat any skin conditions around your vagina, such as dermatitis. This can lower your chance of having a Bartholin's cyst.

Resources and support

The Royal Women's Hospital provides advice on how to stay healthy down there, by reducing the symptoms of infections and irritations.

Jean Hailes for Women's Health provides information on how to look after your vulva and vagina. This fact sheet is available in English, as well as other languages.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.