What is Bartholin’s Cyst?
The Bartholin’s glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening. These glands produce fluid that helps lubricate the vagina.
Sometimes, the opening of these glands becomes blocked, causing the fluid to accumulate in the gland.
As a result, swelling occurs in the vaginal area. This swelling is then referred to as Bartholin’s cyst, and generally, this condition usually does not cause pain.
If the fluid inside the Bartholin’s cyst becomes infected, there is a possibility that a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue (abscess) may occur.
Bartholin’s cyst or abscess is also noted as a fairly common condition.
Treatment for Bartholin’s cyst depends on the size of the cyst, how painful it is, and whether the cyst is infected.
Causes of Bartholin’s Cyst
The Bartholin’s glands produce lubricating fluid that helps reduce pain during sexual intercourse.
This fluid flows from the Bartholin’s glands into the front lower part of the vagina and into the vagina.
If there is mucus blockage in this duct, the lubricant will then accumulate.
If left untreated, this accumulation causes the duct to widen, and a Bartholin’s cyst forms.
The immune system’s reaction to these bacterial infection agents can also cause blockages and subsequent abscesses.
Examples of bacteria that can cause blockages or abscesses include:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease.
- Chlamydia trachomatis, which causes chlamydia.
- Escherichia coli, which can affect water supply and cause hemorrhagic colitis.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause pneumonia and middle ear infections.
- Haemophilus influenzae, which can cause ear infections and respiratory tract infections.
Meanwhile, experts have not found evidence that this cyst can be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
Risk Factors for Bartholin’s Cyst
The exact cause of duct blockage is often unknown, although bacteria play a role.
However, there are several characteristics that can increase the likelihood of developing a Bartholin’s cyst:
- Sexually active.
- Aged between 20 and 30 years.
- Previously had Bartholin’s cyst.
- Experienced physical trauma to the affected area.
- Have undergone vaginal or vulvar surgery.
Symptoms of Bartholin’s Cyst
If someone has a small, uninfected Bartholin’s cyst, they may not be aware of it.
However, if the cyst grows, they may feel a lump near the vaginal opening.
Although cysts usually do not cause pain, they can cause discomfort.
Bartholin’s cyst infection can occur within days. If the cyst becomes infected, the sufferer may experience symptoms such as:
- Soft lump and pain near the vaginal opening.
- Discomfort when walking or sitting.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Fever.
Bartholin’s cyst or abscess usually occurs only on one side of the vaginal opening.
Diagnosis of Bartholin’s Cyst
To diagnose Bartholin’s cyst, the doctor will perform one or more examinations such as:
- Interview about medical history.
- Pelvic physical examination.
- Vaginal secretions examination to see if there are sexually transmitted diseases.
For those over 40 years old, they are recommended to undergo a biopsy to examine for cancer cells.
Treatment for Bartholin’s Cyst
Generally, Bartholin’s cyst does not require special treatment, especially if it does not cause symptoms.
If Bartholin’s cyst is bothersome, there are several treatment options available:
1. Soaking in warm water.
Soaking in warm water several times a day for 3-4 days can help small cysts rupture and drain on their own.
2. Surgical Drainage.
If the cyst is infected or very large, surgical drainage can be performed.
This drainage can be done with local anesthesia or sedation. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small incision so that the fluid can drain.
The doctor then places a small catheter in the incision and leaves it there for about 6 weeks so that drainage can be completed.
3. Antibiotics.
For infected cysts, antibiotics are needed to kill bacteria, especially if the cyst is proven to be infected by pathogens that cause sexually transmitted diseases.
However, if the abscess has been completely drained, the doctor often does not need to prescribe antibiotics.
4. Marsupialization.
If Bartholin’s cyst occurs repeatedly and is very bothersome, marsupialization can be performed.
In this procedure, the doctor puts stitches on each side of the incision to create a permanent outlet less than 6 millimeters in size.
A small catheter can be placed to assist drainage for several days after the procedure.
This procedure can help reduce the recurrence of Bartholin’s cysts.
5. Removal of Bartholin’s Gland.
In very rare cases, such as when treatment is unsuccessful, the doctor may remove the Bartholin’s gland through surgery.
Complications of Bartholin’s Cyst
Sometimes, bacteria can enter the cyst fluid and cause a buildup of pus in the form of a Bartholin’s abscess.
This abscess can be very painful. However, the doctor may prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics to fight the action of infection agents that create pus buildup.
Abscesses can develop rapidly, and those experiencing them may notice some of the following symptoms in the area around the abscess:
- Redness.
- Tenderness.
- Heat sensation from that area.
- Pain during sexual activity.
- Fever.
- Rupture and discharge.
Prevention of Bartholin’s Cyst
There is no specific method that can effectively prevent Bartholin’s cysts from occurring.
However, engaging in safe sexual activity such as using condoms and maintaining good hygiene can help prevent infection in Bartholin’s cysts.
Additionally, this method can also prevent the formation of abscesses.
When to See a Doctor?
If the above treatment and prevention methods do not yield results, discuss with a doctor promptly.
