Bartholin glands are located on both sides of the vaginal lips. These Bartholin glands secrete fluid that serves as lubrication during intercourse for women. Due to their very small size, these glands cannot be reached by the naked eye or hands. So, what is meant by Bartholin’s cyst? Can this condition be caused by unsafe intercourse? Instead of speculating, let’s explore the explanation here!
Bartholin’s Cyst, Can Disappear on Its Own
Bartholin’s cyst is a swelling or lump on one or both sides of the vagina. This cyst forms when the Bartholin gland is blocked. If you have this condition, you don’t need to worry too much. Because this condition can disappear without treatment if it is not infected.
Symptoms That Appear in Bartholin’s Cyst Patients
Some conditions that could be signs that you are suffering from this disease include:
- Bartholin’s cyst that exists and is not infected usually appears as a lump in the vaginal area without pain and feels soft. Usually, this cyst will be found accidentally when women undergo examinations in the genital area.
- This cyst can enlarge within a few hours or days if infected. This infection will cause pain due to swelling in the cyst accompanied by pus. This condition makes the sufferer have difficulty sitting, walking, or having intercourse.
Symptoms that occur may also be accompanied by fever. Bartholin’s cyst is a disease whose signs and symptoms depend on the condition of the sufferer. The main symptoms include pain due to swelling in the area around the vagina.
Causes of Bartholin’s Cyst
This disease occurs due to blockage of the duct directly into the vagina. This blocked duct will then accumulate excess fluid and develop into a cyst. This cyst can enlarge after someone has intercourse. Blockages that occur can be caused by several factors, such as long-term irritation, bacterial infections, or inflammation of the vagina.
Not Using Condoms Increases the Risk of Bartholin’s Cyst Infection
Not engaging in safe intercourse is one of the triggering factors for this condition. Using condoms during intercourse is one way to avoid sexually transmitted infections and prevent cyst infection. Bartholin’s cyst can be prevented by starting habits to maintain cleanliness around the vaginal area, such as:
- Wash the vagina with bleach-free and soft-textured tissue.
- Do not wash the vagina from back to front.
- Do not use panty liners too often.
- If menstruating, don’t forget to always change pads.
- Clean the vagina with warm water.
- Do not use vaginal cleanser soap too often.
- Dry the vagina after urination.
- Clean the vagina before and after intercourse.
Treatment for this disease will depend on the condition of the sufferer. Small cysts that do not cause any symptoms can disappear on their own. Whereas if severe symptoms such as pain or infection occur, usually the doctor will conduct routine examinations to monitor the cyst’s progress.
