What is a Bartholin cyst?
A Bartholin cyst (or vulvar cyst) is a type of vaginal cyst that forms on either side of your labia (vaginal lips) near the opening of your vagina. It’s named after the Bartholin glands, which are two small glands (located on either side of your vagina) that produce a fluid that helps lubricate your vagina.
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A Bartholin cyst occurs when a blockage happens at the openings of one of these glands, causing the fluid to build up and form a lump. It typically only occurs on one of the two Bartholin glands. Some Bartholin cysts are small and don’t cause any pain. If the cyst becomes infected with bacteria, an abscess can form. An infected Bartholin cyst can be painful and may require medical treatment.
What does a Bartholin cyst look like?
Bartholin cysts will look like round, solid bumps under the skin on the lips of your vagina (labia). They’re often painless. Some may become red, tender and swollen if an infection occurs. Other Bartholin cysts may look like they’re filled with pus or fluid. Bartholin cysts can be as small as a pea or grow as large as a golf ball. The cyst may make one side of your labia appear larger or look lopsided.
How common are Bartholin cysts?
Bartholin cysts will occur in about 2% of females at some time in their lives. They’re more common when you’re between 20 and 40 years old. The chance of developing a Bartholin cyst decreases after menopause.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of a Bartholin cyst?
Many Bartholin cysts are small and don’t cause symptoms other than minor irritation. If a Bartholin cyst forms an abscess (infection), symptoms may include:
- Discomfort and pain during sex, walking, sitting, or when inserting a tampon or wiping after using the restroom.
- Swelling and tenderness in the area.
- Fever or chills.
- Redness.
- Drainage from the cyst.
- Change in size (the cyst gets larger).
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Are Bartholin cysts hard or soft?
Bartholin cysts are typically solid and firm when you touch them. The cysts may be slightly softer when fluid is trapped inside.
What causes a Bartholin cyst?
Healthcare providers don’t know the exact cause or why some people are prone to getting them. Some possible causes of Bartholin cysts are:
- Injury, irritation or extra growth of skin in the vulvar area of your vagina.
- Chlamydia, gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Bacterial infections such as Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Is a Bartholin cyst contagious?
Most Bartholin cysts don’t become infected and can’t spread during skin-to-skin contact. If an infected cyst bursts or ruptures, the bacteria inside can be contagious depending on the type of bacteria.
Are Bartholin cysts caused by an infection?
Bartholin cysts are typically not caused by a bacterial infection. They can become infected more commonly by E. coli (bacteria typically from your colon) and other bacterial infections or sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia. These bacteria can clog the Bartholin gland and lead to a cyst.
What are the risk factors for a Bartholin cyst?
Healthcare providers aren’t entirely sure why some people get Bartholin cysts and others don’t. You may be more likely to get a Bartholin cyst if you’ve already had one.