What are Bartholin’s cysts. How do they form. What symptoms do they cause. When should you seek medical attention. What treatment options are available. How can you manage symptoms at home. Are there any long-term complications.

Understanding Bartholin’s Cysts: A Common Gynecological Concern

Bartholin’s cysts are a relatively common gynecological issue that affects many women during their reproductive years. These noncancerous lumps develop when the Bartholin’s glands, located between the vulva and vagina, become blocked. While often not a serious medical concern, Bartholin’s cysts can cause discomfort and, in some cases, lead to more significant complications if left untreated.

According to the British Medical Journal, approximately 2% of women seeking gynecological care in the United States present with Bartholin’s cysts. This statistic highlights the prevalence of this condition and the importance of understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

The Function and Location of Bartholin’s Glands

To fully grasp the nature of Bartholin’s cysts, it’s crucial to understand the role of the Bartholin’s glands in female reproductive health. These small, pea-sized glands are located on either side of the vaginal opening and play a vital role in sexual function.

• Produce lubricating fluid
• Reduce friction during sexual intercourse
• Typically not visible to the naked eye

When functioning normally, the Bartholin’s glands secrete a clear, odorless fluid that helps maintain vaginal moisture and facilitates comfortable sexual activity. However, when these glands become obstructed, it can lead to the formation of a Bartholin’s cyst.

Identifying Symptoms of Bartholin’s Cysts

One of the challenges in diagnosing Bartholin’s cysts is that they often don’t cause noticeable symptoms, especially when they’re small. Many women may have a cyst without even realizing it until it’s discovered during a routine gynecological examination. However, as the cyst grows or becomes infected, several symptoms may become apparent:

• A painless lump near the vaginal opening
• Swelling or enlargement of one side of the vulva
• Discomfort or pain during walking, sitting, or sexual intercourse
• Redness and tenderness in the affected area

Is pain always present with a Bartholin’s cyst? Not necessarily. Many women experience no pain at all, especially with smaller cysts. However, larger cysts or those that have become infected (forming an abscess) are more likely to cause discomfort.

Causes and Risk Factors for Bartholin’s Cysts

The primary cause of Bartholin’s cysts is a blockage in the ducts that drain the glands. This obstruction leads to fluid buildup, causing the gland to swell and form a cyst. While the exact reason for this blockage isn’t always clear, several factors can increase the likelihood of developing a Bartholin’s cyst:

1. Bacterial infections
2. Sexual activity
3. Age (most common in women between 20 and 30 years old)
4. Previous Bartholin’s cysts
5. Physical trauma to the vulvar area
6. Previous vaginal or vulvar surgery

Can sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause Bartholin’s cysts? While Bartholin’s cysts themselves are not sexually transmitted, certain STIs can increase the risk of developing an infected cyst or abscess. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, is one of the most common pathogens found in infected Bartholin’s cysts.

Bacterial Culprits Behind Bartholin’s Cysts

Several types of bacteria can contribute to the formation of Bartholin’s cysts or their progression into abscesses:

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae (causes gonorrhea)
• Chlamydia trachomatis (causes chlamydia)
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae

Understanding these potential bacterial causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if the cyst becomes infected and forms an abscess.

Diagnosing Bartholin’s Cysts: When to Seek Medical Attention

Given that many Bartholin’s cysts are asymptomatic, they often go unnoticed until a routine gynecological exam. However, there are certain situations where seeking medical attention is advisable:

• A noticeable, painful lump in the vulvar area
• Persistent discomfort or pain during daily activities
• Signs of infection (fever, redness, swelling)
• Rapid growth of the cyst
• Cyst development in postmenopausal women

Why is it important for postmenopausal women to have vulvar lumps checked? While Bartholin’s cysts are generally not a cause for concern in women of reproductive age, any new lumps or cysts in postmenopausal women should be evaluated to rule out malignancies.

During a medical examination, the healthcare provider will typically perform a physical exam and may take a sample of fluid from the cyst for laboratory testing. This helps determine if an infection is present and, if so, identify the specific bacteria involved.

Treatment Options for Bartholin’s Cysts

The approach to treating Bartholin’s cysts depends on the size of the cyst, the presence of symptoms, and whether an infection has developed. Treatment options range from conservative home remedies to surgical interventions:

Conservative Management

For small, asymptomatic cysts, a wait-and-see approach may be recommended. The healthcare provider may advise monitoring the cyst for any changes in size or symptoms.

Home Remedies

Several at-home treatments can help manage symptoms and potentially encourage the cyst to drain naturally:

• Sitz baths: Soaking the affected area in warm water for 10-15 minutes, several times a day
• Warm compresses: Applying a warm, damp cloth to the area
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Using acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage discomfort

Medical Interventions

For larger cysts or those causing significant discomfort, medical treatments may be necessary:

1. Antibiotics: Prescribed if an infection is present
2. Drainage: A small incision is made to allow the cyst to drain
3. Marsupialization: A surgical procedure to create a permanent opening for drainage
4. Word catheter placement: A small, inflatable catheter is inserted to allow continuous drainage
5. Gland excision: In rare, recurrent cases, surgical removal of the gland may be recommended

How effective are these treatments? Most Bartholin’s cysts respond well to treatment, with many resolving on their own or with conservative management. However, recurrence is possible, and some women may experience multiple cysts over time.

Preventing Bartholin’s Cysts and Maintaining Vulvar Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent Bartholin’s cysts, certain practices can help maintain overall vulvar health and potentially reduce the risk of cyst formation:

• Practice good hygiene, but avoid excessive washing or use of harsh soaps
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing that can cause irritation
• Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections
• Attend regular gynecological check-ups

Can lifestyle changes prevent all Bartholin’s cysts? While these practices can promote overall vulvar health, it’s important to note that some women may be more prone to developing cysts due to factors beyond their control, such as anatomy or hormonal influences.

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Complications

For most women, Bartholin’s cysts are a temporary inconvenience that resolves with proper treatment. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential complications:

• Recurrence: Some women may experience multiple cysts over time
• Abscess formation: If a cyst becomes infected, it can develop into a painful abscess
• Cellulitis: In rare cases, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues
• Sepsis: Although extremely rare, severe infections can lead to systemic complications

Does having a Bartholin’s cyst affect fertility or pregnancy? Generally, Bartholin’s cysts do not impact fertility or the ability to have a healthy pregnancy. However, large cysts or abscesses may need to be treated before or during pregnancy to prevent complications during childbirth.

Understanding Bartholin’s cysts, their causes, and treatment options empowers women to seek appropriate care and maintain their reproductive health. While these cysts can be uncomfortable and concerning, they are typically benign and manageable with proper medical attention. By staying informed and attentive to changes in their bodies, women can effectively address Bartholin’s cysts and minimize their impact on overall well-being.

Bartholin’s cyst: Causes, treatment, and symptoms

A Bartholin’s cyst is a firm, tender, noncancerous lump. It develops due to a blockage in the Bartholin’s glands, between the vulva and the vagina. If bacteria enter the cyst, an abscess can form, and the person will need medical attention.

The Bartholin’s glands sit between the vagina and the vulva and are not usually visible to the naked eye. They produce a fluid that helps reduce friction during sex.

Bartholin’s cysts are firm, tender masses that do not always cause pain. Although infectious agents are not responsible for causing the cysts to develop, bacteria can enter the fluid in them once they have formed. If this occurs, the cysts may become abscesses.

In the United States, Bartholin’s cysts are present in about 2% of people seeking gynecological care, according to the British Medical Journal.

In this article, we look at the symptoms, causes, and treatment of Bartholin’s cysts.

Bartholin’s cysts do not always cause pain. A person may have a cyst and not know about it until they undergo a routine examination by a doctor or have a consultation for other gynecological health concerns.

Major symptoms are not common. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include a slight lump in the labia. The cyst usually only develops in one of the two glands.

Cysts may not be noticeable at first, but they can sometimes have effects on the labia, causing one of the lips to become larger than the other.

A cyst is a closed sac-like structure full of liquid, air, or other substances.

Cysts can range in size from that of a lentil to a golf ball. Although Bartholin’s cysts cannot pass from person to person through sexual contact, gonorrhea or chlamydia may be an underlying cause.

Larger cysts are more likely to cause discomfort and pain in the vulva, especially during sexual intercourse, while walking, or when in a sitting position.

Bartholin’s cysts should not be a cause for concern in people of reproductive age.

However, after menopause, it is prudent to check the genitals for any lumps or cysts and seek consultation with a doctor about possible malignancies.

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 painful.

A doctor may prescribe broad spectrum antibiotics to counter the actions of the infectious agent that is creating the pus buildup.

The abscess can develop rapidly. A person may notice the following symptoms in the area around the abscess:

• redness
• tenderness
• a sensation of heat from the area
• pain during sexual activity
• fever
• rupturing and leakage

The Bartholin’s glands produce a lubricating fluid that helps reduce friction during sexual intercourse.

This fluid travels from the Bartholin’s glands down ducts into the lower part of the entrance to the vagina.

If there is a blockage of mucus in these ducts, the lubricant accumulates. This buildup causes the ducts to expand and a Bartholin’s cyst to form.

The reaction of the immune system to a bacterial infectious agent may cause the blockage and subsequent abscess. Examples of these agents include:

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes gonorrhea, a disease that is transmissible via sexual contact
• Chlamydia trachomatis, which causes chlamydia
• Escherichia coli, which can affect the 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 infections

While doctors do not consider Bartholin’s cyst to result exclusively from sexual transmission, N. gonorrhoeae is among the most common pathogens that doctors isolate when testing the cysts.

The exact causes of duct blockage are often unclear, though bacteria have a role to play.

However, the following characteristics increase a person’s likelihood of developing a Bartholin’s cyst:

• being sexually active
• being between 20 and 30 years of age
• having previously had a Bartholin’s cyst
• having experienced physical trauma in the affected area
• having undergone surgery of the vagina or vulva

If a Bartholin’s cyst is small and presents no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. However, doctors are likely to ask the person to monitor the cyst and report on whether it increases in size or presents discomfort.

If a small cyst causes discomfort, at-home treatment options include:

• Pain relievers: Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may help a person with a Bartholin’s cyst relieve discomfort.
• A warm bath: Soaking the cyst for 10–15 minutes may help it burst and heal.
• A warm compress: Applying gentle pressure to the cyst with a flannel or cotton wool ball soaked in hot water can help.

It is important, however, to seek consultation about any unusual or suspicious lumps in the vaginal area, especially if a person has entered menopause.

Larger cysts or those that have become abscesses may require drainage and treatment.

If the cyst has developed into an abscess, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

For larger cysts, a doctor may recommend surgery after the completion of a course of antibiotics. The procedure for draining a large cyst is known as a balloon catheter insertion.

This procedure takes place under local anesthetic and involves the following steps:

• The doctor inserts a catheter into the cyst.
• They inflate the catheter and may use stitches to keep it in place.
• The catheter remains in place for about 4 weeks to allow the fluid to drain.

Other treatments include:

• Marsupialization: The surgeon cuts the cyst open and drains the fluid. They stitch the edges of the skin open to allow the secretions to come through.
• Carbon dioxide laser: This highly focused laser can create an opening that helps drain the cyst.
• Needle aspiration: The surgeon uses a needle to drain the cyst. Sometimes, after draining the cyst, they fill the cavity with a 70%-alcohol solution for a few minutes before drainage. This solution reduces the risk of bacteria entering the wound.
• Gland excision: If a person has many recurring cysts that do not respond well to any therapies, the doctor may recommend removing the Bartholin’s gland completely.

A doctor can usually diagnose this type of cyst during a pelvic examination.

They may advise an individual to undergo testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on discovering a Bartholin’s cyst. This process will involve urine or blood tests, as well as a swab from the genital area.

If the person has entered menopause, the doctor may recommend a biopsy of the cyst to rule out vulvar cancer.

As doctors are unsure as to the cause of the initial duct blockage, there are not many recommendations for preventing a Bartholin’s cyst.

However, because STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause the cyst, people who are sexually active can reduce their risk by using barrier contraception, such as a condom or dental dam.

Using the home remedy options in this article can help people with an asymptomatic cyst prevent the formation of an abscess.

A Bartholin’s cyst is a growth on the Bartholin’s glands, which provide lubrication during sexual contact.

The cyst is often painless and barely noticeable until a doctor diagnoses it during a routine examination or while investigating another health condition.

Bacterial infectious agents often cause the initial duct blockage that leads to Bartholin’s cysts, although the exact mechanisms behind the blockage are often unclear. Some STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause the cyst.

It is often safe to leave small, painless cysts alone or use home remedies to address any discomfort.

However, large cysts or those that have become abscesses may need further medical attention. Several procedures are available for the management of Bartholin’s cysts, including balloon catheter inflation.

It is important to seek consultation about any unusual lumps on the vulva or vagina to rule out cancers and other health concerns.

Bartholin’s Cyst – Is It Dangerous and How to Treat It?

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Bartholin’s glands are parts of the vagina in charge of secreting fluids that perform the role of a lubricant during sexual intercourse. They are located between the vagina and the vulva, on either side of the vaginal lips, and they are around 0.4 inches in size. 

Vaginal cysts that develop on the Bartholin’s glands are called Bartholin’s cysts and appear because of blockages at the openings of the glands. Usually, they are firm and tender, shaped like lumps on the vagina, and they are, in fact, just mucus buildup that turns into a lump. If the cysts get infected by bacteria, they can become red and swollen and grow as big as a golf ball.

Although the cysts do not cause pain in most cases, they can cause irritation and unpleasant sensations during activities such as walking, sitting, or sexual intercourse. Some of them are small, and a person does not even notice them, but if they become infected, then they might be painful, and you might need a doctor’s advice.

Dr. Leonardo Blachar is an expert on this topic, amongst others, and if you are looking for efficient advice on how to handle this condition, this is the address to turn to. For other details which might be helpful, continue reading this article because, in the following sections, we will deliberate more on the causes, symptoms, and Bartholin’s cyst treatments. 

Causes of the Bartholin’s Gland Cysts 

Vaginal cysts of this type can occur in all women, and research shows that around two percent of females will get them at a certain period of their reproductive age. The chances of getting this type of lump on the vagina decrease as they get to their menopausal years. 

Other factors which might influence this, apart from age, are:

• Frequent sexual activity 
• Having the Bartholin’s gland cyst before
• Surgery of the vagina or vulva
• Previous physical harm in the same area 

When it comes to causes, doctors generally do not have the answer to why some women are prone to it, and some are not. Several reasons might affect the creation of the cysts, and it is essential to get acquainted with them:

• Injury
• Irritation
• Additional skin growth in the vulvar area
• Bacteria that cause gonorrhea and chlamydia
• Bacteria that cause other sexually transmitted infections
• Bacteria that cause pneumonia, ear infections, and respiratory issues
• E.coli bacteria, which causes hemorrhagic colitis 

Symptoms of the Bartholin’s Gland Cysts

As stated before, having Bartholin’s cysts does not necessarily mean you will be in pain. Some women are unaware of their cysts until a doctor examines their general reproductive health and spots their presence. They are sometimes very tiny and do not cause any problems whatsoever. 

The symptoms develop when a vaginal cyst becomes infected (an abscess appears). Usually, this type of cyst develops only in one of the two glands, and even though we might not notice it at first, it can affect the vaginal lips so that the infected one becomes much larger than the other. 

Some of the symptoms are: 

• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Fever 
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse, sitting, walking
• Discomfort while inserting a tampon
• Pain while touching the area
• Redness
• Increase of the cyst in size (larger cysts equal greater discomfort)
• Leakage from the cyst 

So, what happens when bacteria enter the cyst fluid? When this occurs, the bacteria cause a buildup of discharge, creating an abscess. The abscess is very painful, and it most probably needs medical attention. It develops very fast, and these are some of the signs that you might want to be on the lookout for to catch it in the early stages:

• Tenderness
• Redness
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Fever
• Heat sensation in the area
• Ruptures
• Leakage 

Diagnosis and Treatment 

When it comes to diagnosis of the condition, your chosen doctor will perform a physical pelvic examination. The size of the cyst and any symptoms of infection will be looked at, and if there is any leakage from the cyst, this fluid will be taken to be tested for STIs and other bacterial infections. You might also need to do a urine and a blood test. 

For women who turned 40 years of age or more, the examination could also include a biopsy of the cystic tissue to rule out the chances of vulvar cancer and other more severe conditions. If the biopsy shows that there is a reason for worry, then the cysts get surgically removed. Although the chances of getting cancer in Bartholin’s glands are very slim, it is essential to rule out all the potential threats, especially if the person is over the age of 60.  

Bartholin’s cysts treatments include different approaches depending on how big the cyst is, whether the person feels discomfort or not and whether it is infected. 

Usually, when the cysts are small, and you do not even notice them, no treatment is necessary. This said, it is of high importance to follow the state of the cysts and their development to be able to avoid additional complications and treat them on time. 

Some of the treatments for smaller size Bartholin’s cysts are: 

• A warm bath: sitting in a warm tub for 10-15 minutes several times a day might relieve the pain
• Pain medication: can help with pain relief (ibuprofen and alike)
• Warm towel: soaking the towel or cotton ball in warm water and applying tender pressure on the area 

When it comes to larger cysts, which in addition might also be infected, these are the recommended treatments:

• Antibiotics: might be prescribed by doctors if your cyst is infected or you have an STI
• Surgery: draining the fluid from the cyst when it is infected is a standard procedure done with a catheter which is placed for a few weeks to be able to completely drain the cyst
• Laser: doctors use a carbon dioxide laser to drain a cyst by creating an opening that helps with the drainage 
• Marsupialization: surgery where the cyst is opened and drained. Afterward, the surgeons use the edges of the cyst to create a “pocket” for all future drainages
• Needle usage: the doctors might use a needle to drain the cyst while putting alcohol solution afterward to reduce the chances of new potential bacteria entering the wound
• Complete removal: if none of the abovementioned therapies are working, then in extreme cases, doctors surgically remove the Bartholin’s glands 

More On Managing The Condition

Here are some last tips on handling Bartholin’s cysts:

• Generally, you should not be immensely worried about these cysts during your reproductive age – just go to regular gynecological check-ups and follow all the advice given to you by your chosen medical professional
• In some cases, the cysts go away on their own without any need for treatments or remedies.
• There are not many ways to prevent Bartholin’s cysts because doctors do not know what exactly is causing them, but keeping safe during sexual intercourse is advised in order to decrease the chances of STIs, which do affect the development of the cysts.
• If the cyst bursts or drains on its own, that is not a problem; just clean the area to prevent any further spread of infection. 
• Do not pop or drain the cysts on your own because this can cause an infection.

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Bartholin’s gland cyst – symptoms, causes, signs, diagnosis and treatment in the “SM-Clinic”

The pathology is not common, the frequency of occurrence is about 2%. At risk are women of early reproductive age (from 20 to 30 years).

For a long time, a Bartholin gland cyst may not cause discomfort to the patient. Pain for this condition is uncharacteristic. The only manifestation is the presence of a rounded formation of a soft elastic consistency in the thickness of the labia majora on the left or right side (the process is usually one-sided).

If the treatment is started in time, the Bartholin’s cyst can be eliminated on an outpatient basis. If it reaches a large size, then its surgical removal is required. In some cases, cysts can cause suppuration.

Types of Bartholin gland cysts

Bartholin gland cysts can be of 2 types:

• uncomplicated – there is no inflammation in the glandular tissue (acute bartholinitis or gland abscess);
• complicated – there is an inflammatory process, and often has a purulent character.

Symptoms of Bartholin’s cyst

The main complaint that patients with Bartholin’s cyst present is the presence of a rounded formation in the projection of the large genital lip. On palpation in the absence of an inflammatory process, the cyst is painless, has a softly elastic consistency and clear, even contours. Discomfort joins when the formation reaches a large size. Sometimes cysts can enlarge after sexual intercourse, because. there is an additional secretion of a natural moisturizer.

In cases of infection, a purulent process may develop in the contents of the cyst – acute bartholinitis or abscessing inflammation of the Bartholin gland. This situation is characterized by acute pains of a pulsating nature, the intensity of which increases during walking and intimacy, reddening of the skin in the pathological area and an increase in body temperature to 38-39 ° C. There may even be unmotivated weakness and chills.

Causes of a Bartholin’s cyst

Obstruction of the discharge canal of the Bartholin’s gland can be caused by the following factors:

• trauma to the genital organs;
• infectious inflammation in the external genitalia;
• violent friction during sexual intimacy.

The presence of a Bartholin gland cyst increases the risk of developing an abscess in this location. The causes of purulent inflammation can be:

• conditional pathogens that constantly live in the female genital tract, but acquire pathogenic properties only when immunity is reduced;
• pathogens with sexual transmission (infection occurred from a sexual partner).

Abscess formation occurs quickly – 3-4 days is enough. Provoking factors are:

• sexual genital contact;
• non-compliance with hygiene measures on menstrual days, in the postpartum and post-abortion periods;
• wearing compressive underwear;
• mechanical friction of the external genitalia.

Diagnosis of Bartholin’s cyst

To make a correct diagnosis, it is enough for a gynecologist to conduct an objective examination. At the entrance to the vagina in the thickness of the labia, a pathological formation with dimensions of 1 cm or more is detected. In the presence of acute bartholinitis, soreness, swelling and redness of the skin appear, in the case of an abscess, all these signs are more pronounced, and fluctuation is also determined (softening center in the center). To identify possible causes of the formation of a Bartholin gland cyst and assess the overall level of health, the doctor may prescribe additional studies:

• microscopic examination of the discharge from the vagina – allows you to identify the inflammatory process;
• general clinical analysis of urine – with purulent inflammation of the gland, the content of leukocytes may increase;
• general clinical blood test – the number of leukocytes increases and the ESR accelerates with the development of an abscess;
• exclusion of urogenital infections using enzyme immunoassay or polymerase chain reaction.

In some cases, especially in women over 40 years of age, Bartholin’s gland cancer may be suspected. As part of an objective diagnosis under local anesthesia, a biopsy is performed using a needle. The resulting material is subjected to morphological examination.

Expert’s opinion

Bartholin’s gland cyst, formed once and reaching a certain size, may no longer increase. Sometimes, however, its growth can still occur, which can lead to discomfort and the formation of psychological complexes due to the unaesthetic nature of the genital organs (there is asymmetry in the area of ​​​​the entrance to the vagina), this is especially important for female models. Therefore, gynecologists are advised to weigh the pros and cons and make the right decision about the need to remove it. In addition, do not forget that the Bartholin gland cyst can fester at any time, and in most cases, purulent inflammation requires an urgent operation, the risks of which are greater than with a planned one.

Kalinina Natalya Anatolyevna,
obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductive specialist, ultrasound diagnostician

Bartholin gland cyst treatment methods

For small cysts, outpatient treatment is performed, for large cysts, surgical intervention is indicated.

Conservative treatment

Conservative therapy is selected by the gynecologist individually for each patient. It consists in accelerating the resorption of the contents of the cyst. Anti-inflammatory treatment may also be given. Warm sitz baths are recommended.

In the presence of acute bartholinitis on the background of a cyst in the absence of an abscess, timely antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy can help to avoid surgery.

Surgical treatment of Bartholin gland cyst

Surgical treatment is performed in 2 cases:

• large cyst;
• the desire of the patient to get rid of the pathological structure (regardless of its size).

There are 2 types of surgical interventions:

• Marsupilization – the gynecologist makes an incision over the cyst, and the edges of the capsule are sutured to the edges of the incision. Thus, a new hole is formed for the outflow of the secret of the Bartholin gland. Gradually, the wound narrows, and the incision site becomes invisible. To prevent the hole from closing prematurely, a drainage tube is inserted into the cyst cavity for 1-2 days.
• Removal of the Bartholin gland – is carried out in the case when marsupilization did not bring the desired result.

If a patient develops an abscess against the background of a Bartholin’s cyst, then its opening and thorough cleaning of the cavity are indicated. Be sure to introduce a drainage tube to prevent the re-accumulation of pus and contribute to the speedy relief of the inflammatory process. All patients with Bartholin’s gland abscess after autopsy are prescribed antibiotic therapy.

Prevention of Bartholin’s cysts

There is no specific prevention of the formation of Bartholin’s cysts. It is recommended to avoid sexually transmitted infections. To do this, in the absence of a permanent and reliable sexual partner, condoms are used.

Rehabilitation after surgery

Immediately after surgery for a Bartholin’s cyst, a woman can be discharged home. In the early postoperative period, it is recommended to carefully carry out hygiene measures, trying to ensure that the established drainage does not fall out. After a few days, you will need to come to the clinic for a follow-up examination, removal of stitches or removal of drainage, depending on the situation.

FAQ

No. This is a disease of adults, because. the glands of the genital organs begin to function only after puberty. However, if the girl has a swelling in the vulva, it is necessary to consult with a pediatric gynecologist.

Yes, relapses are typical for this condition. To reduce their likelihood, you need to consult a gynecologist and be examined for urogenital infections, also follow the rules of personal hygiene (in addition to the fact that you need to wash yourself regularly, it is important to do it right – from front to back, and not vice versa). If the pathological recurs, then a radical operation to remove the cyst will help prevent this.

No, there can be various pathological processes in this area. It can be a cyst of the Gartner passage (embryonic duct), and a leak, and much more. Only a qualified gynecologist will be able to understand the situation, establish the correct diagnosis and choose the correct treatment. Therefore, do not delay your visit to the doctor.

The mucous membrane has a good regenerative potential, so the incision site heals without a trace after a few weeks and no one can notice it (often even a gynecologist). It should be noted that this happens during planned operations, because. they are held against a favorable background. If an autopsy is performed for an already developed abscess of the Bartholin gland, then against the background of purulent inflammation, coarse scarring of the tissues is sometimes noted.

Gynecology. National guide Size: 20 MB Release year: 2009Author: Pod red. IN AND. Kulakova, G.M. Savelyeva, I.B. Manukhina

Ovarian cyst puncture – Reproductive medicine, gynecology, pregnancy monitoring, urology

Ovarian cyst puncture is a common diagnostic procedure that is used to determine the nature and composition of the fluid in the formation cavity. Puncture of an ovarian cyst is also used as a method of therapy for certain types of cystic formations.

Procedure description

Ovarian cyst puncture is performed under the control of ultrasound diagnostic equipment. The doctor pierces the wall of the cyst, and using a special needle equipped with an aspiration mechanism, extracts its contents into sterile test tubes. His specialist sends for additional biochemical and histological examination.

After the puncture of the ovarian cyst at the first stage is completed, a sclerosing preparation is injected into the formation cavity. Under its action, the walls of the cavity are “glued together” and the formation is resorbed. But ovarian cyst puncture for therapeutic purposes is carried out only on thin-walled cysts. Puncture, as a method of therapy, is of great importance in the treatment of ovarian endometrioid cysts.

Puncture of an ovarian cyst is used as a highly informative method for examining the condition of a cyst and determining the risk of its malignant degeneration. Puncture of an ovarian cyst is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. The postoperative recovery period takes only a day, after which the woman is discharged home.

Normally, ovarian cyst puncture is a non-traumatic operation that is performed quickly, targeted and has no cosmetic consequences. For some time, patients, according to reviews, feel nagging pains, note spotting, dizziness and headache. If the puncture of the ovarian cyst has led to fever and intense pain, you should immediately seek help.

When surgery is indicated

Cysts can be functional, which dissolve on their own when the hormonal status changes, and pathological, which interfere with the functioning of the abdominal organs and increase the risk of malignant processes in the body.

They must be removed if drug therapy does not work. Remove cysts that have reached a size of 16-20 mm. The basis for the appointment of aspiration is the risk of rupture of the cyst and the appearance of severe pain.

Contraindications

The procedure, like any surgical intervention, has contraindications, among which are unconditional:

• pregnancy;
• impaired coagulation function;
• presence of inflammatory and infectious processes in the abdominal cavity and reproductive system;
• malignant processes in the body;
• infectious diseases and systemic pathologies.

For uncomplicated cysts, this procedure is highly effective. But its infrequent use is due to:

• the risk of insemination of the abdominal cavity with atypical cells;
• risk of cyst persistence and pathology recurrence.

In order to predict the result of a cyst puncture, the following are taken into account:

• the patient’s age;
• education size;
• localization of the cyst in the ovary.

It is not recommended to remove large cysts in menopausal women, as there is a high risk of recurrence of the pathology.