What is Bartholin's Cyst? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Methods

Bartholin's cyst is defined as a cystic structure that occurs as a result of the blockage of the Bartholin glands, which are located on both sides of the vaginal opening and produce fluid. These glands produce fluid that lubricates the vagina. However, if the ducts of the glands are blocked, the fluid cannot come out and accumulates in the gland, which leads to cyst formation. Most Bartholin cysts are small and painless, but they can turn into a painful abscess when infected.

 

What is a Bartholin Cyst?

A Bartholin cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that occurs when one or both of the Bartholin glands located on either side of the vaginal opening become blocked. The Bartholin glands produce fluid that keeps the vagina lubricated. Normally, this fluid is expelled from the glands through small ducts. However, if the ducts become blocked, fluid begins to accumulate and a cyst forms. Bartholin cysts are usually painless and can be small in size. However, if the cyst becomes infected, it can turn into a painful abscess and require treatment.

Bartholin Cyst Symptoms

Most Bartholin cysts are small and asymptomatic. However, as the cyst grows and becomes infected, some symptoms may appear.

Common Symptoms of Bartholin's Cyst:

• Swelling: A lump or swelling noticed at the entrance to the vagina.
• Pain: Severe pain and discomfort, especially when infected.
• Redness: Redness and tenderness in the area where the cyst is.
• Fever: An increase in body temperature when the cyst is infected.
• Discomfort During Sex: The cyst may cause pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse. can be.
• Discomfort While Walking or Sitting: Large cysts can create pressure and discomfort while walking or sitting.

The cyst can grow without becoming infected, but symptoms become more severe when an infection (abscess) develops.

Causes of Bartholin Cyst

The main cause of Bartholin cyst is the blockage of the ducts of the Bartholin gland. The blockage causes the gland to be unable to expel fluid and the fluid accumulates, forming a cyst.

Causes of Bartholin Cyst Formation:

• Infections: Bacterial infections (especially Escherichia coli and sexually transmitted infections) can cause the gland ducts to become blocked and an infection to develop.
• Skin Congestion or Irritation: Irritation, infection or trauma in the vaginal area can cause the glands to become blocked.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause Bartholin can pave the way for the development of cysts.

The cyst usually grows and becomes painful due to bacterial infections.

How Does a Bartholin Cyst Form?

Bartholin cysts usually occur when the gland ducts become blocked and fluid accumulates in these ducts. The blockage may be caused by infection or may develop due to narrowing of the ducts. When the cyst becomes infected, abscesses (pus-filled structures) appear and the pain becomes more severe.

Cyst Formation Process:

1. Obstruction: The duct of the Bartholin gland becomes blocked.
2. Fluid Accumulation: The fluid produced by the gland accumulates and forms a cyst.
3. Infection: If the cyst becomes infected, bacteria accumulate inside the cyst and form an abscess.

It is important to treat the cyst when it becomes infected, otherwise the abscess can grow and cause severe pain.

How Is a Bartholin Cyst Diagnosed?

A Bartholin cyst is usually diagnosed during a physical exam. The doctor will check for a lump in the vaginal area and assess the size of the cyst. If there is an infected cyst, symptoms such as inflammation and redness are also observed.

Methods Used in Diagnosing Bartholin Cyst:

• Physical Examination: The doctor makes the diagnosis by examining the size of the cyst and whether there is an infection.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound may be used to evaluate the contents of the cyst and obtain more detailed information.
• Biopsy: In rare cases, doctors may take a biopsy to check for cancerous cells in recurring cysts.

DiagnosisIt can usually be diagnosed with a simple exam, and additional tests are performed to examine the severity of the infection or the structure of the cyst.

Bartholin Cyst Treatment Methods

Most Bartholin cysts are small, painless, and do not require treatment. However, if the cyst grows or becomes infected, treatment may be required. Treatment varies depending on the size of the cyst and whether or not it is infected.

Treatment Options for Bartholin's Cyst:

• Warm Compress: For small, uninfected cysts, warm compresses or hot baths may help the cyst drain on its own.
• Incision and Drainage: For infected cysts or abscesses, the doctor may cut open the cyst and drain the fluid. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia.
• Marsupialization: For recurring cysts, the gland duct is surgically opened, leaving a permanent opening. This will prevent the cyst from filling up again.
• Antibiotics: If the cyst is infected and an abscess has formed, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic treatment.

Small cysts usually go away on their own without treatment, but large or painful cysts may require medical attention.

Bartholin Cyst and Infection

When a Bartholin cyst becomes infected, a painful condition called an abscess occurs. An abscess develops when bacteria multiply within the cyst and can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever if left untreated.

Bartholin's Abscess Symptoms:

• Severe Pain and Tenderness: Intense pain, especially during walking, sitting, and sexual intercourse.
• Swelling and Redness: Significant swelling and redness in the area where the infected cyst is located.
• Fever and Weakness: If the infection spreads, fever and general weakness may occur.

Bartholin's abscess usually requires surgical intervention and antibiotic treatment.

Bartholin Cyst and Sexual Health

Bartholin cysts can affect sexual health, especially when they are large and painful. The cyst can cause pressure and discomfort during sexual intercourse. In addition, infected cysts can cause more pain during sexual intercourse.

Effects on Sexual Health:

• Painful Sexual Intercourse: As the cyst grows, pain or discomfort may be felt during sexual intercourse.
• Stop Sexual Intercourse: In cases of large cysts or abscesses, sexual intercourse may need to be avoided until the healing process is complete.

Untreated cysts can negatively affect sexual health, so a doctor should be consulted for treatment in case of pain or discomfort.

Bartholin Cyst Surgery

If Bartholin cyst cannot be treated or recurs, surgical intervention may be required. Surgical methods offer an effective solution, especially for recurrent abscesses and large cysts.

Surgical Interventions for Bartholin Cyst:

• Marsupialization: In this procedure, after the cyst is drained, the cut cyst walls are opened and a permanent opening is created. This prevents the cyst from filling up again.
• Bartholin Gland Removal: In rare cases, in cases of recurring cysts and abscesses, the entire Bartholin gland may need to be removed.

These procedures are usually performed under local anesthesia and the recovery process can take several weeks.

Recurrence of Bartholin Cyst

Some women may notice that the cyst recurs after having a Bartholin cyst. The likelihood of the cyst recurring depends on the treatment method and the size of the cyst. Surgical intervention or marsupialization may provide a permanent solution for recurrent cysts.

Preventive Measures for Recurrent Cysts:

• Ensuring Hygiene: Paying attention to the hygiene of the vaginal area can reduce the risk of infection.
• Regular Follow-up: Early treatment is important when cyst symptoms reoccur.
• Surgical Intervention: Surgical intervention may be required for a permanent solution for recurrent cysts.

If left untreated, Bartholin's cysts may reoccur, so surgical options should be considered in recurrent cases.

Home Treatment Methods for Bartholin Cyst

If the Bartholin cyst is small and not infected, some methods you can apply at home can help relieve or heal the cyst.

Home Treatment Methodsi:

• Hot Bath (Sitz Bath): Taking a hot water bath can help the cyst drain on its own. These baths can be done several times a day.
• Hot Compress: A cloth soaked in hot water can be placed on the cyst to reduce swelling and drain the fluid.
• Painkillers: Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain and discomfort.

These methods can help shrink the cyst, but if there are signs of infection, a doctor should definitely be consulted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can a Bartholin cyst turn into cancer?

Bartholin cysts are usually benign and have a very low risk of turning into cancer. However, Bartholin gland cancer can rarely occur. Therefore, a biopsy may be recommended for cysts that do not go away for a long time or that recur.

2. Can a Bartholin cyst be painless?

Yes, Bartholin cysts are usually painless when they are small. However, they become painful when the cyst grows or becomes infected.

3. Does a Bartholin cyst go away on its own?

Small cysts usually go away on their own without treatment. However, large or infected cysts require treatment.

4. Does a Bartholin cyst prevent sexual intercourse?

Large and painful cysts can cause discomfort during sexual intercourse. It is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse until the cyst is treated.

5. Is it possible to treat a Bartholin cyst at home?

Warm baths and compresses can be applied to small and uninfected cysts. However, if there are signs of infection, medical intervention may be necessary.

6. How is a Bartholin cyst drained?

For an infected cyst (abscess), the doctor drains the cyst using the incision and drainage method. At home, a warm compress or a sitz bath can help the cyst drain naturally.