What is it?
Bartholin’s cyst is a painless lump that occurs when one of Bartholin’s glands is blocked. Bartholin’s glands are two pea-sized glands located on each side of the vaginal opening. They secrete a fluid that helps in the lubricating the vagina. When they are blocked due to infection, inflammation or long-term irritation, fluid is trapped and build-up occurs resulting to a lump - the Bartholin’s cyst.
What are the symptoms?
When small, Bartholin’s cyst do not cause symptoms. But when they are large, they can cause discomfort when sitting or during sexual intercourse. At times, it can be infected, which can make it tender, red and swollen resulting in pain in intercourse and fever. Sometimes, pain over the area below the belly button and above your legs may be experienced.
What to expect?
You can try the following:
- Use warm compress to help drain the gland and cyst. This also helps in preventing infection to occur.
- Maintain regular hygienic practices to help prevent infecting the cyst.
- Practise safer sex like using condoms to avoid infecting the cyst.
- Taking pain relievers can help ease pain and inflammation.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult your GP. However, when in severe pain seek immediate consult.