- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Bartholin’s Cysts
A Bartholin’s cyst is formed when mucous in the Bartholin’s gland gets trapped. The Bartholin’s gland is a small gland that secretes mucous when a woman is sexually stimulated. The mucous helps to lubricate the vagina in preparation for intercourse.
Sometimes external factors cause the mucous to get trapped in the gland and it fills up. This creates a fluid filled sac that is called a Bartholin’s cyst. These cysts are fairly common, and aren’t usually a problem. They can be very small, and can go away of their own accord in a short period of time. It is when they grow or become infected that they become a problem. An enlarged Bartholin’s cyst can cause discomfort when walking or pain during intercourse. This can be a very distressing situation for the patient suffering from the cyst, and steps must be taken to remove it.
Little is known of the exact causes of Bartholin’s cysts. Research has shown that they are somehow linked with a number of sexually transmitted infections. The studies show that women who have contracted these infections may be more prone to having Bartholin’s cysts. Because of this, a good way to prevent them from developing is to practise safe sex.
Bartholin’s cysts present themselves as small lump that can be felt in the vagina or vulva. If they become more developed, they can cause the labia to swell and become tender. Any women experiencing these symptoms, as well as pain or discomfort, should consult their local GP or gynaecologist as soon as possible. If a Bartholin’s cyst becomes infected, it forms an abscess. If evidence of a cyst if found, the patient must be screened for sexually transmitted infections. These infections can be dealt with separately.
There is a simple way of treating Bartholin’s cysts and preventing recurring problems. A small incision in the skin is made, and the fluid inside the cyst is drained. A small balloon is then placed inside the hole left behind by the cyst, and is inflated. This balloon will occupy the space left behind, allowing the skin to heal and preventing fluid from filling the space again. Once the wound has healed completely, the balloon can be removed and the hole left behind will eventually disappear. Women over the age of 40 who have Bartholin’s cysts may have to have a small biopsy performed to check if there are any signs of cancer.