Why do i get bartholin cysts

If you have a small, noninfected Bartholin's cyst, you may not notice it. If the cyst grows, you might feel a lump or mass near your vaginal opening.

Although a cyst is usually painless, it can be tender. A full-blown infection of a Bartholin's cyst can occur in a matter of days.

If the cyst becomes infected, you may experience:. Call your doctor if you have a painful lump near the opening of your vagina that doesn't improve after two or three days of self-care — for instance, soaking the area in warm water sitz bath. If the pain is severe, make an appointment with your doctor right away. Also call your doctor promptly if you find a new lump near your vaginal opening and you're older than Although rare, such a lump may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as cancer.

Experts believe that the cause of a Bartholin's cyst is a backup of fluid. Fluid may accumulate when the opening of the gland duct becomes obstructed, perhaps caused by infection or injury. A Bartholin's cyst can become infected, forming an abscess. A number of bacteria may cause the infection, including Escherichia coli E.

There's no way to prevent a Bartholin's cyst. However, safer sex practices — in particular, using condoms — and good hygiene habits may help to prevent infection of a cyst and the formation of an abscess.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. The fluid helps protect vaginal tissue during sexual intercourse. They usually grow slowly. The main cause of a cyst is the backup of fluid that occurs when the ducts become blocked.

In some instances, an infection can lead to the growth of a cyst. Bacteria that can infect a cyst include Escherichia coli and bacteria that cause gonorrhea or chlamydia.

If the cyst is infected, your doctor may need to take a sample of vaginal secretions to determine whether a sexually transmitted infection STI is present.

If the cyst does cause symptoms, seek treatment. Sitting in a warm bath a few times per day or applying a moist, warm compress can encourage the fluid to drain from the cyst. In many cases, home care may be enough to treat the cyst. If the cyst is painful, you can take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen Tylenol to reduce pain and discomfort. If the cyst becomes infected, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics.

Using a condom or other barrier method during sex and practicing good hygiene may help prevent the cyst from becoming infected. Recurring infections may need more intensive treatment. See your doctor for treatment if infections do recur. Bartholin gland cysts are often small and painless. Some go away without treatment. But if you have symptoms, you might want treatment. If the cyst is infected, you will need treatment. Things like an infection, thick mucus, or swelling can block a Bartholin gland duct and cause a cyst.

The cyst can get bigger after sex, because the glands make more fluid during sex. Infected Bartholin cysts are sometimes caused by sexually transmitted infections STIs. You can lower your risk of STIs by using a condom when you have sex. You may not have any symptoms if the Bartholin gland cyst is small. But a large cyst or an infected cyst abscess can cause symptoms. You may find a Bartholin gland cyst on your own, or your doctor may notice it during a physical exam.

Unless it is causing symptoms, you may not know you have one. An abscess is diagnosed based on signs of infection, such as fever or swelling, and pain in the vulva area. In some cases, especially if you are older, your doctor may remove the cyst to make sure that it isn't cancer or another problem.

Some Bartholin gland cysts go away without treatment. You can take a nonprescription pain medicine such as ibuprofen Advil or Motrin, for example to relieve pain. To help healing, soak the area in a shallow, warm bath, or a sitz bath.

Don't have sex while a Bartholin cyst is healing. If the cyst is infected, it may break open and start to heal on its own after 3 to 4 days. But if the cyst is painful, your doctor may drain it. You may also need to take antibiotics to treat the infection. To keep the cyst from closing and filling up again, your doctor may put a small drainage tube with a small balloon at one end inside the cyst.

The balloon is inflated inside the cyst to keep the cyst open. After the gland has healed, the tube and balloon are removed. Sometimes a carbon dioxide laser or silver nitrate is used to prevent a cyst from growing back.