Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis To diagnose a Bartholin's cyst, your doctor may: Ask questions about your medical history Perform a pelvic exam Take a sample of secretions from your vagina or cervix to test for a sexually transmitted infection Recommend a test of the mass biopsy to check for cancerous cells if you're postmenopausal or over More Information Needle biopsy Pelvic exam.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Smith RP. Bartholin gland: Cysts. In: Netter's Obstetrics and Gynecology. Elsevier; Accessed Feb. Bartholin cyst. This may be a good option if the infection is a result of a sexually transmitted infection. Antibiotics may also be necessary if the infection spreads to the surrounding skin and genital area.
Although the bartholin cyst removal is uncommon, your doctor may recommend it to prevent any further complications to the area. If the cyst is large and symptomatic, your doctor can make a small cut to the area to allow the fluid to drain. If the cyst is recurring, your doctor can insert a small tube into the cyst and leave it in place temporarily to encourage the cyst to drain and prevent the glands from becoming blocked.
Once the cyst is drained, you may see immediate relief. However, pain from the incision can last a few days. Speak to your doctor about the best pain management methods. Your doctor can also perform a surgical procedure called Marsupialization. This process is brief, typically only 30 minutes to an hour, and you will be able to go home the same day. This surgery is the most invasive of all methods and will require general anesthesia. Possible complications can include excessive bleeding, bruising, and infection.
If the wound does become infected, this can usually be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your GP. There are a number of alternative ways of treating a Bartholin's cyst, but they're less commonly used or aren't widely available. These are described below. Silver nitrate is a mixture of chemicals sometimes used in medicine to burn cauterise blood vessels to stop bleeding.
A small, solid stick of silver nitrate is used in silver nitrate gland ablation. A cut is made in the skin surrounding your vagina and the wall of the cyst or abscess. The cyst or abscess is then drained and the stick of silver nitrate is inserted into the empty space left after draining the fluid.
The silver nitrate causes the cyst cavity to form into a small, solid lump. After 2 or 3 days the silver nitrate and cyst remains are removed or may fall out on their own.
It's possible for the silver nitrate to burn some of the skin of your vulva when it's first used. One small study reported this occurs in about 1 in 5 women who receive this treatment. A carbon dioxide laser can be used to create an opening in the skin of your vulva so the cyst can be drained. The cyst can then be removed, destroyed using the laser, or left in place with a small hole to allow fluid to drain from it.
During needle aspiration, a needle and syringe are used to drain the cyst. This is left in the cyst cavity for 5 minutes and then drained out. To help your wound heal and reduce the risk of infection after surgery, you may be advised to avoid:.
Page last reviewed: 23 July Next review due: 23 July Treatment - Bartholin's cyst Contents Overview Treatment. If you have a lump in your genitals, get it checked by your GP. If the cyst is painful, your GP may recommend: soaking the cyst for 10 to 15 minutes in a few inches of warm water it's easier in the bath — it's best to do this several times a day for 3 or 4 days if possible holding a warm compress a flannel or cotton wool warmed with hot water against the area taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen Always read the manufacturer's instructions when using over-the-counter medication.
Treating an abscess If the cyst becomes infected and an abscess a painful collection of pus develops, you may be prescribed antibiotics to clear the infection. Draining cysts and abscesses A number of techniques can be used to drain a Bartholin's cyst or abscess and reduce the likelihood of it returning.
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