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Treating a Bartholin's cyst
Bartholin's cyst · Bartholin's abscess · Bartholin's gland · marsupialization
There is a small gland at the entrance to the vagina. If its duct gets blocked, a cyst or abscess forms. The doctor opens it and makes sure it does not come back.
When a painful lump or abscess appears at the entrance to the vagina.
⏱ Duration: the procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes; you usually go home the same day
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Hygiene. In the morning, wash with warm water.
- Numbing. Usually local numbing is used, sometimes short anesthesia. Ask the clinic.
- Food. If you have anesthesia, do not eat or drink for several hours. The clinic will tell you the exact time.
What to bring
- Your ID
- Pads
- Comfortable underwear
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- You lie on the exam chair
- The doctor cleans the skin with antiseptic
- You get numbing medicine
- A small cut is made, and the fluid is let out
- Sometimes a small catheter is placed or the edges are stitched so the duct stays open
- A pad is put on
What you'll feel
- The numbing injection is a quick prick
- After the procedure, it hurts and aches for a few days
- There is some discharge
Afterwards
- Warm sitz baths, if your doctor advises them
- Change pads often
- No sex until it heals. Your doctor will tell you for how long
- If a catheter was placed, it is removed at the clinic
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A fever over 38°C
- Severe pain and swelling that keep getting worse
- A bad smell or pus
Common questions
Can the cyst come back?
Sometimes, yes. That is why the doctor makes sure the duct stays open.
Can I squeeze it myself?
No. This can cause an infection. See a doctor.