The Bartholin's gland is a tiny organ on each of the labia (vaginal lips), near the opening of the vagina. If the vagina were the face of a clock, these glands would be found at about 4 and 8 o'clock. Normally they are invisible. They make a small amount of fluid that lubricates the vaginal lips. If a flap of skin grows over the opening of one of the glands, the fluid backs up. It causes a round swelling called a cyst. The cyst can grow from the size of a penny to larger than an orange, although most don't get bigger than a golf ball. They can be tender.

Causes of Bartholin Gland Cyst

Here is the list of some of the main Causes of Bartholin Gland Cyst :

Very rarely a cyst is caused by cancer, which usually occurs only in women over the age of 45.
Infection of the bartholin glands.
Most infected cysts, called abscesses contain the normal bacteria that are found on skin.
Chemicals.
Trauma.

Symptoms of Bartholin Gland Cyst

Here is the list of some of the main symptoms of Bartholin Gland Cyst :

sometimes pain.
swelling and tenderness occur in the outer portion of the vagina.
A red, soft mass occurs either on one or both sides of the vagina.
Painful urination and painful sexual intercourse may occur.
discomfort during sexual intercourse.
fever and chills.

Diagnosis of Bartholin Gland Cyst

A Bartholin's gland cyst or abscess is diagnosed by a gynecological pelvic exam. If the cyst appears to be infected, a culture is often performed to identify the type of bacteria causing the abscess.

Treatment of Bartholin Gland Cyst

The treatment depends on the size of the cyst, how painful it is, if it's infected and your age. In some cases, a small cyst can just be watched over time to see if it grows. In other cases, the doctor can perform a minor procedure in the office.

Other treatment of Bartholin Gland Cyst is :

Watchful waiting by the woman and her health care professional.
Soaking of the genital area with warm towel compresses.
Soaking of the genital area in a size bath.
Use of non-prescription pain medication to relieve mild discomfort.
Incision and drainage, i.e., cutting into the cyst and draining the fluid (not usually successful, as the cyst often reoccurs).
Placement of a drain (Word catheter) in the cyst for two to four weeks so fluid can drain and prevent reoccurrence of the cyst.
Marsupialization.
Window operation.
Use of a carbon dioxide laser to open the cyst and heat the cyst wall tissue so that the cyst cannot form a sac and reoccur.
Incision and drainage, followed by treatment with silver nitrate to burn the cyst wall so the cyst cannot form a sac and reoccur.
Removal of the entire Bartholin's gland cyst.

Prevention Tips of Bartholin Gland Cyst

There are few ways to prevent the formation of Bartholin's gland cysts or abscesses. However, as a Bartholin's gland abscess may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease, the practice of safe sex is recommended. Using good hygiene, i.e., wiping front to back after a bowel movement, is also recommended to prevent bacteria from the bowels from contaminating the vaginal area.

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