If you have a Bartholin cyst, you might have spent some time weighing your options, torn between waiting and hoping for it to go away or doing something about it.
At Horizons OBGYN & Aesthetics, we offer assistance in this decision-making process. While most Bartholin cysts resolve on their own and cause little-to-no discomfort, some can become irritated or infected, leading to pain and swelling. In these cases, we may recommend antibiotics or a Bartholin cyst drain in Winter Garden to treat the cyst.
Before we explain the drainage procedure, let’s take a closer look at why a Bartholin cyst might form and when it’s time to seek medical care.
What Is a Bartholin Cyst?
The Bartholin glands, located on either side of the vaginal opening, are small glands that produce fluid to help lubricate the vagina.
If one of these glands becomes blocked, fluid can build up and form a Bartholin cyst. Most of these cysts are small, painless, and resolve on their own without treatment. However, if bacteria enter the blocked gland, the cyst can become infected and develop into an abscess.
Knowing the difference between a simple cyst and an infected one is important, as an infection may require antibiotics or a drainage procedure to relieve symptoms and prevent further complications.
How to Tell Whether a Bartholin Cyst Is Infected
If you notice any of the following symptoms, we recommend visiting our gynecologist to discuss whether a Bartholin cyst drain in Winter Garden can relieve your discomfort:
- Pain during intercourse
- Discomfort walking, sitting, or when inserting a tampon
- Swelling in the area
- Fever
- Redness
- Increase in the size of the cyst
- Drainage from the cyst
What to Expect During a Bartholin Cyst Drain
In Winter Garden, we invite you in for a consultation to discuss your symptoms and determine whether your cyst requires drainage.
Consultation
To diagnose an infected Bartholin cyst, we start by reviewing your medical history and discussing your symptoms. Then, we perform a physical exam.
During the exam, we look at the cyst and evaluate the area for signs of infection. In some cases, you may be able to manage the cyst with a warm sitz bath, over-the-counter pain medications, and antibiotics.
If the cyst persists and we determine it requires more direct intervention, we can schedule an appointment for a Bartholin cyst drain in Winter Garden.
Procedure
The Bartholin cyst drainage procedure is relatively quick and easy. We provide local anesthesia for your comfort. Once the numbing takes effect, your OBGYN makes a small incision in the cyst to allow the trapped fluid to drain.
After draining the cyst, they place a small catheter into the incision to keep it open and prevent the area from sealing over too quickly. The catheter typically remains in place for 4 to 6 weeks, maintaining drainage while a new permanent pathway forms.
Ongoing Care
After 4 to 6 weeks, you’ll return to our office to have the catheter removed. At this follow-up appointment, our team assesses the treatment area to ensure the cyst has completely drained and healed properly.
Don’t Let a Cyst Persist
Visit our team for gynecological care. If you believe that you have Bartholin cyst, request a consultation to meet with an expert and get personalized care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bartholin Cysts
Here are some frequently asked questions we hear regarding Bartholin cysts.
Are Bartholin cysts contagious?
No, Bartholin cysts are not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
However, if the cyst formed or became irritated due to a sexually transmitted infection, that infection may be contagious.
Can Bartholin cysts be prevented?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent a Bartholin cyst. However, practicing good intimate hygiene and safe sex may reduce the risk of infection.
What causes a Bartholin cyst?
The exact cause remains unknown, though possible reasons could include injury, irritation, certain STIs, or bacterial infections.
