&lt;h1&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Bartholin&#39;s Cyst: Symptoms, Causes &amp;amp; Treatment&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h1&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Located on either side of the vaginal opening, the Bartholin&#39;s glands produce the fluid that keeps the vagina lubricated. Occasionally, the small tubes (ducts) that release this fluid become blocked. When the fluid has nowhere to go, it backs up and forms a small, usually painless lump known as a &lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;298&quot;&gt;Bartholin&#39;s cyst&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;From Cyst to Infection&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;While the cyst itself is often just a minor swelling, it can become problematic if it gets infected. When bacteria enter the trapped fluid, an &lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;3&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;143&quot;&gt;abscess&lt;/strong&gt;, a painful collection of pus surrounded by red, inflamed tissue, can develop.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Bartholin&#39;s Cyst Symptoms&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The symptoms of a Bartholin&#39;s cyst depend entirely on whether the gland is simply blocked or has become infected. Here are a few ways to rephrase these signs:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Identifying a Cyst vs. an Infection&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;If a cyst is small and not infected, it often goes unnoticed. As it grows, you might feel a small, painless lump or a bit of tenderness near the vaginal opening. However, if the fluid becomes infected, an abscess can develop very quickly, often within just a few days.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Common Signs of an Infected Cyst (Abscess)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;5&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;When an infection takes hold, the symptoms become much more obvious and typically include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;6,0,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;6,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Significant Pain:&lt;/strong&gt; A very tender or throbbing lump near the vaginal opening.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;6,1,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;6,1,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Mobility Discomfort:&lt;/strong&gt; Pain or pressure, specifically when you are sitting down or walking.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;6,2,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;6,2,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Painful Intercourse:&lt;/strong&gt; Discomfort during sexual activity.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;6,3,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;6,3,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Systemic Symptoms:&lt;/strong&gt; Developing a fever or chills.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Characteristics&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;9,0,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;9,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;One-Sided Swelling:&lt;/strong&gt; It is important to note that a Bartholin&#39;s cyst or abscess almost always appears on just one side of the vaginal opening, rather than both.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;9,1,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;9,1,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Physical Mass:&lt;/strong&gt; Even if it isn&#39;t painful, you may be able to feel a distinct mass or &quot;fullness&quot; in the area.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Bartholin&#39;s Cyst Causes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A Bartholin&#39;s cyst occurs when the small duct leading from the gland becomes blocked, causing fluid to accumulate and create a lump. While the exact trigger isn&#39;t always clear, several factors can lead to this obstruction and potential infection.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How the Blockage Happens&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The primary cause of a cyst is a simple &quot;backup&quot; of fluid. When the opening of the gland is obstructed, the lubricating fluid has nowhere to go and collects inside the duct. This blockage can be caused by:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;3,0,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;3,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Physical Irritation or Injury:&lt;/strong&gt; Trauma to the area, such as from childbirth, surgery, or even friction during sexual intercourse, can cause swelling or scarring that blocks the duct.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;3,1,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;3,1,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Skin Growth:&lt;/strong&gt; Sometimes, an overgrowth of skin in the vaginal area can naturally narrow or close the duct&#39;s opening.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When a Cyst Becomes an Abscess&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;6&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;If bacteria enter the trapped fluid, the cyst can turn into a painful, pus-filled abscess. While a variety of bacteria can cause this, the most common include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;7,0,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;7,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Opportunistic Bacteria:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;em data-path-to-node=&quot;7,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;24&quot;&gt;Escherichia coli (E. coli)&lt;/em&gt;, which is naturally found in the intestinal tract, is a frequent cause. Other common skin or respiratory bacteria, like &lt;em data-path-to-node=&quot;7,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;171&quot;&gt;Staphylococcus&lt;/em&gt; or &lt;em data-path-to-node=&quot;7,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;189&quot;&gt;Streptococcus&lt;/em&gt;, can also be involved.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;7,1,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;7,1,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):&lt;/strong&gt; In some cases, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea or chlamydia can trigger the infection and blockage.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Facts About Causes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;10,0,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;10,0,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Polymicrobial Nature:&lt;/strong&gt; Many abscesses are &quot;polymicrobial,&quot; meaning they are caused by several different types of bacteria working together at once.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-path-to-node=&quot;10,1,0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;10,1,0&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;Spontaneous Occurrence:&lt;/strong&gt; In many instances, cysts appear without an obvious injury or infection, making them difficult to predict or prevent.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When to See a Doctor&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;0&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Knowing when to transition from home care to professional medical advice is key to managing a Bartholin&#39;s cyst safely. Here is how to gauge your next steps:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When Home Care Isn&#39;t Enough&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;If you have a painful lump that hasn&#39;t improved after &lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;2&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;54&quot;&gt;two or three days&lt;/strong&gt; of consistent self-care (such as taking warm sitz baths), it is time to call your doctor. However, if the pain is intense or prevents you from sitting or walking comfortably, you should skip the waiting period and book an appointment immediately.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Age-Specific Warnings&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;4&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;If you are &lt;strong data-path-to-node=&quot;4&quot; data-index-in-node=&quot;11&quot;&gt;over the age of 40&lt;/strong&gt; and discover a new lump in the vaginal area, you should contact your healthcare provider promptly, even if the lump is painless. While Bartholin&#39;s cysts are less common after menopause, the risk of rare issues, including vulvar or Bartholin&#39;s gland cancer, increases with age. A professional evaluation is necessary to rule out these more serious concerns.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&quot;4&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;h2 id=&quot;complications&quot; class=&quot; cmp-title__text--h2&quot; tabindex=&quot;-1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;Complications&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A Bartholin&#39;s cyst or abscess may recur and again require treatment.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;h2 id=&quot;prevention&quot; class=&quot; cmp-title__text--h2&quot; tabindex=&quot;-1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;Prevention&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;There&#39;s no way to prevent a Bartholin&#39;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.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;

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