Treatment of Bartholins cyst
What is the Bartholin’s gland, and why is it swollen?
The Bartholin’s gland is a small gland located at the back of the vagina. It produces mucus which helps to lubricate the vagina during intercourse. The mucus produced by the gland passes along a narrow duct into the vagina. Occasionally, the duct becomes blocked and the mucus cannot reach the vagina. In these circumstances, the gland becomes swollen as it fills with mucus. If the mucus becomes infected, an abscess forms.
How is a swollen gland treated?
Sometimes swelling in the Bartholin’s gland can be treated with antibiotics to reduce inflammation around the duct and allow the passage of mucus. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to open the gland to allow the mucus to be drained. Which treatment is suggested will depend on a number of factors, including the likelihood that the gland is infected.
If surgery is necessary, this will almost always be performed using a general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep when it is being carried out. A small incision is made in the vagina over the swollen gland and the contents of the gland (mucus or pus) are removed.
The inside if the gland is sometimes stitched to the skin in the vagina to ensure that the gland does not heal over completely and become blocked again. When healed, this forms a pouch, and the gland continues to work, producing mucus which drains through the new opening directly into the vagina.
A small ‘wick’ may be left in the gland to ensure that it doesn’t heal over and become blocked again immediately following the procedure.
What should I expect following treatment for a swollen Bartholin’s gland?
At the end of the operation the doctor performing the surgery will inject local anaesthetic into the area around the gland. This will help to reduce pain immediately afterwards. Thereafter, you may experience some discomfort or pain for which the doctor caring for you will prescribe pain killers to take in the hospital or at home. Whilst most women feel up to going home on the same day, a number will want to remain in hospital overnight because of discomfort in the vulva.
There will be some bleeding which should be no more than minor spotting, and should not last for more than 3-4 days.
If stitches or a wick are used, these will be dissolving (unless the doctor tells you otherwise), and will dissolve over the next 2 to 4 weeks. It is advised that you do not have intercourse whilst the stitches are dissolving, as this may cause the stitches to tear. When the stitches have dissolved, a small dimple may remain at the site of the gland. This is not abnormal and will usually become less noticeable with time.
Rarely, a mild infection may occur, although if you have an abscess, you will already have been prescribed antibiotics. If there is redness or excessive pain or swelling, an infection may be present and this would require treatment with antibiotic. In this case, you should contact your General Practitioner.
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