Quick answer. A Bartholin’s cyst is a fluid-filled lump near the opening of the vagina caused by a blocked gland, and it is often painless unless it becomes infected and forms an abscess. Small cysts may settle with warm baths, while a painful, swollen abscess needs medical drainage.
A Bartholin’s cyst is a soft, fluid-filled lump that forms near the entrance of the vagina when one of the Bartholin’s glands – which produce lubricating fluid – becomes blocked. Many Bartholin’s cysts are small and cause no symptoms at all. The lump only tends to become a problem if the gland becomes infected, when it can form a painful collection of pus called a Bartholin’s abscess.
This guide explains what a Bartholin’s cyst is, the symptoms it can cause, why it happens, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options – from simple warm baths to drainage procedures. It also covers the warning sign of infection that means you should see a doctor.
At a glance
| Feature | Simple cyst | Abscess (infected) |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | Often painless | Painful and tender |
| Appearance | Soft lump near vaginal opening | Red, swollen, hot lump |
| Fever | No | Possible |
| Walking / sitting | Usually comfortable | May be very uncomfortable |
| Treatment | Often warm baths and monitoring | Usually needs drainage, sometimes antibiotics |
What is a Bartholin's cyst?
The Bartholin’s glands are two small glands, one on each side, just inside the opening of the vagina. They release fluid that helps with lubrication. If the tiny duct that drains a gland becomes blocked, fluid builds up behind it and forms a Bartholin’s cyst – a smooth, fluid-filled lump to one side of the vaginal opening.
Bartholin’s cysts are common and usually affect women of reproductive age. Many are small, painless and noticed only by chance. They are not sexually transmitted and are not cancerous. The main issue arises if the cyst becomes infected and turns into a tender, swollen abscess.
Symptoms & signs
Symptoms depend on whether the cyst is simply blocked or has become infected:
- A soft, painless lump on one side of the vaginal opening (a simple cyst)
- A feeling of fullness or mild discomfort, especially when sitting, walking or during sex if the cyst is larger
- If infected (an abscess): a red, swollen, hot and increasingly painful lump
- Pain that makes sitting or walking difficult
- Sometimes a fever, or the abscess bursting and discharging pus
A small, painless cyst may need no treatment, while a painful, swollen lump suggests infection and should be seen.
Causes & risk factors
A Bartholin’s cyst forms when the duct that drains the gland becomes blocked, often by a flap of skin or thickened secretions, so fluid collects behind it. When bacteria get in, the cyst can become infected and form an abscess. Contributing factors and associations include:
- Blockage of the gland’s duct, sometimes after minor injury or irritation
- Bacterial infection, including ordinary skin and gut bacteria and, occasionally, sexually transmitted organisms
- Being of reproductive age, when the glands are most active
Often no specific cause is found, and developing a cyst does not mean anything is wrong with your hygiene.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosis is usually straightforward and based on examination:
- A physical examination of the area, where the doctor can usually identify the cyst or abscess by its location and feel
- A swab of any discharge if infection is present, to guide antibiotic choice and check for any sexually transmitted infection
- In women over a certain age or with an unusual lump, a doctor may take a biopsy to exclude rarer conditions, as a precaution
Most cysts need no scans or complex tests.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the size, symptoms and whether there is infection:
- Warm baths (sitz baths) – soaking in warm water several times a day can help a small cyst drain on its own and ease discomfort
- No treatment – a small, painless cyst may simply be monitored
- Drainage – a painful abscess often needs to be drained by a doctor; a small tube (a Word catheter) may be left in place for a short time to keep it draining and reduce recurrence
- Antibiotics – used when there is significant infection or surrounding spread
- Marsupialisation – a minor surgical procedure that creates a small permanent opening so the gland keeps draining; used for cysts that keep coming back
Most women recover well, though cysts can sometimes recur.
When to see a doctor & which specialist
See a doctor if you have a lump near the vaginal opening that is painful, swelling, red or hot, if you develop a fever, or if a small cyst becomes uncomfortable or is not settling. A painful swelling with fever suggests an abscess and usually needs drainage. You should also have any new lump assessed if you are unsure what it is, particularly if you are older, so that other causes can be excluded.
Seek urgent care if you feel very unwell with spreading redness, a high fever or feeling faint, and call 995 if you become severely unwell.
A Bartholin’s cyst is managed by a gynaecologist. You can find a specialist through our directory of gynaecologists in Singapore.
How to prepare and what to expect at the appointment
If you are seeing a doctor about a lump near the vaginal opening, there is no special preparation needed. Wear comfortable clothing, and be ready to describe how long the lump has been there, whether it is painful, and if you have had any fever or discharge. The doctor will usually examine the area gently; this only takes a few minutes. If an abscess needs to be drained, the area is numbed first, and the procedure itself is short. After drainage, you may be advised to keep the area clean, take warm sitz baths, and avoid sexual activity until it has healed.
Self-care at home
- Soak in a few inches of warm water (a sitz bath) several times a day to ease discomfort and encourage a small cyst to drain.
- Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing that rubs the area.
- Take simple pain relief, such as paracetamol, if the area is tender.
- Avoid squeezing or trying to drain a lump yourself, as this can worsen infection.
Costs and financing in Singapore
A simple cyst often needs little more than observation and self-care. If a procedure such as drainage or marsupialisation is required, MediSave can usually be used to help with day-surgery and surgical costs, within the standard withdrawal limits set for the procedure. Subsidised care is available at public hospitals and polyclinics; ask your clinic about the costs that apply to your situation before treatment.
Common questions
Will a Bartholin’s cyst go away on its own?
A small, painless cyst often settles by itself or with warm baths and may not need treatment. An infected, painful abscess usually needs to be drained.
Can a Bartholin’s cyst come back?
Yes. Cysts and abscesses can recur. If they keep coming back, a minor procedure called marsupialisation can create a lasting drainage opening to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Related guides
- Best Gynaecology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- gynaecology clinics directory
- Myasthenia gravis
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Cushing's syndrome
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
Sources
- NHS – Bartholin's cyst
- Mayo Clinic – Bartholin's cyst
- HealthHub Singapore
- SingHealth – Conditions and treatments
Part of our Women’s health & gynaecology guides · Browse all health topics