Patient's question:
A lump has grown on one side of the vagina, and it's very painful. Sitting or walking is extremely painful. I took some anti-inflammatory medication, but it didn't help. I'm wondering if immersing in water can help suppress the lump from growing quickly. It's really painful, and it's been two days since it was discovered (I've had this before, and it used to rupture on its own after waiting a long time at the hospital). I don't want to experience this kind of pain again.Doctor's answer:
Hello! It appears you have Bartholin's gland (vestibular gland) cyst. Bartholin's glands are responsible for secreting mucus to lubricate the vagina. They normally have their own openings, but if inflammation or debris blocks the mucus from draining, the glands can swell and form a cyst. If the cyst becomes too large, it may rupture on its own, releasing pus and then healing. However, the rupture site will close, leading to recurrence. Since Bartholin's gland cysts can persist for a long time without changing, if they do not interfere with daily life, regular observation may be sufficient without treatment.If the cyst grows progressively larger or recurs frequently, leading to repeated abscess formation, Bartholin's gland cystostomy may be recommended. I suggest you consider this procedure. The cystostomy involves excising the cyst and creating a stoma, which preserves the gland's function while ensuring proper drainage and preventing recurrence.
After treatment, it is important to maintain cleanliness in the external genital area, avoid wearing synthetic underwear, and change underwear frequently to prevent contamination from vaginal secretions, urine, and feces.