Patient's question:
Hello! It should be a problem with the Bartholin's glands. The lump is about the size of a chestnut and slightly protruding. Sometimes it's larger, sometimes smaller, and sometimes it even hurts. How should this be treated? Are there any oral medications or topical treatments available? Should sexual activity be restricted? I'm 27 years old, and sitting now feels very painful, but it doesn't hurt when lying down. Should I go to the hospital for a check-up or just take care of it at home? If a check-up is needed, what methods are used? Will this affect future pregnancy and childbirth?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Bartholin's gland cyst is called a cyst because it has not yet formed pus. An abscess is the manifestation of a cyst after it becomes purulent.Under normal circumstances, the Bartholin's glands are invisible and cannot be felt. If they become inflamed due to infection or form scars from trauma, leading to the obstruction of the ducts; or if they are injured during childbirth due to perineal laceration; or if the ducts are damaged during a perineal side incision and the duct openings are closed after suture, the secretions cannot be expelled and accumulate inside, causing the glands to swell and form cysts. As the cysts grow larger, they protrude externally, making them visible and palpable—this is what constitutes a Bartholin's gland cyst. Initially, their size is similar to that of a date or pigeon egg, painless and asymptomatic, so they are often discovered by gynecologists. This type of cyst grows very slowly and rarely reaches the size of an egg, and it is mostly unilateral.
If the cyst is small, shows no symptoms, and does not cause any issues, it can be left untreated and does not require surgery. Simply maintaining good external hygiene and undergoing regular medical check-ups is sufficient. However, if the cyst is large or grows rapidly and exhibits symptoms such as local fullness or discomfort during intercourse, treatment should be administered. The treatment for Bartholin's gland cyst involves draining the cyst by making an incision and then stitching the edges with 6–8 stitches to prevent the wound from closing and allowing secretions to accumulate again. After surgery, maintaining local hygiene is crucial. Bathe with a 1/5000 potassium permanganate solution after each bowel or urinary movement to prevent infection.