Clinical Features. information submitted for this request. Homeopathy Treatment for Bartholin Gland Cyst. Am Fam Phys 68:135-140, 2003). Required fields are marked *. Bartholin gland cysts are commonly caused by the obstruction of the Bartholin gland's ductal region. These cysts are called Bartholin cysts, and they are tiny fluid-filled lumps that appear . You may need to wait to take a sitz bath until after your packing is removed. All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. If the cyst becomes infected, the following symptoms can be noticed: Women often ask, is Bartholin gland cyst dangerous? You can eat your normal diet. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Before taking a sitz bath, fill your bathtub with enough warm water. It may be uncomfortable to sit for long periods of time. You may need to take a few days off work. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Cysts with no head are those cysts found deep in the skin. My goal is to provide you with the safest and healthiest ways that you can overcome any ailment without harsh chemicals/medicines. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible. Antibiotics have the property to kill bacteria in the glands. Serrapeptase is an enzyme that acts as both an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory. Then an incision (cut) is made into the cyst or abscess to allow the fluid or pus to drain out. How long does a Bartholin cyst surgery take? Sitz baths help to keep the area clean, ease discomfort and promote effective drainage of the cyst. Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Dr. Hardy may decide to create a small cut over the gland, making an opening so fluid can drain out from the cyst. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of Bartholins cyst should see a doctor as soon as possible. To diagnose a Bartholin's cyst, your doctor may: If cancer is a concern, your doctor may refer you to a gynecologist who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system. Burnett T (expert opinion). Discussion of suicide or self-harm is not tolerated and will result in an immediate ban. Recurrence was detected in 53 of 155 patients included. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. The onion trick personally was the best option for my cyst. We offer you complete transparency because we work for you, not the hospitals. Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision. Even if its a treatment option that can be done at home, its best to talk to your provider first. Healthcare providers do not know why some women are predisposed to getting Bartholin cysts. Blockage in the draining path of the gland leads to the accumulation of the secreted fluid, which builds up over time, thereby causing a cystic dilation of the gland. A Bartholin cyst is not a sexually transmitted infection (STIs). Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. There are still no direct studies showing that witch hazel can treat cysts. If the cyst is painful, a GP may recommend some simple self-care measures, such as soaking the cyst in warm water several times a day for 3 or 4 days and taking painkillers you can buy from a pharmacy or supermarket. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. After the procedure, the doctor will loosely pack the treated area with gauze to soak up fluid and to stop bleeding. Read More. Feb. 26, 2020. Use a pair of tweezers to grasp the cyst and gently squeeze it, then apply pressure for 30 seconds or so. In some cases, home treatment is all that is required. For a Bartholin's cyst, some basic questions to ask include: Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment as they occur to you. I guess it depends on the surgeons experience. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. I've had 4 marsupializations under general anaesthetic, which solved the problem short term but every 6 months another lump would pop up. This blockage causes a lump that can cause irritation and pain during walking, sitting or sex. Dr. David Ghozland discusses what to expect immediately following your Bartholin Cyst treatment, and steps you can take to help your recovery. Your email address will not be published. +985138112029. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day, although you may get tired quickly and need pain medicine for a week or two. A Bartholin cyst develops when a blockage occurs in a Bartholin gland in the vagina. Aloe vera has the following properties that make it efficient in treating Bartholins cyst: By reducing cysts caused by bacteria and other pathogens, they can help reduce their appearance. Not really: A bartholin's cyst will have no effect on your mentrual cycle. AskMayoExpert. How long did it take to recover from having the gland removed? This may help the cyst to open and drain on its own. These glands secrete fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. It may enlarge and become uncomfortable when moving about, sitting down, or engaging in sexual activity. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are Your first appointment will likely be with either your primary care provider or a doctor who specializes in conditions that affect women (gynecologist). Treatment options your doctor may recommend include: Sitz baths. What Is The Difference Between Bartholin Gland Cyst And Bartholin Abscess? Health Benefits of Phyllanthus Niruri- Gale of the Wind. Hormone shifts and imbalances due to menstruation (getting your period) can cause vaginal dryness and other symptoms. Daily soaking in warm water, several times a day, may be adequate to resolve an infected Bartholin's cyst or abscess. You can encourage a Bartholin's cyst to open and drain at home by sitting in a bath several times per day. :-). 1996-2023 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. This ensures the entire area surrounding the cyst is clean, which can prevent infection. Big mistake! Most healthcare providers will recommend sitz baths to manage symptoms. Treatment of a cyst can be conservative or surgical and depends on size, symptoms, presence of infection, and whether the cyst is recurrent. Ive had a recurrent cyst for a few years now. I read on these forums that a raw onion applied to the cyst worked wonders, so I did and I couldn't believe how effective it was! Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. I had the cyst for almost 7 yrs.and it never ruptured or gave me any trouble other than getting swollen and I would just take an ibuprofen and a warm bath and the swelling would go down. Use gauze to apply the mixture on the spot, and place a hot compress on top of the gauze. Medical treatment for the condition include surgical drainage or antibiotics to treat infection. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Do not squeeze or drain a Bartholin cyst yourself as this can cause infection. Redness and swelling in your leg or groin. Sitz bath treatment should be repeated by a patient several times each day for at least 3 4 days or until a person seeks medical treatment or the symptoms subside. How Long Can You Wait to Have Radiation After Surgery? What are the signs and symptoms of Bartholin cysts? You can buy Aloe vera gel in your local pharmacies or stores. Your doctor may have put a small rubber tube, called a catheter, in the cut (incision). After Bartholin cyst drainage, the doctor would recommend certain self-care measures to care for the wound and healing takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. I cut slits into the onion as well so the juices would come out easier. The alcohol is left in the cyst cavity for five minutes and drained. It is normal for a Bartholin cyst to drain on its own after several days of treatment (like after sitz baths or with antibiotics). There is a problem with You need to take the full course of antibiotics. Our servers have detected that you are accessing this site from a restricted area. Follow your doctor's instructions about removing any gauze from your wound. You have chest pain, have shortness of breath, or you cough up blood. A cyst just means that the gland/hole the fluid (which is your lubricating fluid for sex) is a little blocked. The exact cause of obstruction may not always be known, but it is commonly . In most cases, antibiotics are unnecessary, especially if the abscess drains entirely and does not occur again. Management of Bartholins duct cyst and gland abscess. If you are older than 40, a cyst on your vagina could be a sign of a more serious issue. Potential home remedies include sitz baths as well as topical treatments like tea tree essential oil, turmeric, coconut oil and apple cider vinegar. your wound will usually heal within1-2 weeksand you should not use tampons until after this time. However, you may be in the recovery room for a few hours before you can go home. Warm baths are great to bring down swelling. Mixing tea tree oil with castor oil and applying them to the abscess may speed up drainage. Sometimes people . You are sick to your stomach or cannot drink fluids. Use a cotton pad or gauze to apply castor oil directly to the cyst. It is also included in Bartholin cyst self-rupture post-care. 1. 3rd ed. Yes: It is typical for a Bartholin's cyst to rupture if surgery is not done. It is a topical treatment for skin infections like carbuncles and boils. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. DIY fanjo 'surgery' under discussion! What websites do you recommend? A Bartholin gland cyst may need to be surgically removed if your healthcare provider feels it may be cancerous. Soak a cotton swab with a mixture of diluted apple cider vinegar and warm water, then apply it on the Bartholins cyst for thirty minutes. Research has revealed that this oil is antimicrobial, making it very effective in removing bacteria that live on the skin (causing, for instance, acne or cysts). I'm on my third cyst in 6 months ( on both sides!! It typically only occurs on one of the two Bartholin glands. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The cyst is often painless and barely noticeable until a doctor diagnoses it during. I seriously feel like this stupid gland is literally taking over my entire life. You may also have pain if your urine comes into contact with your wound. Apply the compress for ten minutes and repeat the process at least four times daily. Marsupialization is a procedure that can help prevent the recurrence of Bartholins abscesses. A Bartholin cyst (or vulvar cyst) is a type of vaginal cyst that forms on either side of the labia (vaginal lips) near the opening of the vagina. If in doubt, leave it out. Bullying, racism, personal attacks, harassment, or discrimination is prohibited. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of You can carry out some remedies at home if you do not want to go under the razor. Bartholin's cyst is a common condition and may be treated at home without surgery. possible complications of balloon catheter insertion include: Read more about: Bartholin cyst surgery complications, Read more about: Bartholin cyst surgery side effects. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Obstetrics and Gynecology 24 years experience. If you have concerns about the side effects of endometriosis, talk to your healthcare provider. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt. If a Bartholin cyst forms an abscess (infection), symptoms may include: Most Bartholin cysts do not become infected and cant spread during skin-to-skin contact. Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/03/2021. Answerbag wants to provide a service to people looking for answers and a good conversation. It wasn't until after I went for my follow up did he tell me that he removed the entire gland, because a bartholian glad is pretty much useless lol! Chen KT. ANSWER 0 Mountains41 ANSWERS: 1 emily6 I think the best thing to do is to see your doctor so it won't get infected. Lol!! Once the cyst has been examined, your healthcare provider will be able to estimate how long your symptoms will last. Place a clean towel on the bottom of your bath tub. For the procedure, your doctor makes a small incision in the cyst, allows it to drain, and then places a small rubber tube (catheter) in the incision. For a Bartholin's gland abscess If a Bartholin's gland cyst gets infected, it can form an abscess. Dr. Theo Kirkland answered 48 years experience Yes: I would go to the er. After the incision has healed, you will have a scar where the cyst was removed. A Bartholin cyst is caused by blockage of your Bartholin gland. 2006-2022 Healthwise, Incorporated. Accessed Feb. 26, 2020. In women older than age 40, healthcare providers may perform a test called a biopsy to rule out cancer of the vulva. The length of time you can expect to have a Bartholin cyst varies depending on its size and if becomes infected. You cant prevent a Bartholin cyst from developing, but you can reduce your risk for complications that cause infections like maintaining good hygiene practices and wearing condoms during sex. It may sometimes be caused by an infection, but a Bartholin's cyst is not an infection. Notes on Bartholin's Abcess: How I got it to burst! If the Bartholin cyst ruptures itself, you should sit in a sitz bath to prevent infection recurrence or any other complication. If you cannot take a bath, put a warm, clean face cloth on your vulva to help with healing and pain. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Sometimes home treatment is all you need. For example, call if: Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if: Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any problems. Surgical removal is usually done in a hospital under general anesthesia. Copyright 2023 The Hidden Cures. Posted This is a good thing! Evaluation of treatments for Bartholin's cyst or abscess: A systematic review. These glands are found on each side of the vaginal opening. Manage Settings In some cases, your doctor may leave a catheter in place for a few days to allow more drainage. During the needle aspiration, a needle and a syringe drain the cyst. Last updated on Feb 6, 2023. It could just be me, but it really aggravated the area and caused it to grow to the size of a marble. If the cyst is painful, your doctor probably will recommend a general anesthetic to put you to sleep. It is a form of cauterization. [5] Bartholin cysts will occur in about 2% of all women at some time in their life. First, I want to say you are very brave! After Bartholin cyst drainage, the doctor would recommend certain self-care measures to care for the wound and healing takes about 1 to 2 weeks. If your incision is left open, it maytakefrom a few weeks to several months toheal. Then pat the area dry. You'll feel better right away after the fluid has been drained. Small cysts may result in minimal or no symptoms. Taking. Patients are advised to wear loose-fitting underwear and clothes made of breathable material like cotton. They are also called the greater vestibular gland. new abscess is back with pain uncontrolled by lortab, chills malaise and nausea, no fever.worth er visit? As the cyst grows, the cyst feels like a painless lump or mass near the vaginal opening. Read more about: Best amoxicillin for bartholin cyst, Read more about : Amoxicillin for bartholin cyst, Read more about : Bartholin cyst drainage aftercare. Have you talked to you doctor about removing the entire bartholian gland? An infected Bartholins duct cyst can also cause it. You could need drainage of the abcess and perhaps antibiotics. A Bartholin cyst could be filled with pus, mucus, bacteria, blood or other fluid. Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching. It aggravated the cyst and caused it to abscess. You have bright red vaginal bleeding that soaks one or more pads in an hour, or you have large clots. The procedure itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. A Bartholin's cyst, also called a Bartholin's duct cyst, is a small fluid-filled sac just inside the opening of a woman's vagina. Take a sitz bath several times a day for at least 3-4 days. A Bartholins cyst is a fairly common vaginal complaint affecting many women. She said the cyst could still come back eventually. Recurrence was detected in 39.6% of the patients who underwent incision drainage in the first treatment, 31.8% of those who underwent marsupialization, and 9.1% of . A tube may also be used to drain the cyst. A tender and a possibly painful lump near the opening of the vagina, A hot sensation and swelling around the abscess, Observe the temperature to determine if there is a fever, Take a cervical swab test for sexually transmitted infections, persistent or severe pain around the vagina. A carbon dioxide laser can create an opening in the skin of the vulva to allow the draining of the cyst. Rest and relaxation. It always happened sometime usually after intercourse where a lump would devlop and within the span of 12 hours I was unable to walk and would have to go to the emergency room. It can also be done under local anaesthetic when the overlying skin is numbed with an injection of local anaesthetic. You may cover it with a gauze bandage if it weeps or rubs against clothing. And my last piece of advice is try to avoid hospitals unless you develop a fever, feel nautious, or your abscess is growing at an alarming rate. When this happens, a fluid filled cyst develops. Doctors may perform the following during diagnosis: Bartholins cyst is rarely a sign of cancer. I have 0 idea where the trouble came from. If, after marsupialization, the abscesses still recur, then the doctor may recommend the complete removal of Bartholins glands. You have pus, redness, or swelling where the cyst was drained. Any statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and any information or products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease or illness. Thepainshould get better every day. A Bartholin's cyst occurs when the duct found in the Bartholin's gland is blocked. Illingworth BJG, et al. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Causes A Bartholin abscess forms when a small opening (duct) from the gland gets blocked. However, it can grow as large as a hen's egg (until 8 cm) and cause extreme discomfort. The opening is often less than a quarter-inch wide. On examination, an erythematous, localized, tender, soft, fluctuant swelling would be present in the labia minora. The silver nitrate forces the cyst cavity to form a small, solid lump. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. lol I would NEVER consider putting an onion slice on my vagina! If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. Bartholin cysts can resolve on their own over time. Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness. Don't be dumb like me and have sex while you have a cyst! It takes 5-10 minutes to perform. An untreated cyst can spread the bacteria to other parts of the body. If the cyst produces discharge, your healthcare provider may test the fluid for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other bacterial infections. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. Treatment for a Bartholin cyst should be directed by your healthcare provider. If the cyst is painful, a GP may recommend: soaking the cyst for 10 to 15 minutes in a few inches of warm water (it's easier in the bath) - it's best to do this several times a day for 3 or 4 days if possible They are very difficult to drain due to the absence of the head. An infection of the gland or its duct is known as a Bartholins glands abscess. Avoid sex or any sort of strenuous activities that could cause sweat or disruption to the area! 6 years ago, This content is not available in your current region. Thanks for that! Bartholin cysts are fluid-filled sacs in your Bartholin gland. Bartholin cysts can resolve on their own over time. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Surgical drainage. This post is for the gals and if you have this condition, you definitely know what it is. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Drainage of a cyst can be done using local anesthesia or sedation. Risks of this type of surgery include bleeding, bruising and infection of the wound. After one of these surgeries, your cyst and any pain in your vulva should go away. However, when my cyst turned into an abscess, the heat pack was the real winner. Review/update the Its a small sac that gradually expands in Bartholins glands and is filled with abnormal cells. The glands produce fluid to moisten your vagina. Things like an infection, thick mucus, or swelling can block a Bartholin gland duct and cause a cyst. Sometimes the openings of the Bartholin glands can be obstructed due to injury or infection, causing fluid to accumulate in the gland that results in a cyst called Bartholin cyst. A local anaesthetic is given. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day. You may need surgery to drain a cyst that's infected or very large. Background: Definitive methods for treatment of a Bartholin cyst and abscess include placement of a Word catheter, marsupialization, application of silver nitrate, and surgical excision. Take a fibre supplement such as Benefibre or Metamucil every day. If your incision is left open, it may take from a few weeks to several months to heal. Safe sexual practices, such as using condoms and maintaining good hygiene habits, can help prevent infection of a cyst. I have been researching and using natural remedies for years and a lot of these remedies come from years of family secrets and recipes. A Bartholin cyst occurs when a blockage happens at the openings of one of these glands, causing the mucus to build up and form a lump. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Healthy Focus is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to healthyfocus.org. Do this several times a day for 3 or 4 days. The abscess was super painful, the size of a pea and felt like it had cuts on it. "If you have any of these symptoms, get to a doctor right . Xx. They can become infected and form an abscess, or sac of pus. Bartholin's gland abscess has been reported to have a recurrence up to 38% 2. With small sizes, it does not cause unpleasant sensations. I want to share my experience, because so many of your discussions helped me, so I thought I'd contribute to those having issues. Medical treatment for the condition include surgical drainage or antibiotics to treat infection. Symptoms and Causes Diagnosis and Tests Well, congratulations on finding your way to this post. Anesthesia and pain medicine can make it unsafe for you to drive. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthcare providers are not sure why this happens. You will be given some painkillers to take home; take these regularly for the first few days as prescribed and then as and when you need to after that. You can: At-home treatments for cysts may help the abscess drain and heal independently. If you feel a painful lump in your vaginal area, contact your healthcare provider so they can examine you for infection. A Bartholin cyst (fluid-filled swelling) can turn into an abscess or an abscess can develop on its own. Bartholin gland cysts are relatively easy to treat, but your healthcare provider may need more intense treatment for recurring cysts. Obstruction in the ducts of these glands results in the formation of swelling or cysts. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. How Long Does It Take to Recover from Gender Reassignment, Long Term Diet After Gastric Bypass Surgery, How Long After BBL Can I Sit Without Pillow. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. You may have some blood or fluid draining from the wound. I know it's gross and the doctors tell you not to squeeze it but this is the only way I have gotten relief. My GP at the time told me with the IUD I'd be more prone to infections, such as UTIs--and apparently Bartholin's cysts. It is hard to notice a noninfected and small Bartholin cyst. Bartholin's Cyst Treatment | Procedure Part 1 | David Ghozland, M.D. Some causes of Bartholin cysts are: Many Bartholin cysts are small and do not cause symptoms other than minor irritation. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. However, they are not the same. What are the signs and symptoms of Bartholin cysts? Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Take pain medicines exactly as directed. You can also apply a washcloth soaked in warm water to the cyst. How does Tea Tree Oil help With Bartholins Cyst? You have vaginal discharge that has increased in amount or smells bad. Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law. The doctor may numb the area with a local anesthetic or put the person to sleep with a general anesthetic. Discomfort and pain during sex, walking, sitting, or when inserting a tampon or wiping after using the restroom. The genital area should be kept clean and dry. What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)? If it ruptures though and starts draining you will see copious pus and fluid along with. A small solid silver nitrate is used in silver nitrate gland ablation. The Bartholin's gland is one of two small glands on each side of the labia minora, just outside of the opening to the vagina. An asymptomatic cyst may require no treatment, 2 but symptomatic Bartholin's duct cysts and gland abscesses. Kg8322 over a year ago I've had a bartholin cyst since Sunday, I went to the Dr. on Tuesday and he have me antibiotics and told me to wait for it to rupture. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel. Small Bartholin's cysts are often asymptomatic. It's unlikely that it helps to remove them, though it may ease discomfort. Continue with Recommended Cookies, 10 Best Home Remedies for Syphilis (Based on Traditional Medicine), 10 Effective Natural Remedies for Uterine Fibroids, 9 Effective Homemade Remedies For Interstitial Cystitis, 4 Weight Loss Remedies That You Can Do At Home. Conservative home remedies may be used to treat Bartholin cysts, but most cases are treated surgically because they can recur, worsen or become infected. To diagnose a Bartholin cyst, a healthcare provider will do a physical exam. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. You will also be given instructions about taking any new medicines. This is the preferred surgical way to treat Bartholin's cyst or abscess. I knew what I was doing was working cause it very slowly started draining white pus. This enzyme tackles bacterial resistance and boosts antibiotic activity. If packing was placed in your wound, return in 24 to 48 hours to have it removed. Depending on the severity of the abscess, marsupialization may be recommended. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. Seek prompt medical treatment for the following symptoms; Some medical practitioners have remarked that sitz baths and some other natural remedies for Bartholins cyst can only alleviate the symptoms of Bartholins cyst for only a short time. Shiraz: Aseman Street, Bessat Blvd. The abscess grows very quickly, typically over 2 to 4 days. It then results in swelling, the Bartholin cysts. Fluid in the gland builds up and may become infected. An easy way to get the Bartholin cyst popped at home is by sitting on a hot water bottle. Lets take a look at the different Bartholins cyst treatment methods. Did you just slice off a piece of raw white onion and stick it up there (sorry tmi) I want to be sure I do it right? A Bartholin cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in one of the Bartholin glands or ducts when the duct that drains the fluid from the gland becomes blocked and causes the duct and gland.