Bartholin Gland Cyst(Bartholin’s Cyst; Greater Vestibular Gland Cyst; Bartholin Gland Abscess)Bar-tho-lynn Gland Sist
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Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionBartholin glands are on either side of the entrance to the vagina. A pocket of fluid can develop around these glands. The pocket is called a cyst. If it becomes infected, it is called an abscess. CausesBartholin glands make fluid that lubricates the vagina. The glands can become blocked and cause a backup of fluid. This fluid creates the cyst. Bacteria or viruses can get into the trapped fluid. It is an easy place for them to grow and create an infection. Risk FactorsFactors that increase the risk of Bartholin gland cyst include:
SymptomsSymptoms may include:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may be able to make a diagnosis based on the exam. The doctor may need to rule out other conditions. This may include testing fluids or tissue from the cyst. TreatmentSmall cysts that are not causing symptoms may not need treatment. Cysts that are causing problems may be treated at home with:
Large or more bothersome cysts may need a procedure to help it drain. Options include:
Antibiotics may be needed if there is an infection caused by bacteria. PreventionThere is no known way to prevent a Bartholin gland cyst. RESOURCES:American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists http://www.acog.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Health Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada http://www.sogc.org References:
Bartholin gland cyst and abscess. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated August 2, 2018. Accessed February 12, 2019. Bartholin’s cyst. NHS Choices website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated April 9, 2015. Accessed February 12, 2019. Bartholin’s gland cyst. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated July 2017. Accessed February 12, 2019. Omole F, Simmons B, Hacker Y. Management of Bartholin’s duct cyst and gland abscess. Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(1):135-140. Last reviewed February 2019 by Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 2/12/2019 |
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