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The Bartholin’s glands are two small glands located on each side of the vaginal opening. Their main function is to release fluid that helps to wet the vagina. These glands usually cannot be felt, but when the duct (the tube through which the fluid passes) becomes blocked, a fluid-filled swelling called a Bartholin’s cyst can develop. The symptoms of a Bartholin’s cyst changed depending on its size, whether it becomes infected, and how long it has been present.
1. Small, Painless Lump near the Vaginal Opening
In the early stages, the most common symptom of a Bartholin’s cyst is a small, smooth lump on one side of the vaginal opening. This lump is usually painless and may go ignored, especially if it is small. The cyst is often soft or slightly firm to the touch, and its size can range from a pea to a marble.
Because it is painless at first, many women only discover the cyst during routine cleaning or sexual activity. In some cases, it might be detected by a gynecologist during a pelvic examination.
2. Swelling and Discomfort
As the cyst grows, it can cause noticeable swelling on one side of the vulval area. The affected area may appear enlarged or asymmetrical, and women may feel a sense of fullness or pressure. This swelling can cause discomfort, especially when walking, sitting, or during intercourse.
Even without infection, the cyst may cause mild irritation or pain due to its size and pressure against nearby tissues. The discomfort usually increases as the cyst grows.
3. Pain and Tenderness
Pain is not a symptom of a simple cyst, but it becomes prominent if the cyst becomes infected or inflamed, forming what is known as a Bartholin’s abscess. In such cases, the lump becomes very tender and painful to touch. The pain may worsen when walking, sitting, or having sexual intercourse.
The affected area often feels warm and sore, and pain may be severe enough to make daily activities difficult.
4. Redness and Local Heat
When infection occurs, the skin over the cyst may become red, swollen, and warm. These signs indicate inflammation and bacterial infection, commonly caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis.
Redness around the lump and increased warmth are clear signs that the cyst has turned into an abscess and requires medical attention.
5. Pus or Fluid Discharge
In cases of an abscess, the cyst may burst and release pus or thick fluid. This discharge can have an unpleasant odor and is often followed by relief from pain and pressure. However, spontaneous drainage does not always mean complete healing — the cyst or infection may return if not properly treated.
6. Fever and General Malaise
When infection spreads, systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, or fatigue may develop. This indicates that the body is fighting the infection. A high fever or worsening symptoms should never be ignored, as they may signal a severe infection requiring antibiotics or surgical drainage.
7. Difficulty in Sexual Intercourse
Because of the swelling and pain near the vaginal opening, many women with a Bartholin’s cyst or abscess experience pain during sexual intercourse. The pressure of penetration can irritate the cyst further, leading to sharp pain or burning sensations.
8. Recurring Cysts
Some women experience recurrent Bartholin’s cysts, where the lump reappears even after previous drainage or treatment. Each recurrence may be associated with similar symptoms — swelling, discomfort, and sometimes infection.
Summary
The symptoms of a Bartholin’s cyst depend largely on whether it is infected or not. A simple cyst usually presents as a small, painless swelling near the vaginal opening. However, once infected, it can quickly turn into a painful abscess with redness, swelling, pus, and fever. Any lump or painful swelling in the vaginal area should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis and prevent complications. Early treatment can relieve symptoms, prevent infection, and reduce the risk of recurrence.
In short:
Small, painless lump → Early cyst.
Swelling and discomfort → Growing cyst.
Pain, redness, pus, fever → Infected cyst (abscess).
Recurrent lumps → Chronic condition needing medical evaluation.