How to Treat Bartholin’s Cyst

The Barthpin glands are located in the vulva, on either side of the vaginal opening. The main function of the gland is to secrete mucus through the ducts of the Barthpin glands to lubricate the vulva and vagina. If the Barthpin’s duct is blocked, mucus builds up and causes swelling next to the blockage. There are several different therapies to remove Barthpin’s gland cysts. You can start with home remedies that are known to help Barthpin’s cysts go away on their own, such as using a sitz bath. If the cyst is still persistent, you may be able to choose medical treatments such as pain medication, surgical drainage, opening the cyst, and/or antibiotics if the cyst becomes infected. After treatment for a Barthpin’s cyst, it is equally important to take care to ensure a full recovery.

Table of Contents

Use home remedies

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See your doctor for a diagnosis of a Barthpin’s cyst. ^{[1] X Source of Study} If you notice a painful lump on one side of the vaginal opening, it is most likely a Barthpin’s gland cyst. You may have pain while sitting or having intercourse, but sometimes there is no pain at all, just swelling. If you suspect you have Barthpin’s gland inflammation, it’s important to see your doctor for a pelvic exam and diagnosis.

In addition to a pelvic exam, your doctor may order tests to look for sexually transmitted diseases.
If you have an STI along with a Barthpin’s cyst, your risk of cyst infection is higher (and you may need to be treated with antibiotics – more on this later). .
If you’re over 40, your doctor may order a cyst biopsy to rule out cancer of the female reproductive organs.

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Use a sitz bath several times a day. ^{[2] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} One of the primary treatments for Barthpin’s cysts is regular sitz baths. You will fill the sitz bath enough to cover your buttocks and vagina while sitting in the water. The amount of water does not need to be deeper than this, but if you like, you can add more water to soak. (This is up to each person’s preference and the purpose of soaking to enjoy comfort or just want convenience.)

You should take a sitting bath at least 3-4 times a day.
The goal of regular sitz bath therapy is to keep the area around the cyst clean, relieve pain and/or discomfort, and help the cyst drain naturally.

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See a doctor if the disease does not go away on its own. If the cyst doesn’t drain on its own and goes away after several days of sitting therapy, you may need to see your doctor to discuss surgical drainage options. You need to discuss this treatment option with your doctor soon, because if it doesn’t go away, the cyst will become infected and form an “abscess.” ^{[3] X Research Source} This is more difficult to treat than simply treating a cyst, so it’s best to be proactive.

Women under the age of 40 who have cysts but have no symptoms (no pain, fever, etc.) usually do not need medical intervention.
If you have a fever along with a Barthpin’s cyst, see your doctor for treatment.
To prevent cyst infection, you should use a condom every time you have sex, especially if you’re not sure if your partner has an STI; However, you do not need to abstain from sex. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Take pain relievers. ^{[5] X Research Source} While waiting for Barthpin cyst treatment and recovery, you should consider taking pain medication to reduce discomfort in the cyst area. You can buy over-the-counter pain relievers at the pharmacy. Some common medications include:

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
Acetaminophen (Tylep) 500 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.

Find medical treatments

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Do surgical drainage. ^{[6] X Trusted Source American Academy of Family Physicians Go to the source} The most effective way to remove a persistent Barthpin’s cyst is surgical drainage. You can go to your GP for the procedure (if the doctor is experienced with the procedure), or be referred to another doctor for the procedure.

Most incisions and drainage are outpatient procedures done in the doctor’s office and require only local anesthesia.
The cyst will be incised (opened) to allow the fluid inside to drain out.
Your doctor may insert a catheter into the cyst for up to 6 weeks after surgery. This is usually only done in cases of recurrent Barthpin cysts.
The effect of the catheter is to keep the cyst open so that the fluid that has accumulated inside can quickly drain out.
Opening the cyst will prevent fluid from accumulating, allowing the cyst to heal naturally.

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Take antibiotics. ^{[7] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} If a Barthpin’s cyst shows signs of infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics after surgical drainage. It is important that you take your antibiotic for the full course of your course and do not skip any doses, as missing them will reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.

In addition, if the test for STIs is positive, you will also be prescribed antibiotics, regardless of whether the cyst is infected or not.
The purpose of taking antibiotics is to prevent infection, as sexually transmitted diseases increase the risk of cyst infection.

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Ask your doctor about “catheterectomy. “ If a Barthpin’s cyst recurs, you can ask your doctor about a procedure called cystostomy, in which the cyst is surgically drained and stitched around the edge of the cyst to hold it in place. open after surgery. ^{[8] X Trusted Source American Academy of Family Physicians Go to Source}

This opening is permanent and plays a role in preventing Barthpin’s cyst from recurring.
Usually, a catheter will be placed after the procedure and removed a few days later because the stitches are strong enough to hold the incision open.

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Complete removal of the Barthpin gland. ^{[9] X Trusted Source FamilyDoctor.org Go to Source} If the cyst is particularly severe or recurs, one of the “last resort” options is surgical or laser removal of the Barthpin gland. Both procedures are simple and do not require an overnight hospital stay.

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Note that there is currently no known way to prevent Barthpin’s cyst. ^{[10] X Trusted Source FamilyDoctor.org Go to Source} Many people ask if there is a way to prevent (or reduce the risk) of developing a Barthpin’s cyst, and doctors say no. What measures are known to prevent this? However, doctors recommend that patients begin treatment as soon as possible with home remedies and medical treatment as soon as a cyst develops.

Avoid applying harsh chemicals and fragranced products to the area as this can reduce irritation.

Recovery after drainage surgery

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Continue sitz bath therapy. ^{[11] X Source of Study} After surgical drainage or cystectomy, it is essential to continue regular sitting baths throughout the recovery period. This is a measure to ensure the hygiene of the wound, creating the maximum conditions for recovery and reducing the risk of infection.

Sitting therapy should be started 1-2 days after surgery.

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Abstain from intercourse until the catheter is removed. ^{[12] X Source of Study} You may have a catheter in place for 4-6 weeks to open up the cyst and prevent fluid from building up after surgery. Abstinence from intercourse while the catheter is in place is essential.

Not having sex during this time also helps prevent cyst infections.
After a cystectomy, even without a catheter, you should avoid intercourse for 4 weeks to ensure full recovery.

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Continue taking pain relievers if necessary. ^{[13] X Source of Study} You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylep) as needed. If your pain worsens, you can talk to your doctor about a prescription pain reliever, such as morphine, in the early stages of recovery.

Steps

Use home remedies

Find medical treatments

Recovery after drainage surgery

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