Bartholin Gland Cyst
A Bartholin gland cyst is a swelling in the Bartholin gland located inside the vagina. These cysts are usually filled with thick, whitish fluid. The causes of these cysts are unknown, but most women have them at some point after puberty. The Bartholin glands are located on either side of the vaginal opening. Their purpose is to produce lubrication for sexual intercourse. As previously stated, this cause is unknown but has been linked to an infection or injury. The cyst may rupture during sexual intercourse, leading to bleeding and pain. A ruptured Bartholin gland cyst can also lead to a drop in libido and arousal issues.
Friction caused by tight clothing or an ill-fitting saddle (for cyclists) may cause irritation and inflammation of the glands, leading to swelling due to an accumulation of lymphatic fluid within them. These lumps do not require surgery unless infected or cause pain during intercourse. When they become infected antibiotics should be used to treat them when they become infected, as surgery on an infected cyst can become complicated by abscesses and scarring.
