The Bartholin's glands, also called the major vesicular glands, are a pair of glands located one on each side of the vagina. They are responsible for secreting a liquid that lubricates the vagina. It is not uncommon for a duct or opening in the gland to become blocked, causing fluid to build up in the gland. This accumulation of fluid causes this gland to swell.
This accumulation of fluid and subsequent swelling is known as a Bartholin cyst. Usually occurs on one side of the vagina, where one of the glands is located. Sometimes, the liquid can become infected, which becomes very annoying and painful for the woman who suffers from it. However, it may take years before this occurs. If you have a Bartholin cyst and you want the swelling to go down, here are some tips to do at home.
Bartholin's cyst symptoms
A small Bartholin's cyst without infection can go unnoticed, it is what is known as a Bartholin's abscess. But, if it grows, you may feel a lump near the vaginal opening. A Bartholin's cyst is usually painless.however, some people may experience some tenderness in the area. If your vaginal cyst develops an infection, you may experience the following symptoms:
- The swelling of the cyst may increase.
- Although it was painless, the pain in the area may begin to increase.
- Sitting is much more uncomfortable.
- You may feel discomfort or pain when walking.
- You practice sex can become more uncomfortable because the vaginal opening will be smaller by the cyst.
- Due to infection, fever may appear.
Ways to treat a Bartholin's cyst at home
- El most effective home remedy It consists of submerging a few centimeters in a bathtub or bidet with warm water. This needs to be done four times a day for a few days, and can even clear up an infected Bartholin's cyst.
- Take analgesics over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve discomfort and pain.
When to make an appointment with the doctor?
You can consider going to the doctor if you have the following symptoms because of your cyst:
- You have very intense vaginal pain.
- The infection has given you a high fever.
- If after three days of baths with lukewarm water your condition has not improved.
- If you are over 40 years old or postmenopausal. In this case, your doctor might recommend a biopsy to make sure you don't have cancer. Although this situation is rare.
In these cases your doctor will refer you to the gynecologist. Although it is possible that with these symptoms you choose to go directly to the emergency department of a hospital.
Medical treatment of a Bartholin's cyst
Your doctor may suggest you start treatment at home, performing baths in warm water four times a day. However, if your cyst is infected, they may recommend other options because it can be extremely annoying and painful in this situation. They might recommend these other options:
- Make a small surgical incision that would be followed by up to six weeks of drainage, possibly through a catheter.
- Antibiotics to fight the bacteria that have caused the infection.
- Surgical removal of the Bartholin's gland, although this option is rare.
Conclusion
A Bartholin's cyst It is a very common condition that can be very annoying.. However, the most recommended treatment by doctors, as it is the most effective, can be done at home. If home treatment doesn't work, or if the infection becomes more and more severe, then you should always see a doctor. If home drainage has not worked, then the doctor will recommend surgical drainage, which will require local anesthesia and hospitalization. The medical option would also have a prolonged postoperative period, as the incision is located in a delicate area.
However, the general recommendation for this condition is home treatment because it is the simplest and most effective. With the four daily baths in lukewarm water, for several days, the swelling of the abscess should reduce until it disappears. Keep in mind that if the gland has been clogged once, it may happen more times throughout your life, so taking this home remedy into account in case it reappears will save you some medical consultations.