What Is the Role of the Bartholin Gland in Female Anatomy?
The Bartholin’s glands are situated on either side of the opening of the vagina. The Bartholin gland with the secretion of fluid helps in lubricating the vagina. Sometimes, there might be some obstruction of the opening of Bartholin's glands. This causes the fluid to back right up inside the gland. It causes swelling that is relatively painless. This condition is known as Bartholin’s cyst. In case the fluid is infected in the cyst, there might be a collection of abscesses or pus that is surrounded by the inflamed tissue.
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The Bartholin's abscess or cyst is pretty common. The cyst’s size will decide the form of treatment used for the cyst. There are some factors included such as the root of infection in the cyst or the pain factor of the cyst. In certain cases, home treatment is enough for eliminating the cyst. There are some other cases where it is essential to have surgical drainage enough for the treatment. However, there are times when the infected cyst can be treated using some of the antibiotics.
What is Bartholin Gland Function?
The main Bartholin gland function is to provide some sort of lubrication to the vaginal opening. The fluid acts as the agent for moistening the vaginal opening and serves to make contact with the sensitive areas in order to make them more comfortable. The fluid ejected from the Bartholin gland then combines with other secretions from the vagina to create a lubrication fluid of about 6 grams every single day. It is rich in potassium and low in sodium. The acidic pH of the fluid is 4.7.
Symptoms Causes and Diagnosis of Bartholin Gland Cyst
There are certain details about the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of the Bartholin gland cyst. These may vary from one person to another. In case there is a cyst forming, it is advised that the person has a consultation with the doctor in order to get that treated. In case there is a non-infected cyst that is small in size, one might not notice it. However, with the growth of the cyst, the person will be able to feel a lumpier mass situated near the vagina’s opening. Though the cyst is pretty painless, the mass can be tender. It takes just a matter of a few days to have the infection fully blown. The symptoms of the cyst are:
A painful, tender lump situated near the opening of the vagina
Discomfort while sitting or walking
Pain during sexual intercourse
Fever
In case the person is seeing these above-mentioned symptoms, it is time to go and see the doctor. Self-care is often opted by the people but with the increase of pain and swelling, proper treatment is essential.
Causes of a Bartholin Gland Infection
According to experts, one of the main Bartholin cyst causes is the backing up of fluid inside. The fluid can be accumulated when there is an obstruction in the gland opening. This can be caused due to some sort of injury or infection. The cyst can be infected and form an abscess. It can be caused due to an increased number of bacteria in the area. E. Coli and some other bacteria responsible for causing sexually transmitted diseases are also sometimes responsible for the infection.
There are certain complications where the cyst might recur and that requires treatment of some sort. Unfortunately, the Bartholin gland cyst cannot be prevented. But safer practices during sex such as using condoms and some other hygienic habits can ensure that the cyst is not infected and doesn’t form the abscess.
How Can a Bartholin Gland Cyst Be Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose the Bartholin gland cyst, the doctor will ask a few questions and run a few tests.
He might enquire about your medical history
The doctor will also recommend and perform an examination of the pelvic region.
Some secretions will be taken from the vagina or the cervix to test any sexually transmitted diseases
A biopsy is often recommended to check for any cells of cancer
Bartholin Gland Cyst Treatment
In certain cases, the cyst might not require treatment, since there might be no symptoms or signs. However, the treatment depends mostly on the pain factor and the size that the cyst has. The treatment might include Sitz baths, surgical drainage where the doctor will perform the incision in the opening to clear out the abscess, antibiotics, and marsupialization procedure where the doctor will perform stitches on the drainage incision in order to create an opening that is permanent.
The article above attempts to explain what is Bartholin gland cyst and what are the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for the disease. Students can use this article to gain more information about their medical conditions.
FAQs on Bartholin Gland: Overview, Cyst Formation & Treatment
1. What are the Bartholin's glands and what is their primary function in the female reproductive system?
The Bartholin's glands, also known as the greater vestibular glands, are a pair of small, pea-sized glands located on either side of the vaginal opening. Their primary function is to secrete a mucus-like fluid that helps lubricate the vagina during sexual arousal. In the context of the CBSE/NCERT syllabus, they are considered accessory glands of the female reproductive system, homologous to the bulbourethral glands in males.
2. What causes a Bartholin's cyst to form?
A Bartholin's cyst forms when the opening of one of the gland's ducts becomes obstructed or blocked. This blockage prevents the lubricating fluid from draining, causing it to back up into the gland and form a fluid-filled sac, or cyst. Common reasons for this obstruction include bacterial infections (like E. coli), inflammation, or sometimes injury or irritation to the area.
3. What are the common signs and symptoms of a Bartholin's cyst?
The signs and symptoms of a Bartholin's cyst depend on its size and whether it is infected. Key indicators include:
A small, usually painless lump or swelling felt near the vaginal opening.
Mild discomfort or pressure during activities like walking, sitting, or during sexual intercourse.
If the cyst becomes infected (forming an abscess), symptoms can become severe, including significant pain, redness, tenderness, and possibly fever.
4. How is a Bartholin's cyst typically treated by a doctor?
Treatment for a Bartholin's cyst varies based on its symptoms. A small, non-infected cyst may not require any treatment. For symptomatic cysts, a doctor may recommend:
Sitz baths: Soaking the area in warm water multiple times a day to encourage natural drainage.
Surgical drainage: For large or infected cysts (abscesses), a doctor makes a small incision to drain the fluid and may insert a small catheter (Word catheter) for several weeks to keep the duct open.
Marsupialization: A surgical procedure for recurring cysts where the doctor creates a permanent, sutured-open drainage slit.
Antibiotics: Prescribed only if the cyst is infected or if there's a surrounding skin infection (cellulitis).
5. What is the difference between a Bartholin's cyst and a Bartholin's abscess?
The key difference lies in infection. A Bartholin's cyst is a blocked gland filled with sterile fluid, which is often small and painless. A Bartholin's abscess occurs when a cyst becomes infected with bacteria. This results in a collection of pus, causing the lump to become significantly larger, red, hot, and extremely painful, often accompanied by fever.
6. Are Bartholin's cysts dangerous, and can they be a sign of cancer?
In most cases, Bartholin's cysts are not dangerous; they are benign (non-cancerous) and primarily a source of discomfort. However, an untreated abscess can be dangerous as the infection can potentially spread. Bartholin's gland cancer is extremely rare, especially in women under 40. As a precaution, doctors may recommend a biopsy of any new mass in the vulvar area in postmenopausal women to rule out malignancy.
7. Can a Bartholin's cyst be managed at home, and when is it essential to see a doctor?
A small, painless Bartholin's cyst can often be managed at home with frequent sitz baths to promote drainage. However, it is crucial to never attempt to puncture or burst a cyst at home, as this can lead to a severe infection. You must see a doctor if you experience any of the following:
The lump becomes severely painful.
You develop a fever or chills.
The cyst grows rapidly or does not improve with home care after 3-4 days.
You are over the age of 40 and discover a new lump.
