Bartholin’s Cyst or Abscess: Lump, Symptoms and Care
A new lump beside the vaginal opening should be checked. Learn what a Bartholin’s cyst or abscess can feel like, which symptoms need urgent care and what treatment may involve.
In this guide
What is a Bartholin’s cyst?
A Bartholin’s cyst is a fluid-filled lump near one side of the vaginal opening, where a small gland has become blocked. It may be small and painless, or cause discomfort when sitting, walking or having sex. A painful, infected cyst is called an abscess. Because other conditions can cause a vulvar lump, arrange an examination rather than diagnosing it yourself.
A one-sided lump is a common pattern
The lump is usually on one side near the lower part of the vaginal opening and can make one labium look swollen. Some cysts cause no symptoms; others feel tender or make sitting and walking uncomfortable. Do not use a photo or online description as a substitute for a clinician checking a new lump.
An abscess can become painful quickly
Rapidly increasing pain or swelling, pus, warmth, tenderness, fever or feeling unwell can mean infection. Redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin, so worsening pain, heat, swelling or fever still matters even if a colour change is not obvious. Contact a local urgent-care service promptly if these signs appear.
A lump is not proof of an STI or sexual activity
A blocked gland is often the reason and it is not automatically sexually transmitted. Some abscesses can involve infections, including certain sexually transmitted infections, so a clinician may discuss testing based on your symptoms and history. You deserve an explanation without blame, assumptions or pressure to disclose more than is relevant to your care.
| When first noticed | Side and approximate size | Pain and changes | Fever or discharge | Effect on sitting or walking | Questions and access needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Getting a lump assessed
A clinician will usually ask when the lump appeared and examine the area with your consent. If the cause is unclear, they may recommend further tests or referral. You can ask for a chaperone or a woman clinician if available and request that the examination stop at any time.
Describe the change and how quickly it happened
Mention whether the lump is growing, painful, warm, draining or affecting walking, sitting or sex, and whether you have fever or feel unwell. Tell the clinician about previous cysts, procedures, medicines, pregnancy possibility and allergies. This information helps distinguish a cyst from an abscess or another cause.
Ask what the examination will involve
Before an intimate examination, ask what the clinician needs to look at and why. You can request a support person or trained chaperone, ask for a pause, and decline a step while discussing alternatives. If the clinician is uncertain, ask what test or follow-up will settle the question.
Seek urgent assessment for worsening symptoms
A lump that grows and becomes more painful over hours or days, contains pus, becomes hot and tender, or comes with fever or feeling unwell needs urgent clinical review. If you cannot reach a clinic, use the urgent or emergency service available where you live. Do not wait for a routine appointment when you are rapidly getting worse.
Comfort measures and treatment options
After a clinician has identified a simple cyst, some settle without a procedure. A suspected abscess or a cyst that keeps returning may need treatment. The choice depends on examination findings and local practice; never try to pierce, squeeze or drain the lump yourself.
Warm water may ease discomfort while you arrange care
For a diagnosed cyst, NHS guidance suggests sitting in warm water or holding a warm wet cloth against the area for short periods over several days. Keep the skin gentle and dry afterward. A pharmacist or clinician can advise which pain relief is safe for you, particularly during pregnancy or with other medical conditions.
Do not squeeze or cut the lump
Trying to force fluid out or opening the skin yourself can cause infection and injury. Avoid putting antiseptics, powders or unprescribed creams on delicate tissue. If the cyst bursts on its own, gently keep the area clean and dry and seek care if fever, worsening pain or other infection signs develop.
Drainage may be offered for an abscess or repeated cyst
A clinician may prescribe antibiotics for an infected cyst and consider a procedure if medicine does not work or the cyst returns. Drainage can involve a small opening or a catheter, with the approach and anaesthesia explained beforehand. Ask about pain control, aftercare, recurrence, costs and what symptoms should prompt a return visit.
Bartholin’s cyst: frequently asked questions
Can a Bartholin’s cyst go away on its own?
Some diagnosed cysts settle without a procedure. A new lump still needs a clinician to check what it is, and infection symptoms such as worsening pain, pus or fever need urgent review.
Is a Bartholin’s cyst an STI?
A blocked gland is not itself proof of a sexually transmitted infection. Some abscesses can involve an STI, so a clinician may discuss testing based on symptoms and exposure; that discussion should be private and respectful.
Can I drain it at home?
No. Do not squeeze, pierce or cut it. Self-drainage can cause infection or injury. A clinician can discuss pain relief and safe drainage if it is needed.
When should I seek urgent help?
Get urgent care if it grows and becomes more painful quickly, has pus, becomes hot and tender, or you develop fever or feel unwell. Use the local urgent-care pathway where you live.
Words you can use
Request a consent-led examination
When you notice a new or painful lump near the vaginal opening
“I have noticed a lump on [side] since [date]. It has [changed / not changed] and I have [pain, fever, discharge or no other symptoms]. Could you explain what you need to check and what the possibilities are? Please ask before each step; I may need a pause or a chaperone.”
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Sources and publication record
Clinical sources checked 28 September 2026; medical and human Hindi editorial review pending · Sources checked .
- Bartholin's cystNational Health Service, United Kingdom