Bartholin’s Cyst and Abscess
Date issued: November 2022
Review date: November 2024
Ref: A-534/HF/Gynae/Bartholin’s Cyst and Abscess
PDF: Bartholin’s Cyst and Abscess final November 2022.pdf [pdf] 160KB
What is a Bartholin’s gland?
There is a Bartholin’s gland on each side of the entrance to the vagina. These glands produce mucus to help lubricate the vagina. The mucus enters the vagina through a duct (connection) from each gland. The gland can become blocked, and a cyst can form. If this cyst becomes infected, it is called an abscess.
Symptoms of a Bartholin’s cyst/abscess may include a lump, tenderness, pain or discomfort during sex. A small procedure or surgical treatment may be used to drain it or make a opening that allows the gland to drain.
1 in 50 (2%) of females can develop a Bartholin’s cyst or abscess.
Inflatable balloon insertion (Word catheter)
Insertion of an inflatable balloon is a non-surgical procedure that can be performed whilst you are awake. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area. After the injection a small skin cut is made into the cyst or abscess to allow it to drain. A flexible tube with a small balloon at the tip is inserted in the gland to help create a passage. The balloon is filled with 3mls of sterile fluid to keep the balloon in place. By creating a passage this should stop the cyst or abscess from recurring.
You can do work and do your normal activities after having this procedure done. The tip of the catheter can be inserted into the vagina for your comfort. We would not recommend using a tampon whilst the catheter is in place.
Risks of the Word Catheter
You may experience pain during the procedure, but our patient surveys reassure us that this pain improves very soon after the Word catheter is inserted.
There is a risk of the Word catheter not working and it may fall out requiring further intervention. There is also the risk of the cysts or abscess recurring in the future.
Follow up
The balloon is left in place for 4 weeks. You will have an appointment on Ocean Suite to remove the catheter. If the catheter falls out within 5 days of being inserted, then please call Ocean Suite for advice. Further intervention may be necessary in this case.
You will be on open access to Ocean Ward for one week following treatment.
Alternative treatment
If you decline a Word catheter or prefer alternative treatment, a marsupialisation of the Bartholin’s cysts or abscess can be performed. You will need a general anaesthetic (be asleep) for this. The procedure involves making a cut into the cysts/abscess and using stitches to keep the cyst/abscess cavity open to allow the fluid/pus to drain.
Can I have this problem again?
Bartholin’s abscesses can reoccur whichever treatment you decide to have. In the long term 1 in 5 women can have this happen again.
Contact numbers: Tact telephone numbers
Ocean Suite (Gynaecology ward) at all other times, 01752 430026
Please remember that nothing is too trivial to talk about, if you are worried, we’d like to know.
