Bartholin's Gland Cyst

When To Call A Professional

If you feel an area of tenderness around the opening of the vagina and it doesn't respond to warm compresses, or it becomes larger or more painful, make an appointment to see a health care professional. Also call a health care professional if you have a lump or tender area near the vagina, and you develop a fever.

Prognosis

The chance is good that this problem will clear up quickly. A Bartholin's gland cyst may respond to warm compresses alone within a few days. When an abscess forms that requires an incision, healing may take a few days to weeks, depending on the size of the abscess. Recurring cysts and abscesses treated with a catheter or marsupialization may take longer to heal. These procedures, however, are highly effective at preventing infections from coming back.

Additional Info

National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) 8550 Arlington Blvd. Suite 300 Fairfax, VA 22031 Toll-Free: (800) 994-9662 TTY: (888) 220-5446 http://www.4woman.org/