Vaginal Cyst: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatments

What is a vaginal cyst? 

Vaginal cysts are fluid-filled lumps that form under the skin in the vaginal area. These cysts can be as small as a pea or as large as an orange. Vaginal cysts typically do not cause pain unless they become inflamed or infected.

One of the most common types of vaginal cysts is Bartholin's cyst, a small fluid-filled lump that forms when the Bartholin’s glands, which produce lubricating vaginal fluid, become blocked. These types of cysts usually develop on one side of the vaginal opening and are common among people of childbearing age. They are almost always benign and sometimes only discovered during a medical exam. Bartholin cysts often resolve on their own within a few weeks without treatment. However, if the cysts become infected, antibiotics or drainage may be necessary.

However, a Bartholin’s cyst can sometimes become infected, forming a Bartholin abscess, which is filled with pus, more firm, painful, and can interfere with daily activities.

What is a vaginal acne? 

Vaginal acne, or vaginal pimples, is similar to pimples on other parts of the body, usually showing up as small, red bumps with a white tip. Anyone can experience having a pimple on the vagina area from time to time.

While cysts and acne can appear similar, they differ in cause and appearance. A cyst is usually painless, does not change the colour of the surrounding skin, and contains clear fluid unless it becomes infected. In contrast, acne is a painful, red or discoloured bump filled with pus, like a typical pimple. 

What causes vaginal bumps?

Vaginal bumps can be either cysts or pimples, and they are caused by a variety of factors that can affect the vaginal area. These include: 

1. Poor hygiene 

Dirt, sweat, and bacteria can build up inside a pore.

2. Ingrown hairs

Commonly caused by shaving, waxing, or plucking pubic hair.

3. Tight clothing

Can cause irritation and block pores.

4. Vulvar cysts

Includes Bartholin’s gland cysts.

5. Genital warts (HPV)

Caused by Human papillomavirus.

6. Genital herpes (HSV)

Caused by Herpes simplex virus.

7. Gartner duct cyst

A congenital cyst which is often detected during routine checkups.

8. Müllerian cyst

From leftover embryonic material, can be asymptomatic or cause vaginal bleeding or urinary issues later in life.

9. Inclusion cyst

Develops on the back of the vaginal wall, usually from injury during surgery or childbirth.

10. Sebaceous cyst

Formed from blocked sebaceous glands.

Vaginal cysts can develop due to ingrown hairs, creating fluid-filled sacs under the skin, often appearing as lumps with visible hair. Factors like friction, sweat, bodily fluids, and inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis) can lead to vaginal acne.

What causes Bartholin’s cyst?

The exact reason for the blockage of Bartholin’s gland is unclear, but possible causes include:

• Long-term irritation

• Injury to the area, including after childbirth with or without an episiotomy

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhoea or chlamydia

• Bacterial infections like E. coli

What are the risk factors of Bartholin’s cyst?

Risk factors for developing a Bartholin’s gland cyst include:

• Being in the reproductive age group

• Having experienced trauma or injury to the area

• Having a history of Bartholin’s cysts

• Having been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

What are the symptoms of vaginal cysts?

To know if a cyst is infected or inflamed, look for the following signs: 

• Redness, tenderness, or soreness in the surrounding skin

• Warmth over the affected area

• Grayish-white, cheesy, foul-smelling material draining from the cyst

• Swelling and increase in size

• Large cyst causing one side of the labia majora (the outer skin folds protecting the vagina) to hang lower than the other

• Fever and chills in some individuals

If infected cysts go untreated, the infection can spread to other body parts or organs, or enter your bloodstream, leading to septicemia.

How to treat vaginal bumps?

Treatment options for vaginal bumps include: 

• Maintain good hygiene and treat the underlying condition

• Use oral antibiotics

• Take oral antiviral drugs for STIs, HPV genital warts, or genital herpes

• Apply Imiquimod cream for genital herpes or HPV genital warts

• Apply warm compresses

• Take sitz baths

• Avoid skin irritation from friction or irritants

How to treat Bartholin’s abscess?

If you think you have a Bartholin’s abscess, it’s important to have a physical examination, as it typically requires medical treatment and a pelvic exam. The abscess usually needs to be surgically drained under local or general anaesthesia. 

The doctor will make an incision, insert a catheter to drain the fluid, and remove the catheter once the abscess heals. Antibiotics may also be needed. 

If the abscess recurs, the doctor might suggest marsupialization (a procedure where your doctor will stitch the incision open to allow for maximum drainage) or, in persistent cases, removal of the Bartholin’s glands.

Prevention for vaginal bumps

How to prevent vaginal acne?

Consider the following steps to prevent pimples on the vagina:

• Wear clean, cotton underwear

• Avoid clothing that is too tight or rubs against your genital area

• Practice good hygiene by showering after exercise and changing out of sweaty clothes promptly

• Change menstrual products frequently during your period

• Trim your pubic hair instead of shaving

How to prevent Bartholin’s cyst? 

There is no guaranteed way to prevent Bartholin’s cyst formation. However, you can still try:

• Maintain good hygiene practices.

• Wash the vaginal area with warm water.

• Wear loose-fitting underwear and clothing.

• Avoid using vaginal perfumes and powders.

• Practice safer sexual activity to reduce the risk of infection or inflammation.

FAQs

Can I squeeze or pop the vaginal cysts?

Vaginal cysts typically go away on their own. It is advisable not to squeeze or pop the vaginal cysts yourself as this can worsen the condition and lead to infection.

Can I get Bartholin’s cysts if I shave?

Yes, shaving can potentially lead to Bartholin’s cysts. Excessive grooming of pubic hair can irritate or infect the skin in the genital area, causing inflammation of the Bartholin’s gland. It's best to avoid excessive shaving and maintain good hygiene in your genital area.

Can I have Bartholin’s cyst if I am a virgin?

Yes, a Bartholin’s cyst can occur in virgin women. It is caused by the obstruction of Bartholin's gland, leading to a fluid buildup, and does not require sexual intercourse to develop.

Are vaginal cysts benign? 

Vaginal cysts are usually benign and not harmful, although they can sometimes be cancerous. These cysts typically occur in women of childbearing age but can also appear after menopause.

Postmenopausal individuals should have any vaginal lumps checked and biopsied to rule out cancer.

How to manage a vaginal cyst by yourself?

If you're feeling uncomfortable, you can try a warm compress by applying a clean cotton cloth soaked in warm water to the affected area. 

Taking a sitz bath for 10-15 minutes several times a day for 3-4 days is also advisable, as it may help the cyst burst and drain on its own. If you're experiencing pain, over-the-counter painkillers can help ease your discomfort.

What happens if a Bartholin cyst bursts?

If a Bartholin cyst bursts, it might heal on its own within a few days. However, to prevent the infection from spreading, it is recommended to visit a doctor. The doctor will likely advise soaking the labia in warm water (sitz bath) and may prescribe antibiotics and pain medications.