Direct answer: A Bartholin cyst usually appears as a lump near one side of the vaginal opening. It may be painless when small, but infection can cause an abscess with rapidly increasing pain, swelling, redness, difficulty sitting or walking, pus, or fever. Any new vulval lump should be assessed rather than diagnosed at home—especially if it is very painful, recurrent, worsening, or occurs after age 40.
This page focuses on symptoms, warning signs, and clinical assessment. For procedure choices and recovery, see the separate guide to Bartholin cyst treatment in Enugu.
What is a Bartholin cyst?
The Bartholin glands are small glands near the vaginal opening. If the duct draining one gland becomes blocked, fluid can collect and form a cyst. A cyst is not automatically an infection. When bacteria infect the trapped fluid, a painful collection of pus—an abscess—may form.
Because several conditions can cause a vulval lump, its position and appearance should be confirmed by a qualified clinician.
Common symptoms
Small or uninfected cyst
A small cyst may cause no symptoms and may be noticed accidentally. Possible features include:
- a soft or firm lump near one side of the vaginal opening;
- mild pressure or discomfort;
- discomfort during walking, sitting, exercise, or sex; or
- swelling that changes in size.
Possible Bartholin abscess
Infection can make symptoms more intense. Features may include:
- rapidly worsening one-sided pain and swelling;
- redness, heat, or marked tenderness;
- difficulty sitting, walking, or having sex;
- pus or unpleasant-smelling drainage;
- fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell; or
- pain that interferes with sleep or normal activity.
When to seek urgent assessment
Arrange prompt medical care if the lump becomes painful within hours or days, contains pus, is hot and swollen, or is accompanied by fever or feeling unwell. Severe pain, spreading redness, weakness, dizziness, pregnancy-related concerns, or rapidly worsening symptoms should not wait for a routine visit.
Do not squeeze, puncture, cut, or attempt to drain a vulval lump yourself. This can cause bleeding, worsen infection, delay correct diagnosis, and make later treatment more difficult.
When a new lump needs particular attention
A new Bartholin-area lump after age 40 or after menopause deserves timely assessment. Most lumps are not cancer, but clinicians may recommend additional evaluation or a tissue sample because rare vulval cancers can resemble a cyst. Recurring, unusually firm, fixed, irregular, bleeding, ulcerated, or non-healing lumps also need examination.
What else can look similar?
A vulval lump is not always a Bartholin cyst. Other possibilities include a skin infection, infected hair follicle, inclusion cyst, hidradenitis, lipoma, hernia, another gland cyst, sexually transmitted infection, or—rarely—a tumour. An online photograph or symptom list cannot reliably distinguish these conditions.
How a clinician assesses the lump
The clinician will usually ask when the lump started, whether it is painful or recurrent, whether there is fever or discharge, and whether you may be pregnant. Examination helps establish the location, size, tenderness, and whether an abscess is present. Depending on the findings, tests may include:
- a pregnancy test when relevant;
- a swab or sample if infection or an STI is suspected;
- blood tests if systemic infection is a concern; or
- biopsy or referral for a new lump after age 40 or for an atypical mass.
Not every patient needs every test. The plan should be explained before examination or treatment.
Why cysts can recur
A cyst may return if the duct closes again. Recurrence does not prove that earlier care was wrong, but it can change the treatment discussion. Tell the clinician how many episodes you have had, what procedures or antibiotics were used, and whether the swelling disappeared completely between episodes.
Preparing for a gynaecology review
Note when the swelling appeared, changes in size, pain severity, drainage, fever, and any previous episodes. Bring details of medicines, allergies, pregnancy possibility, and earlier treatment. Questions worth asking include:
- Does the examination suggest a cyst, an abscess, or another condition?
- Do I need testing for infection or an STI?
- Can observation be considered, or is drainage recommended?
- What treatment best reduces recurrence in my situation?
- What warning signs require urgent return?
- How should I care for the area after treatment?
- When can I resume work, exercise, and sex?
Assessment at Christian Miracle Hospital in Enugu
Christian Miracle Hospital in Enugu provides hospital-based assessment for women with vulval swelling, pain, or suspected Bartholin cyst. The appropriate care depends on the examination and cannot be guaranteed before assessment.
Use the official contact page to confirm current appointment arrangements. For a broader consultation guide, see when to see a gynaecologist in Enugu.
Frequently asked questions
Is every Bartholin cyst painful?
No. Small, uninfected cysts may be painless. Severe or rapidly increasing pain suggests infection or another problem that needs assessment.
Is it an STI?
A blocked duct is not itself an STI. However, several bacteria can infect a cyst, and a clinician may recommend STI testing based on symptoms and risk.
Can it disappear without surgery?
Some small, painless cysts settle without a procedure. Painful abscesses and recurrent cysts often need clinical treatment. Do not attempt drainage at home.
Can a Bartholin cyst occur during pregnancy?
Yes. Pregnant patients should inform the clinician because pregnancy can affect the choice and timing of tests, medicines, and procedures.
Does recurrence mean cancer?
No. Recurrence is usually related to the duct becoming blocked again. Nevertheless, a new lump after age 40, an atypical mass, or persistent changes require careful evaluation.
Medical disclaimer
This article provides general education only. It does not diagnose a vulval lump or replace an examination, emergency assessment, or personalised treatment.
Authoritative references
- NHS: Bartholin’s cyst
- University College London Hospitals: Bartholin’s cyst or abscess
- NCBI Bookshelf: Bartholin gland cyst
Medical review and related Bartholin cyst guides
Medical review: This patient guide was medically reviewed by Prof. Obioma Okezie, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology; Fellow, West African College of Surgeons (FWACS); Fellow, International College of Surgeons (FICS); and Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. Last medical review: 28 August 2026.
Appointments and enquiries: Contact Christian Miracle Hospital in Enugu on WhatsApp: 0806 811 7438. WhatsApp is not an emergency service. Severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever, fainting, spreading redness, heavy bleeding or serious illness needs urgent in-person medical assessment.
- Bartholin cyst treatment in Enugu — drainage, Word catheter, marsupialisation and recovery questions.
- When to see a gynaecologist in Enugu — consultation preparation and warning signs.