Health Information
Removing a Bartholin Gland Cyst
Topic Overview
Removal (excision) of a Reference Bartholin gland cyst Opens New Window is a minor surgical procedure. Because the Reference vulva Opens New Window has an extensive blood supply, removing a Bartholin gland cyst can cause bleeding. This is best treated in a surgical setting.
In a surgery center, you will be given whatever numbing and calming medicine you need for the procedure. If the cyst is painful, your doctor probably will recommend a Reference general anesthetic Opens New Window to put you to sleep.
You do not need to stay overnight at the hospital after an excision.
An excision procedure includes:
- Positioning you on the exam table in the same position used for a Reference pelvic exam Opens New Window or Reference Pap test Opens New Window.
- Cleaning the Reference vulva Opens New Window and vagina with an antiseptic solution.
- Injecting a numbing medicine (Reference local anesthetic Opens New Window) in the vulva area.
- Making a small cut (incision) into the cyst.
- Draining the fluid out of the cyst.
- Removing the entire cyst sac, which is the membrane that contains the cyst.
In rare cases, the entire Bartholin gland and duct are removed. This is often recommended for Reference postmenopausal Opens New Window women with Bartholin gland problems because of the risk of cancer, which increases with age. But simply draining a Bartholin cyst and testing the cyst tissue for cancer is also a reasonable first-time treatment.
To lower your risk of infection, do not have sexual intercourse until the area is completely healed. This can take several weeks.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
