How to Treat a Bartholin Cyst

Treatment of a Bartholin cyst ranges from self-care at home to outpatient surgical procedures. The specific treatment depends on the severity your specific cyst and the recommendation of your doctor. All of the treatments mentioned here are relatively non-invasive.

Instructions

Treatment

• 1

  Soak in a tub filled with a few inches of warm water for approximately 10 to 15 minutes at a time, three to four times a day. This promotes drainage in a small, uncomplicated Bartholin cyst.

• 2

  Receive surgical drainage of the cyst, which is typically a minor outpatient procedure. Your doctor will make a small incision in the cyst and insert a catheter, which will remain until drainage is complete.

• 3

  Take antibiotics if your cyst is infected or if your test results show a sexually transmitted disease. This will destroy any bacteria-causing infections.

• 4

  Watch for recurrent Bartholin cysts. Your doctor may suggest a surgical technique called marsupialization. Marsupialization is similar to the drainage procedure but leaves a permanent opening for drainage.

Follow-Up Care

• 5

  Visit your doctor for a check-up as recommended after your surgical procedure. Take sitz baths in the interim to promote drainage. Contact your doctor if your packing falls out prematurely.

• 6

  Continue any antibiotics until the medicine is finished, even after you start feeling better. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any pain medication.

• 7

  Seek additional medical attention if you experience new symptoms, including swelling, pain, discharge or fever, in the area of the Bartholin cyst or abscess.