Add a scoop or two of Epsom salt or sitz salt to make your sitz bath even more beneficial. The salt helps calm inflammation and promotes drainage.
A warm compress can also provide relief if the cyst is causing pain or soreness, or if the surrounding tissue is sensitive or inflamed. Don’t add anything to your compress—just water! The tissue around your vagina is extremely sensitive and essential oils, fragrances, and other substances could make your situation worse.
Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle and don’t exceed the maximum dosage. If OTC pain relievers aren’t helping enough, call your doctor.
Avoid non-penetrative activities that cause pressure as well. For example, riding horseback can put pressure on your vulva and cause the cyst to rupture, even though there’s no penetration involved. Also avoid bath or skin products with fragrances or chemicals that might cause further irritation to the cyst and the surrounding tissue. [6] X Expert Source Lydia Shedlofsky, DODermatologist Expert Interview. 11 November 2020. You can’t transmit a Bartholin cyst to others—that’s not why you’re avoiding intercourse. At the same time, they can be caused by an underlying sexually-transmitted infection (STI), so go ahead and get tested if you’re concerned about that.
If your symptoms get worse and you’re experiencing severe pain or a fever over 100 °F (38 °C), the cyst may be infected—get medical treatment as soon as possible. [9] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Your doctor can usually diagnose a Bartholin cyst with a simple exam. They might ask you how long you’ve been having symptoms or if you’ve ever had a Bartholin cyst before. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Depending on your sexual activity and medical history, your doctor might recommend that you get tested for STIs. This isn’t because a Bartholin’s cyst is evidence of an STI—just that sometimes these cysts can be caused by STIs. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
If the infection responds to the antibiotics, your cyst will typically drain on its own once the infection is gone. If it doesn’t, your doctor might recommend surgical drainage.
Surgical drainage is typically an in-office procedure and can be performed with local anesthesia or twilight sedation. You’ll go home soon after, although you should probably take it easy for the next day or two after. Talk to your doctor about what to expect from the procedure—they can answer any questions you might have and put your mind at ease.
Marsupialization is a little more involved than surgical drainage. You might go home with a catheter inserted in the opening—that’s just to make sure the incision doesn’t close up in the first few days after surgery.
Gland removal is typically performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. While it’s typically same-day surgery, your doctor might want you to stay there overnight to recover. [16] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source
The sitz baths help keep the surgical site clean and prevent infection. Don’t skip them! They’re an extremely important part of your recovery and healing process.
Returning to vaginal penetration after a surgical procedure might be uncomfortable. Just take it slow and use additional lubrication if necessary.
If you’re taking narcotic pain relievers, don’t drive or do anything that requires careful attention while you’re on the medication. It’s a good idea to have someone with you while you’re taking narcotic pain relievers, just to make sure you stay safe.
Since Bartholin cysts can be linked to STIs, practicing safe sex could be one way to prevent Bartholin cysts or keep them from returning. [21] X Research source
