The Bartholin Gland
92The Unknown Gland
So what is a Bartholin Gland anyhow? Most women do not even know that this gland exists, mainly because it remains silent and typically does not cause any problems. The Bartholin gland (also known as greater vestibular glands), are located just a smidge below and to the left and right of the vaginal opening in women and though small is not visible to the naked eye however it may be detected as a divot on the skins surface. Males too have a similar gland; however it is located deeper in the perineal pouch and is called a bulbourethral gland. The Bartholin Glands, under normal circumstances, main function is to secrete mucus to aid in vaginal lubrication. The Bartholin gland, typically before orgasm will excrete 1-2 drops of mucus to lubricate the vaginal opening, while interior lubrication occurs deeper within the vagina.
Bartholin Glands will Sometimes say "Hello"
As stated before, most women go their entire lives without ever realizing that there are two little glands in that area. However the Bartholin Gland can rear its ugly face and make its presence well known. Although unusual, the Bartholin Gland can become irritated or infected, causing extreme swelling and discomfort. Typically if the gland(s) become inflamed and form a cyst, the cyst is not painful, only uncomfortable and more of an annoyance, but often time a cyst leads to infection and the area will become even more inflamed, the surrounding areas will be tender, warm and may throb any firm pressure applied is sure to add to ones discomfort making almost impossible for one to sit down. When this happens, the gland is then referred to as a Bartholin Cyst that has abscessed.
Bartholin Abscess: a Painful experience
If you have ever had the unfortunate chance to experience one of these buggers, then you know all to well just how bothersome and debilitating they can be. In most cases, only one gland is affected at a time, and for some unknown reason can bounce back and forth between glands (For example, the left one is abscessed then heals, a little while later the right one forms a cyst and abscesses). The way Bartholin Cysts form are when for some reason the duct exiting the gland become blocked causing fluid to accumulate, swell and form a cyst. A Bartholin Cyst can lead to an abscess when a formed cyst becomes infected. An infection can occur for multiple reasons such as : bacterial infections, sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea, and even some bacteria's found in the intestines like E. Coli and it is very common for these abscesses to have one or more of these causing factors.
Symptoms Simplified (Cyst):
· Swelling of Labia and surrounding tissue
· Not very much pain associated with it (unless it is large)
Symptoms Simplified (Abscess):
· Significant pain near labia and vaginal opening
· Tender to the touch
· Swollen
· Reddish skin covering affected area
· Inability to find any comfy spot
Is it time for the Doctor?
If at any point, you feel that the gland is continuing to swell and grow, and shows no sign of improvement within 3-4 days, then it’s time to go see your doctor or gynecologist. If a lump developed and begins to be painful, this is indicative of an abscess and chances are it will NOT go away on its own, it is infection-infections get worse without medical intervention and the lump needs to be drained. Especially if you are experiences other symptoms as well such as: fever, vomiting, abnormally colored vaginal discharge or abdominal pain (the latter is not a normal symptom) it time to go to the doctor or ER. If you are experiencing extreme pain, and cannot sit down or wear your normal pants get to the doctor immediately.
What’s Going to Happen at the Doctors?
There is no testing to confirm a Bartholin cyst or abscess; it is simply diagnosed by a physician through examination. In many cases, especially if the issue is a returning or repeating one, the doctor may collect a culture to determine a bacterial strain so that the best medication can be prescribed and you will be checked for related STD's such as gonorrhea and Chlamydia. The culture is typically collected from the drainage of the cyst or abscess and only sometimes the cervix, test results are usually back within 48 hrs. When you to the doctor, you will depending on the severity and the difference between cyst and abscess be given pain killers like Hydrocordone or Morphine. Once the pain killers have kicked in a local anesthetic is applied to the affected area, and the doctor will make an incision. The relief is immediate; all the pressure simply goes away. The doctor will then, either pack the gland with a special gauze or use a balloon catheter. As a special note, if it has been decided that the Bartholin gland needs to be lanced, local anesthetics do not work well in areas where there is inflamed tissue, so be sure, if you are in pain to discuss your options for pain relief prior to surgery--you can be sedated if necessary--all you need to do is ask.
Marsupia..What?
Occasionally, though no longer as common as it was a few years ago Marsupialization was a procedure that created a permanent drainage site, to prevent cyst and/or abscess reoccurrence. The doctor would generously make the recommendation, and arrange for a time to do it. Many doctors today still believe that there is some benefit in performing this procedure in individuals that suffer from this problem on a frequent basis, however it has come to light, that this invasive, permanent change may not be as beneficial as once thought. While marsupialization does provide drainage, it appears that at least 60 percent of those who have had this procedure see reoccurrences despite it often the problem that was once isolated to one side, after the procedure has a tendency of jumping to the other gland.
After Surgery Care:
Once you have had the cyst or abscess drained, you probably feel a whole lot better. Proper at home care is imperative to prevent re-infection and sooth any pain of discomfort. If you can spare $20.00 or so, a shower head with an extendable neck or hose will make regular cleaning much easier and more comfortable as you can adjust the pressure and the wound is not entirely submerged. Try not to pull on or mess with either the packing or the word catheter. (and as a fore note: if you can opt for the word catheter you should is is less irritating, you can sit down than with packing which btw is excruciating to have removed, so if you have it get pain killer prior to removal) as they easily can become dislodged or fall out. If your word catheter fall out within 24 hours, the balloon was not inflated correctly (which often happens) and needs to be replaced, however if you drop the catheter a few days afterwards you should be alright, continue using a sitz bath to keep it clean. Remember that if your doctor prescribed you some antibiotics, you must finish them out, even if everything feels better, finish every last pill. In addition to any medication, ask your doctor for prescription strength Ibuprophine or hydrocordone, you will be in pain post surgery for 2-3 days. Most doctors prescribe clyndomyacin as the antibiotic in varying doses in accordance with the severity of the infection, if this is the medication you are given, please don’t forget I told you this, it WILL my you intolerably nauseous, so ask for anti-nausea pills!
At Home Prevention:
Yes you can help prevent these nasty buggers from coming back. My experience has shown me that when one comes, several follow in a row, generally sticking to one side, or occasionally bouncing back and forth between the right and left sides. As mentioned before, regular use of a warm bath will help break up any blockage that may exist or be forming. Occasional addition of Epson salt to a bath increases your ability to prevent a blockage from forming, but be careful that you not over do it with the Epsom salt as it has the ability to cause dryness, which will lead to chaffing in the genital area. Keep strong cleansers and body washes away, instead opt for fragrance and dye free soaps that boast gentle cleaning such as Very Private (brand) Body wash available online. If you feel some swelling coming on, get to a hot bath immediately if you can, and if possible create a current by moving your hands to help move water around the affected area. Repeat this up to 5 times a day (each bath lasting 10 minutes). Wear loose fitting pants and non constricting underwear, during sleep wear a simple a t-shirt to bed or very loose bottoms. Make use of heating pads to sooth and bring comfort as well and encourage the gland to expel the buildup of fluids. Drink a lot of water and fruit juices, stay away from dairy products (dairy increases mucus production) to help flush your system. Get plenty of rest to help you body fight the imbalance. If you smoke, try to cut down during this period as it could aggravate the area by increasing the blood flow. Avoid applying pressure to the area, this increases the swelling. For at home pain management, a cold pack (NOT ICE PACK in this region of your body solid ice can act very quickly, damaging the tissues by freezing them), stick to gel packs, or in a desperate pinch take a spoon and place it in the freezer for 15 min, remove, wrap with a paper towel and apply to the surface of the swollen gland until spoon is no longer cold or you have achieved some relief. But be warned to not over do it with the cold treatments, which cause tissue to contract--the opposite of what you want it to do. Heat is your very best friend! Avoid crossing your legs if swelling is severe, and consider sitting on a pillow instead of harder surfaces such as kitchen chairs which can be aggravating.
Medical Outlook:
While there is little study or research currently about the Bartholin Gland, a recent (within the last 10yrs) a outcry from suffering women is encouraging health care professionals to take a second look at this ongoing condition. Unfortunately, we still do not know entirely how these little glands work, or why for some individuals become chronically infected, swollen or in pain. As I find new, relevant information pertinent to this medical condition I will update this blog to bring you the best knowledge out there, all together in one place!
Here I am
To the right, the image gives a clear view of where the bartholin gland is located. When the gland is irritated, it can swell to well over 5X its size, making it nearly impossible to sit down.
I am doing an extensive series concerning Bartholin Glands and the problems associated with them. There are an overwhelming amount of women (and men though fewer) who struggle with this condition. There is little no information available online and where there is, it is very broad spectrum and does not offer a solutional approach nor the voice of one who deals with this condition. Below you will find a list of other Bartholin related topic I have composed for benefit and i encourage you to educate yourself and read them!
- The Bartholin Gland and Hygiene
It may seem like a no-brainer that the health of your Bartholin Gland and Hygiene are interconnected, but for the sake of being all inclusive in this Hub Series on Bartholin Glands I have chosen to include a... - Caring for a Bartholin Cyst
Caring for a Bartholin gland that has developed a cyst does not need to be an arduous or painful process. Learning to recognize your early indicators is important and will aid you more than anything else on...
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Very informative and helpful. Have had BG cysts off and on for nearly 40 years; left gland removed at early age; remaining gland recently infected. First time having Word catheter inserted. Uncomfortable at Day 4. Ready to get rid of it.
was recently misdiagnosed with herpes it turned out to be a st batholomues cyst i had to ask for my GP to look it up as he was adamant i had herpes and couldn't be more apologetic for making me take anti virals i didn't need!! Your info was really helpful and am booked in to have it removed next week!!
From what I gather, mis-diagnoses is very common. Bartholin Gland problems, though common amongst women are not widely understood within the medical community. I am sorry that this happened to you! I plan on expanding the articles I do concerning Bartholin glands, eventually I'm planning on starting a website for education and outreach purposes--keep an eye out.
My daughter has had the bartholin gland removed because of reoccurent abcesss. She continues to get these abcess in the same area. She has also noticed that she gets tem right before her period. Not sure why they keep coming back?
I am so sorry to hear that your daughter is going through this. Doctors know very little about treating this condition. I am even sorrier to hear that she had the gland removed, since that procedure has been proven not to really help--in some cases it even exasperates it. She is absolutely correct in her observation about them flaring up prior to her menses--it has been suggested by numerous researchers that hormones are a very large factoid in how and when the Bartholin gland acts up. There is hope of course and there are many, many things that she can and should be doing right now to prevent these buggers from occurring.
Bartholin glands, from what i know can come about in one of two ways. Either through stress and hormonal fluctuation or through bacterial infection. There are many types of bacterial that can contribute to this painful condition, however the biggest offender is E.Coli. Next time she has an abscess, ask for a culture to be done to determine which bacteria is the culprit. Once you know which bacteria is the offender, you will know where that bacteria comes from and what preventative step you can take to prevent that bacteria from coming into contact with this region
Has anyone heard of getting a piercing on a bartholins gland. i just thought if the solution is to keep this gland draing then a piercing may work, people do it for the craziest reasons anyway, so if it can help, im willing to go through with it. instead of wearing a catheter for weeks and just watching it grow back days after the catheter is taken out. maybe a permanent piercing would work, and im sure its hell of a lot easier to pull off than a walnut size lump in the vagina.
A piercing would NOT do what you think it would. Instead it is likely that it would provide an inlet for potential irritants and bacteria. The Bartholin gland is already super tiny, and extremely sensitive, especially in those individuals who are prone to flare ups. Further, the Bartholin gland sits rough 1/5 -to 3/4inch from the surface, so if you were to get a piercing, you would only be putting a hole into the glandular outlet, which as mentioned before would provide a secondary inlet for bacteria, thereby increasing the number of flare ups you might encounter. ITS NOT WORTH IT. If you are concerned about wearing a word catheter for weeks (btw: you should not have to wear it for more than 7-10 days on average)ask for the site to be packed instead. Packing of the gland is more comfortable in the sense that you do not have to worry about a catheter falling out, but its removal is more painful (ask for a a pain medication prior to unpacking--such as a low grade morphine injection and you will not feel a thing). I hope this helps.
omg thanks for this site =] i have to call my doc tomorrow i think i found my problem, but it only occurs after and during sex,is that how it works? because it gets out of controll huge sometimes my skin starts to break
Jenavie: I am glad that you were able to take advantage of this information! If you are experiencing swelling during and atfer sex, chances are you are having lubrication issues. This can be caused by many things, but ultimaley it can cause swelling, particularly in the bartholin region. Try using a natural, preservative and parabin free lubricant that is water based and unscented (very private is a good brand to look into--availible online at icnsales.com unter the intimacy tab) As for why this may be happening, as stated before there are many reasons, but sex can drive bacteria that is present either on you or your partner into the gland and cause irritation and infection. I recomend showering before and after or atleast increasing hygeine in some way (ie: if a shower is too inconvient use a chlorine free, fragrance free "baby wipe" or femine cleaning wipe before sex--your partner too!!!) and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS SHOWER AFTERWARDS! avoid harsh soaps and do not over exert yourself on an intimate level--if it hurts during, stop. Pain can indicate a problem, perhaps this pain can be alleviated by readjusting the "angle of entry". the bartholin gland is located on either side of the vagina (roughly) so if your partner is rubbing more on one side than the other as opposed to entering in a straight trajectory the likelihood of you experiencing inflamation as a result of tissue trauma in that area is very good.
This is a wonderful page, I have the gland swollen for over 3 weeks and is painful- the doctor check for std, and I was clean, I have been married for 10 years, the doctor told me the only thing that would work is surgery (to remove the gland) He say the gland is block, but I squeeze the cyst and blood and mucus kind of looking came out, but it was hurting to much so I stop so I am thinking if I can squeeze it all out do you think it might come back???
Hello Thanks for all your answers. i had my last barthcyst drained at the er a few months ago, since it was infected and swollen. ever since it has come back, but no infection or pain even with sex. but i want it to go away, i have not had any success with silica and calcuim pills. and i tried a mixture of teatree oil, calamine and witchhazel.i have to say it releived the pain a lot which was nice. but other that just gave me black spots and made the area peel. no drainage the gland is still the size of a big grape. im not able to soak for so many times a day faithfully. so i wondering about purchasing a heating pad to put on there instead. and ive heard of it draining with enough heat. but i have a question about the drainage, does it basically rupture with enough heat or does it drain from its regular tiny hole? either way i really need some control over this thing. i want to see my vagina normal again. im choosing not to have any kind of sex life until it gets better. i have had my fair share of freakshows at the er. and im glad i actually get to have moments where i forget its there. but the fact remains its there and i dont know how to have a sexual life around this.i feel like such a freak.please let me know what else to try.
just want to add that there is no pain or infection. its just there being an eyesore. and how hot should i have the heating pad on? do u suggest any brands or kinds for convenience. thanks again.
I've only had one flare-up (a few years ago) and it was on both sides! I was so scared because it came on within a day and was very painful. Thank God for the internet, I was able to diagnose my condition and treatment. I used hot compresses every chance I could get, 4 or 5 times a day. I've had other cysts in other places and this has always worked on them as well. Later, my mother told me my great,great-aunt died of Bartholin gland cancer when she was in her 80s. And now, my niece has been diagnosed with one. It appears to run in families. My niece has one swollen gland and has already had it lanced, but it came back. Because she has a lack of funds is unable to get it treated, she won't listen to my recommendation. Are there any risks involved in not treating a blocked Bartholin gland? Thanks for your website!
now i have had make mensess two month.therefore i am being afraid about that.i like to know about that what's have this
i have not make mensess two month ago.therefore i am being afraid about that.i like to know about that what's have this
To Lesbiac... First I am sorry that it has taken me so terribly long to respond but here it is. Surgery is NOT the only option, in fact more and more the medical community are agreeing that surgery (also called marsupulation) does nothing and can actually worsen the condition and make it a permanent issue that you will have to deal with. If you have a swollen gland that is just annoying and not painful, it is a cyst in the gland. Cysts normally heal on their own, either they drain normally through the glands vent or the body absorbs it. Cysts can show up in less than an hour and be there for a week to 1 year and in some cases, longer. It all depends on your lifestyle, state of mind ect. Be religious and diligent about your care. NEVER squeeze the gland!!! You could do irreparable damage!!!!!!! Blood and mucus are not necessarily indicators of an infection, simply that your body is trying to take care of a cyst. You need to dedicate yourself to caring for this cyst. Regardless, once you get a barth cysts or abscess, it will come back 85% of the time. The reason for this is for some reason trauma has happened to your gland on some level and it is no longer able to function properly either immunologically or physiologically. So you need to establish some care guidelines and defense against this annoyance. Eat healthy DRINK LOTS OF WATER, take a multi vitamin, make sure you get enough exercise and make sure that you practice clean sex (both you and yur husband should take showers (him before, you after).
To barthconquerer: Again dear sorry for the long period of time it took me to answer, my sincerest apologies. First, you must find time every day to soak in the tub. If that means you have to get up earlier in the morning and go to bed a little latter, that's just what you are gonna have to do. This is your body we are talking about here and nothing is more important. If you have a job that commands much of your time, your employer must know what you are going through, chances are they will be understanding and they certainly cannot fire you, that would be a lawsuit! It sounds like you are suffering from an ongoing cyst. Having it on both sides is rare, but it does happen. It sounds like it is bacterial in nature if you having it on both sides. Depending on what your age is, you may want to go to the doctor and request a hormone level test (something that indicates whether your hormones for some reason are raging or are low, this has been the case for some women) As for a heating pad, that will definatley help, at least is has for me. I made my own because there are not any heating pads (only cooling ones) available for the perennial area. All you need is some rice and fabrics. On the fabric draw out a pad ( similar in shape to a regular sanitary napkin) and add 1/2 inch all the way around for your seam allowance. stich the entire border on a sewing machine, but leave a hole large enough to put 1 to 1 1/2 cups of plain rice (not instant rice it will burn, finish the opening by hand so that the rice is sealed. Place in microwave for 1-2 minutes and wear against your skin "down there" using a pair of under-ware to hold it in place. I imagine you could also use use those adhesive heating pad types sold at local drug stores, but buyer beware they get hot (140 degrees +) and the skin is tender down there, do not hurt yourself. Cysts typically do not rupture, they either drain or get absorbed or you have them drained, but DO NOT let your doctor convince you to remove the gland, you think you have issues now...i have heard complete and utter horror stories about women who get the gland removed.
To binniewalker, sorry for not responding in a timely fashion hun. There are not really any major risks with not having one dealt with, other than a cyst can turn into an abscess at any point and then, it is an infection and must be dealt with or you could become very ill. I am sorry to hear of your losses resulting from this gland. Yes it does tend to run in the family, but that does not mean that you will get cancer. But because it is in your family, you should be checked annually, to ensure that everything is good. Often times bartholin cancer goes undetected until it is too late, it is an aggressive kind too. Not to many doctors incorparate this little very un-known about area into physical exams, remind your gyno to check it out at every annual visit. As for your niece, SHE NEEDS TO DO HER HOMEWORK. The only procedure that people should have done for a basic cyst or abscess it having it lanced, THAT IS IT and it should really only be lanced when it has become unbearable. Lancing leaves a scar, and i guarantee a the time will come, over and over where she will need to have it lanced, the more scar tissue that deelopes the more pain she will experience when the area becomes inflamed, so lancing should be reserved as a last resort. Some doctors like to push removal of the gland, but the procedure has been in most cases proven to worsen the condition. She should practice good health habits, visit her gyno at-least once a year and drink lots of water.
ATTENTION MY FELLOW SUFFERERS: I have discovered a potentially awesome product that you may be interested in trying. It is new to the market. I work for a patient care company who helps bladder patients get in touch with needed resources. We recently began carrying this product called " Luvena" it is a whole line of feminine care products that are pre-biotics. All bartholin sufferers should always be on pro-biotics to help insure proper colonies are present to help stave off future infections of the gland. In particular, the lubricant is a pre-biotic and worth all of you investigating. I know its available at some drug stores but just in case you cant find it, its here online where I work icnsales.com
My Bartholin Gland began to get infected in 1992. My left side was swelling larger than a golf ball. My doctor lanced, drained & packed the site with pain medication injected to the affected site. My gynecologist removed the gland in 1996. He disected the the area, removing 4 years of scar tissue. I had never experienced this much pain in my life. 15 years later, I have scar tissue that is now becomming inflamed.
Thanks to everyone for your input and experiences.
I just experienced my first Bartholin Gland abscess and it by far has been the most traumatic situation of my life. I'm 31 years old and sexually active. A week ago I woke up (I'll apologize in advance for my candor) with a severely swollen labia. After much research and Googling, I still wasn't convinced this was a BG issue, but rather an ingrown hair.
I let it ride for about 6 days until it got to the point that I could no longer walk or sit. I'm a bartender, so this posed a serious problem. I'd just lost my job (i.e. health insurance) and money is tight. I went to a local minor emergency clinic where they determined it was an abscess and they decided to make an incision. I was climbing out of the chair in pain, but once the procedure was done the swelling and pain from the abscess was gone.
However, the doctor couldn't pack the wound because I was in too much pain and a catheter was never offered as an option to keep the gland open.
Now, I'm frightful of the return of this problem as everything I've read seems to suggest that no matter the method the cyst/abscess is likely to return.
I'm currently adhering to doctor's orders, taking 3-4 sitz baths daily as well as taking the antibiotics.
Thank heavens for these forums as none of my girlfriends had gone through this, but I'm already dreading the next one since it seems they come back so regularly. Sigh!
Omg this was helpful. I woke up with this today- super painful and went immediately to the Doc. I just happen to have a new BF and was scared it was an STD. I had just gone on birth control ( nuva ring) a week before so it has to be related to the hormone change. Or.. The BF also has a piercing down there that may of irritated it.. Thoughts?
I'm just using heat (rice pack I heat in the microwave) and it already feels better. Hopefully I won't have to have any invasive treatments.
I was just wondering if it is possible for the Bartholin Gland to become inflammed and irritated - say due to an allergy - and then form a blockage without having a cyst or abecess? Both pain and redness can be seen and felt in that area (usually just on the one side) when touched, or during sex, yet the immediate application of warm/hot water after causes the problem to subside and it only seems to return if friction is involved. I was just wondering if a blockage could be responsible even if there isn't a sign of a cyst?
(STD check is completely clear as is the possibility of yeast or a bacterial infection)
Ive had problems with my left bartholin gland for years. Mine gets as big as an orange! I cant walk or function. I usually go to the emergency room to have it lanced. They give me a demerol shot(which doesnt help with the pain) and then they insert a needle up inside the vagina and pierce the gland. It hurts like crazy!! It seems like my gland gets inflamed when I get a yeast infection. I take capsules called Acidophilus. These capsules have probiotic live cultures just like yogurt. I take one capsule a day. Maybe all of you should try these capsules. I wouldnt mind having mine removed though. It is such an inconvenience when it flares up. So, dont feel like youre the only one who has experienced this problem. Just be grateful that yours does not get as big as an orange.Good Luck...........Kim
Its ok Thanks. In the meanwhile I've been using a water bottle. I let tap water run the hotest then fill up a regular water bottle or just fill it up with water n microwave for 2mins,( it can get it too hot if not careful.) and place it on the gland between my legs. I also have tried wrappin d bottle with a panty liner soaked with teatree oil. I don't use teatreeoil too much cuz it burns my skin but it releives the pain. Abut the rupturing the skin seems thin in a few places so I thoght if I apply the heat n teatre oil concentrating on the spot it will rupture from ther.but I've had no sucess. From what I read its not something that u can jus force to drain I have to work it and constantly treat myself for days in a row diligently. I haven't had succes yet in gettin it to drain, but I'm not going to give up. Earlier this year I started to take dan active I drink one or two a day. Should I drink mor? Do u know about the luvena. If it works I will pay anything for it. Also so so sorry Kim. I can't I magine how u do anything with an orange size one. I cried for u when I read it. May God bring us healing. In jesus name. I never even knew ther was such a thing as barth cancer but I rebuke it in jesus name. I don't wish that on any human. I wonder if there are studies being done. Will def try the rice heatin pad so I can atleast walk around while treating it. Thanks everyone for sharing. Still thanking God for not having it as bad as some.
I have had vaginal cysts (abcesses) approximately 31 times since I was 13. I am currently 29. I am not sure mine are BG abcesses. I have had varied responses when I have asked if they were BG. Anyways, I have had to have all but 2 lanced. One became so big that I took a pain pill and while I was sleeping, the cyst broke through my skin on its own. Ever since then, I have hoped the others would do the same and have waited until it is extremely painful when I have them lanced. Unfortunately, now I have too much scar tissue that I am afraid they will never break through the skin on their own anymore.
I am a larger woman, so I struggle with doing sitz baths. My tub is not large enough for me to spread my legs so the water can reach the abcess. From everything I have read on many different valid medical sites, I have some life changes to make.
I recently heard from a nurse at my GYN clinic... Her family has several women that went through this. They were refered to an Epidemiologist. They were innoculated with a different strand of staph and the cysts/abcesses have yet to come back. My GYN recommends surgery to figure this all out. However, I am self-employed and cannot afford my own medical insurance. Surgery would be expensive and perhaps not as useful as people think.
Every time these cysts show up, I pray they go away before it gets worse. Now, I am just praying that they stop showing up at all. Just had one lanced last week, but my skin kept closing up that the doctor had to cut me three times. It took another 20 minutes of pushing on my labia to get the infected fluid out. The doctor did not get it all because what I thought was bruising and swelling turned out to be the formation of yet another abcess.
a doctor removed one of my barthlion glands without my permission does it haqve anything to do with climax because sense then my orgazm are not as intense
I have spent a good 2 hours reading this!! So so sorry everyone of u have to gO thru this hell! I have has this for the past 2 years almost 15 times 4 times that u can recall draining it on my own the rest were er visits or doctors, however I have tried home remedies such as just applying honey on the side of the labia or putting a slice of tomoate overnight and taking bath in lemon juice cause these are acidic and helps to get the eye come out and for the cyst to pop and I sit in extra hot water just cause I can handle the heat and I use a clean rag as a compressor I don't press hard in it just kind of compressed an it helps to drain , drinking a lot alot of water does help when u find a little bump don't even touch it no sex do not use condoms that could trigger it just start the aitz bath no douching or usig any strong washin stuff for ur vagina !! Sit as many times a day u can in hot water take baths with Epsom salt and I have read acidophilus and silica has helped women on varius differ websites ! I just went to the Er 5 days aqo and I am working 9 days in a row hard to walk hence has given ne hips problems cause the way I been walking can't walk properly however my catheter came out that wasn't suppose now I see a inch of incision in my vagina ! But I am prone to this, any another suggestions ladies ? And yes, wash ur selfs before and after sex even fingering can trigger that!
Age 23. It's frustrating how limited the information is on BG conditions. I appreciate all the information and reviews that are available. I am new to this, started with a cyst in September 2011 and have been battling it for three months. I went through two drainings, both with word catheters, and both times, the catheters fell out. My gyno said the next time would be marsupiliazation. I'm not too convinced about that either. I was given the okay to have intercourse, but I feel like something is still wrong. It is painful at the penetration point, but it is more bearable than the several weeks ago. I just want this to be over, as it is very discouraging. I'm terrible about keeping up on sitz baths but realize that I need to make a sincere effort. Hang in there ladies, we're all in it.
I am so glad to read these type of comments and to know Im not a weirdo or only one going threw this. At the age of 21 I had my first cyst; it wasnt painful just big and got uncomfrontable after a few months I went and got it drained ; once drained they told me because of the fluid color it prob came from an std.. which at the time I had a serious relationship with My ex; so it put a strain on us because he was tested for Stds and had nothing & I had no other sex partner so I was confused.. testing came back Negative.. That was July.. the removal was very painful but the cathetar was even worse.. welp! Decemember rolls around & guess who comes back on MY BIRTHDAY !!!! THE CYST !! This time after 3 days it became Huge swollen red and very very painful; this draining was even worse.. I just cant picture myself going threw this my whole life.. and know one seems to know to much but guesses and assumptions, because here again when she drained it she looked at me in disgust as if I were nasty.. only for afew days later testing to come back and yet again all results show negative.. to the person who recommended making a website I am behind you 100% going threw this at 22; with no answers of how to prevent such a painful experience it makes me want to go full throttle with comming up with an accurate Diganosis. I dont think Any woman should have to go threw this.. I was considering Surgery the next time if their is one but to know thats not 100% effective scares me even more !!
oh thnx 4 this article its really very important for every women who had this painful experience. I even don't know the name of this gland.very-very thankful
Hello I am 21 yrs old and I just had my barth beast absess removed yesterday. It was indeed the most painful thing to go through. i felt everything morphine, hydrocodene "numbing shots" did not work at all. But after the worst 10 minutes of a scream cuss fest ever the wrd cath was inserted I am feeling fine today with just tiny pinches here n there the catheter is still in and I have to go back next thursday to get checked up. Its still kind of swollen but no redness at all does this mean all sounds ok so far? What are the chances of this coming back? If I ever have to go thru another lancing I would just want to break all my bones instead! These things just really suck.
OMG, I can't believe I stumbled onto this site. Mine is a bit of a strange history but finding this site has answered a lot of questions. I had a large Bartholin cyst when I was 16 that was surgically removed. To say I come from a small, backwater sort of town and a very strict religious family is an understatement (not a criticism, but helps with my explanation). I was not sexually active at 16 and had no idea what the cyst was. The surgery and the after effects was definitely not something my parents or my doctor were willing to explain in any detail. All I ever knew was that the doctor told my parents it was a Bartholin cyst and had to be removed. My recovery was painful but, I thought, unremarkable. I have since married and raised 3 kids and while intercourse was sometimes a bit painful (pinching sensation), I never knew until I recently had a hysterectomy (due to an ovarian tumor) that what actually had been done when I was 16 was the removal of one Bartholin gland along with the cyst. The pinching sensation I've often had during intercourse and disfiguring of the labia on one side was due to scar tissue and effects from the old surgery. All of this finally came to light when I talked to my current OB/GYN after my hysterectomy when I raised concerns about the hormonal changes I've been dealing with since the hysterectomy (including vaginal dryness). When I found out what had actually been done to me as a teenager (MANY years ago), I began frantically searching the internet for details on Bartholin cyst/gland surgery. What a huge relief to know I'm not the only one dealing with this and with the complications. All in all I've had pretty minor complications, but OMG it would have been so much better for me if I had known what had happened to me so I could have understood what was going on! I can't believe my OB/GYN who took care of me when I was in my 20's and 30's never said anything. I guess he assumed I knew! Thanks to all of you who've shared your stories.
i had my b-gland removed about 2yrsago. but before they removed it i was to have it drained . same day surgery. during this prosedure i started to hemmorrage severely drs didn't know what to do so they packed me and made an appt for me to go to magees womans hospital in pittsburg pa where they removed it and also saw no sign of cancer. the area on the same side is now swelling again i'm going to see dr. tommorrow. but had no idea this could happen again especially if its been removed
wow it's actuallly nother "tina on here" thanks so much ladies i dont feel all alone anymore.This hs been one horrible experience!! ive had 2 catheters fall out since wednesday when i had th BG cyst lanced. so irritated my doctors didnt explain anything o me at all. i have been searching for explanations since i had the swelling and pain. I feel so much better now doing sitz baths and hoping it doesnt return. i'll pray for us all.
Hello I'm 40 years old and my bartholin cyst has returned for the 3rd time in the past 2 years. Never had them before that. The first one i was 5 1/2 months pregnant. I was in so much pain i could not move. It was infected (bartholin abscess) and the size of an orange. The ambulance came to my apartment, put me on a strecher and took me to the emergency room. Where i stayed for 3 days while there gave me controlled amounts of morphine and help take care of me. They didn't want to do any type of procedure on me because i was pregnant so they waited it out. I can very honestly and without exaggeration say, I have 2 children and both births combined was not even close to that amount of pain. My boyfriend helped me take a shower in the hospital. I passed out in the shower, from the pain. My boyfriend caught me in time before i knocked my head on the tile. But oh when it finally burst i literally jumped out of bed rejoicing. The second recurrence was 4 months later with bareable pain and only lasted a day. One year and 1 month later its back again. No pain but the size of a walnut.
I see that most of the women on here are around in their 20s and the doctors say its normal for that age, but everything i read for women getting it for the first time in their 40s have a greater risk of cancer. I had HPV in my 20s and had surgery for cervical mild dysplisia. I'm terrified.
Is there anyone in their 40s that have a similar situation and/or know any information for women in their 40s?
Hey I have a question..I just had my cyst lanced and drained yesterday...they packed it with gauze and about a 3-4 inch piece of gauze fell out already.. The ER doc told me that if it hadnt fallen out in 2 days to remove it myself but it hasnt even been a day. Its still bleeding and draining but Is that ok? I can't get into the obgyn until Monday. Has anyone else had this problem before?
I have Sjogren's Syndrome. It is an autoimmune disease that attacks the moisture producing parts of your body, causing dry eye and mouth. I have had infections of my parotid gland (salivary gland behind ear) many times. I am now having issues with my bartholian gland. I use warmth to keep the gland open, but also mucinex helps thin the mucus and drinking lots of water.
I am 32 and have had at least 5 bartholin cysts since 2008. 2 were treated with antibiotics. The 3rd one was lanced and a gauze packing inserted. The 4th one was 2 months ago. My gyn lanced it and placed a word catheter which stayed in for a week before she removed it; she said it would form a channel through which future cysts would drain. I just found the 5th one what I did was I did sitz baths in hot water mixed with tea tree oil. After the sitz bath I also applied some tea tree oil to the head of the cyst. The cyst finally drained on it own. I also have some retin A and I apply a small amount to the area to exfoliate the skin and keep it soft hopefully it makes future cysts drain quickly and without abscessing. I want to avoid lancing as much as possible due to the fear of developing scar tissue. As I noted I already have some from the previous lancing.
I just got an I&D on a labial abscess today. The process was excruciating! I had a large gumball sized abscess which had to be cut in two places in order to drain it. A word catheter was inserted and I hope it stays. I am trying my best to do everything as directed. I'm very afraid of how my vagina will look due to the incisions and the tearing and stretching of my labia. I'm glad I have more information.
Dear all,
Must start with saying how amazed I am with all your experiences and perseverance to not allowing this disease to dampen your spirits. My partner is suffering from bartholin cysts. She has been having procedures done on an off for the last 5 years. Last December she had both sides flair up, and has had to have a cath put on one side, and surgery on the other side. There hasn't been any cysts since but she has been complaining of pains in that area that has made it absolutely impossible to be sexually intimate. It's been 2 months since the surgery, which I'm not entirely sure of the details, but I think she had a Marsupialization procedure, and we were told that an organic suturing was used that would slowly be absorbed over time. She feels a dull throbbing pain when she goes out in the cold, and she says that it feels like there is dryness even though I've checked (apologies for being a bit too open, but....) and all seems well. And when touched she says that there is a searing pain where the incisions were made.
I would like to know if its something that happens with cyst removals. And what can be done about it? This is really talking its toll on her and our relationship as now she has totally blocked herself mentally from feeling any form of desire towards me and in general, and I have no clue how to help!
i had a lump and mentioned this to my nurse when i had a smear test the doctor gave me some antibotics it did go down in size and i never had a problem with it to be honest then a couple of months ago it was getting bigger i went back to my doctors who gave me a course of antibotics and refered me to a concultant.
i was booked it the next day for a opperation to remove the cyst it went well i never had any pain and carred on with my normal rouine. then a week later it was back i went back to the doctors who gave me another course of antibotics. after i took the course it was painfull still red and hot to touch it had also doubled in size from when i first had it. i went back into hospital and had it removed again its been two weeks now and fingers crossed i have no pain and it is gone. i was told i could have another one in future and the doctors didnt know why some people suffer with theses. my question is how long after having it removed can i have sexual intercourse and will it be painfull ?
thank the heavens for this forum. i am 32. i first noticed my cyst after having normal sex at age 26. mine flared up to the size of a lemon after 2 days of having intercourse. talk about scared! even a wheelchair wasn't an option. i thought i was a weirdo. even to go to the ER and tell the triage desk why u need to be seen is so embarassing. however i found that once i got into my room, this darn Bartholin Gland issue is all too common. I had a male doctor (again, embarassing) lance it for me. the whole time he spoke and acted gently, telling me this is just something some women are prone to getting. yes, they can be as big as an orange. immediate pain relief, and he said my fluid was clear, indicating no infection. i too was given a catheter. well its been about 6 years since my episode. but i still have a knot. perhaps the size of a marble. it does not hurt like when i had the abcess, but its definitely in the way. i have had many pelvic examinations in my life. no doctor or nurse has ever pointed out that they notice it, until a year ago. i went to the free clinic for my pap, and the doc says "what's this BULGE here?" i said "you don't recognize ma'am? that's Bartholin's gland." she asked how long i had it. i told her for years, only once having it lanced. she told the nurse to make me an appt to come back and she would handle it. a few weeks later, i found out this doc took a leave of absence, and never returned. since then, that clinic tells me they don't treat this condition, and they don't know where to direct me. i have no insurance. i'm sick of racking up ER bills. like i said, i am not in pain, but i cannot have an enjoyable sex life with this damn thing in the way. i experience discomfort after sex, but not a flare up or swelling. i once went to the ER for this, and the doc told me they refuse to lance it if it is not infected, basically to just "leave it alone"...but it is noticable to me. it looks like the equivalent to a male scrotum sac, but one "ball", if-you-will. i feel lost and confused. i only knew or heard of one other lady who seemed to know what this is about, my former therapist, she told me her daughter has recurrances. all my cultures and bloodwork come out negative. i also seem to have funny discharge and itching, which doesn't seem to be BV or Candida. I wonder if the gland is causing me to go back and forth to the ER and making me look like a hypochondriac.
Someone please help! I'm really young and I'm pretty sure i have an infected bartholin gland. it hurts really bad and has been for 2 days. I really dont want to go to a doctor because it's super embarrassing. Is there any chance it will heal on its own?
Hi everyone,
I just had the marsupialization procedure done 4 days ago and I had instant relief. I went to my doctor around 1 week after noticing this lump and he prescribed me some antibiotics. Around 2 days later, I was in horrible pain and I could barely sit or lie down. My sister convinced me to go back to the doctor as I was unsure if this pain was some sort of effect from the antibiotics. As soon as I went to the doctor, he told me to go to the ER and have this surgically drained. The swelling has gone down almost completely, but after reading these stories, I'm starting to get scared that this could come back! The pain is horrible... I never want to be in this type of pain again. Also, I'm wondering if having this surgery could cause you to miss your period because I have never missed my period, and this is the first time I've missed it. I can't really tell if I got my period because the gland was draining blood so I'm not too sure.
Also... I would suggest that anybody having this sort of pain should go to the doctor. I know it's embarassing but I'm a nursing student and we see these types of things all the time. I was a bit embarassed too but it's better to get help than to let it get worse. Trust me... I'm really glad that I went to the doctor and got this surgery. The little bit of pain that I am still feeling is relieved by the pain killers that were prescribed so all you ladies should just go to the doctor because only they will be able to tell you exactly what you have and how to relieve the pain.
Really like you hub! full of awesome info! I am sharing on my twitter @bartholincysts! Well done. check mine out http://pepstwolf.hubpages.com/hub/Bartholin-Cysts-
I HAD BEEN OPERATED OF BARTHOLIN'S CYST TWO YEARS BACK.I M THREE YEARS MARRIED.HAVE NOT YET CONCEIVED INSPITE OF TRYING HARD.CAN THIS OPERATION BE THE REASON OF THIS?
Hi there :)
My 12 yr old daughter called me into her room earlier today worried about her bits and showed me what I believe to be her Bartholin glands after googling. Both are affected though one is much bigger than the other. She hasnt started her menstrual cycle as of yet but I believe she will be quite soon. I found this page and now have relayed the information to her and will get her to the docs asap. Thankyou its really helped :)
Hello I am 20 years old and just experience my first bartholin abscess. This has affected my life dramatically, I had a word catheter place almost 2 weeks ago and it has recently feel out. I am scared because the doctor recommended it stay in up to four weeks so that it dosent recur. I currently don't have any insurance and I don't want to keep making these costly visits to the ER. Should I go back and have it replaced pleaaaase help!
Thank you sooooo much for all this infomation. It has help me a lot. I have been suffering from Bartholin for at last 3 years, wow 3yrs without knowing what to do. at it's sad to say it but now I know I am not the only one and that I got options.
My previous doctors would only give me ointments as treatment. I just recently change doctors and turns out that this month I been suffering from an UTI infection and some viginal discharge so my new doctor send me to a Gynecologist. The Gyno asked me so many question about my sex life it wasn't fun. After telling him that I had Never been sexually active, he did the check up plus a pap smear without telling me( which freakend hurts specially the fist time) not fully convince he send me to get a blood/urine test suppostly for the UTI infection. But, found out through the lab personnel that I was also getting teste for STD, a sexually transmitted disease. I got so scared, didn't understand why the gyno didn't believe me when I said I had never been sexually active. Then, the medication I am drinking now are for chlymedia symptoms. Haven't gotten the results yet but did some research and turns out that Chlymidia symtomps are the same as what am going through right now. Here is the thing, I been having this for 3 years, sufferting from yeast infection since I was 20 and the UTI started a month ago after I got food poisoning. Guess have to wait for the results. I was going to ask to get it drain but I am scare after reading some stories, think gonna go for home remedies to see what happens hoping it will go aways soon!!!
Now, I am scare of Gyn :(
Hey ladies ! Just like the rest of you I too have expirenced the bartholin abscess at it very worst. I have been having flair ups since I was about 19 yrs. old I'm now 31. I've had word catheres I've even had a marsupilazation done several years ago which has provided relief from the pain for a long time now. But, now it's back .!!!:-( and it's not causing pain this time but it is very swollen. Has anybody expirenced it blocking the entrance of the vagina. Has this happenend to anybody else? It's blocking my normal everyday discharge. Please give me some insight. Also can you feel your bartholin draining at any point besides if it ruptures?
I just went for my annual gyno exam and three different docs felt "a large mass that is bony or calcified". None of them thought it was a cyst but it is located in the bartholin gland area, left side. It is not painful but my husband did say it feels harder on that side as opposed to the other. I am having an MRI on Friday...my google research has led me down the road of fearing that it is bartholin gland cancer. Can anyone tell me what a cyst would feel like? Is it palpable or soft or hard or what? Anybody have anything like what I have described?
They cyst feels firm and tissue like. It just feels like a fluid filled sac. You know how when you burn yourself and the burn swells up with fluid inside and it gets really firm? It wouldn't feel what I would describe as Bony or calcified. But, it is firm.
Thank Goodness for this site.Two years ago this lump flared up, awfully painful, uncomfortable and sore to sit down. Doctor only did a pap smear and prescribed Estrogen Cream even when I told him I was not suffering vaginal dryness. He told me all women of my age suffer vaginal dryness ( I am 59 years old )and to take a couple of Panadol and come back tomorrow if the pain persists ( which seems to be the catch cry of a lot of medical staff these days ). What I want to WARN women about when they have a vaginal examination using those duckbill type spreaders, the instrument actually covers the Bartholin Gland from the doctor' vision. The Doctor needs to do a MANUAL and VISUAL examination. Which a lot are reluctant to do. Hope this helps. Also my PAP Smear was clear.
Im 21 just turned it yesterday had my cyst lanced and drained friday mornin. My paking came out a littke today but I cant pull it out without insane pain. Is it alright to wait til monday when I go to tje doctor?
i am 12 and have 2 lumps inside my vagina, they have grown a LOT and i have had this for a year they dont hurt but are about half the size of a hand. i am embarrased to tell a doctor or my parents and even if i wanted to tell the doctor then my dad would have to know coz he is the only person that can make the appointments and take me their and i dont want to tell him. i am very shy and worried plz help me i dont want it to get any worse
Hey Jess sweetie I have a daughter your age are you concerned about telling your parents because your sexualy active? Or is it just embarrassment? If its just embarrassment then you need to tell your mom. Not trying to scare you but, it may not be your bartholin gland. Your very smart for your age and I commend you on being proactive about your health. But, the first step is to get it looked at by a physician and get it properly diagnosed. If its that you have been active you still need to get it checked on this one you might have to go through it, you want to be healthy and thats a pretty good siZe bump that your speaking of. Talk to your mom about being embarrassed to tell your dad or talk to another female family member that you can trust. You'll be fine honey. But, don't let it go with out getting it checked. You got to be a big girl about this trust me your moms a woman too she'll understand your embarrassment. :-)
Hi I'm 16 and I went to the bathroom and when I wiped It felt irritated down there and it burns a lot. I noticed a little bump underneath the skin near the entrance of my vagina and I did some research and I thought it could have something to do with the bartholin gland because its in that location but the bump is only like the size of a pea and it burns so I'm not really sure what it is. I want to tell my parents but I live with my dad so I feel uncomfortable talking to him about it. I'm not sure what to do or what it could be, I'm really scared. Someone help me pleaseeeeee!
Hello, i'm 16, I am sexually attactive now and having a bartholin cyst is a pain! I don't know how to tell my boyfriend. I got it when I was 15 years old, and was frightened, I went to the doctor and they gave me steroid cream that I rub on it when it comes up. It seems to move around each left and right part of my labia. It goes for months, then comes every day for 3 days. I don't want it to get really bad and turn into an abscess. I also try and have a bath when I have it, I believe this helps it a little. When I look at it it is red, and tender on the inside of the lip, and the labia has blown up a bit. I find friction makes it come up, but it is not overly painful during every day. Any advice for the future?
my cyst has returned for the 4th time in 4 years _ 1st time it was lanced and the past 3 times have taken antibiotics and its all very frustrating. I find polydine baths seem to ease the pain and help the infection somewhat. I am in my 40's so I also worried for any other implications, HPV etc
I had a marsupialization 4 days ago. It was stitched but no packing etc was used. I was discharged after a couple of hours (during which time I was just laying in bed) and on my journey home by car and at home I absolutely flooded with blood. I was told to elevate my feet etc and it did calm down but the next morning I flooded again.
I went to A & E (a horrible experience)and was examined by gynae consultant. Told that it was clotting okay and to go home. It's now 4 days after the op and although the bleeding has calmed down a lot, I'm still needing to use pads. Before I had the op I was told there would be minimal bleeding but since my horrible experience I've been given all sorts of different advice about how long it might bleed for. It seems to me that they are plucking figures out of thin air just to pacify me.
What is the usual length of time for it to stop bleeding? I'm furious because you try to plan your life around recovery time and find that you are reliant on others cavalier attitude.
I am also very cross because my cyst caused no pain at all but I was told that surgery would mean a 95% chance it would not come back. Reading this page it seems that I've put myself through all of that and am still bleeding for absolutely nothing.
I had pretty much completed my menopause and now I'm having to wear pads again. I basically feel like a lab rat. I also have pains in my stomach but can't tell whether they have been caused just because I am so upset and anxious!
I have had 12 cysts since I was 16 and I am now 22. I just had my 12th one on Wednesday. They cut it and put a catheter in and told me that I have to leave it in for 6 weeks. I am really getting tired of dealing with this problem. I have asked my doctors to please do something but they won't. I have talked to them about doing the marsup. But he said that if he doesn't do it right it can come back. Also I have asked about removing the whole gland itself but he won't.
Please someone help.
Happy to know I am not alone. I have suffered with a BG cysts for years. I'm 47 and going through menopause. I have been experiencing this since mid 20's. Although the gland would close often (walnut/golfball size), it would never become inflamed...just an inconvenience. I had spoken to my obgyn about it and she said it was nothing to be concerned with, unless it became painful.
A year and a half ago, that all changed! We were two days away traveling to my in-laws & the cyst, once again, made itself known, with a vengeance! I tried warm compresses and sitz baths. The following morning it had reached the size of tennis ball. Extremely painful. I was not able to get in to my obgyn, but got in to see LNP at my general practitioner's.
An abscess had developed. She lanced & drained it, which offered immediate relief (not quite enough for a 12 hour drive, though. A "doughnut" was a much appreciated suggestion). She did not place me on antibiotics. We made it to my in-laws and it continued to grow. Excruciatingly painful...got in to a minor emergency center...doc there wouldn't touch it and sent me to the ER an hour and a half away. Pain increased with every minute. After an 8 hour wait at the ER, the abscess was once again drained, packed this time & I was sent on my way with antibiotics.
You know when your doctor/nurse ask you your level of pain from 1-10? This episode will always be my #10! I had never been so relieved in my life.
About a month ago, the cyst began to developed & go away every few days. I made sure to soak in the tub & keeping it draining, however, it's beginning to feel painful again...and I don't ever want to relive that again. I'll give it until morning w/ lots of water, sitz baths and warm compresses (and maybe even take some mucinex) If no improvement by morning, I'll be calling the doc.
Ive had Bcyst 4 times within a year and it's always the same gland.
The first time antibiotics and then general anesthetic.
It then reoccurred a few months later and I had the catheter put in.
I then had to have another catheter put in two more times after this.
I am so sick of having this horrible thing happen to me so many times.
It's starts as a bruising felling then a small lump then a huge painful uncomfortable ball.! It's now re occurring fr the fifth time!
I am really wanting it removed?! Is there a chance It will re occurr after it being removed!?
hi all..i suffered terribly with batholin gland on the left about 20 yrs ago every month it would flare up,i was in hospital once when it flared up ..so they drained it. Then again the following month it was up again..so i lanced it myself (my GP was not very happy). But from then till now its been fine,over the last week or so its appeared on the right side im in agony and being constantly sick..even though i take anti sickness every day,havnt been to gp yet leaving that for tomorrow :(,i just know its going to be surgery . Thank god for this site its prepared me for the next step .
hi, I've had reoccurring BG abscess for the past 8 months it's occurred 3 times. I was able to get a referral today after having the abscess lanced last night to get a marsupilation. but for some reason unlike the first time I got it lanced I've become feeling nausea and going from not being able to stop shaking for hours, to being hot, to feeling normal. I don't think this is normal and I don't know what to do. I've been taking the antibiotics properly and also been taking Advil for how sore I am. should I go back to the doctor? or is this sometimes normal to feel sick after being lanced?
I had an abscess and did a minor surgery on drainage (only) last week. Currently I am on antibiotic to avoid inflammation on the wound. The doctor have warned me it have high possibility of reoccurring again. I am very worried it will reoccur again and have been doing slitz bath on daily basis. Right now I still can feel tenderness, a little bit swollen near my top labia. Is this normal?
Really sorry about all everyone has been through.... Been doing some research and out of curiousness, I wonder does anyone who suffers from repeat BC problems or even problems with BGlands - have you also ever had problems with your front teeth- ie. knocked them, root canals, tooth decay, etc. Just wondering if there is a connection with the tooth nerve & glands.
Omg the best site ever!!! Thanks a gazillion times for sharing this precious information.
Ok, so I've had twice bartholins gland cyst. First time they drained it with a catheter then I lost insurance and couldn't pay for my doc visit when it returned the next month so I in my desperate state had to drain it myself. I was crying and so desperate of help and everywhere I called no doctor would see me without paying up front. I used a hypodermic syringe and drained 2-3 ml of yellow pus out. I felt instant relief and starting taking antibiotics right away. I was back to normal the next day. I didn't see it til now almost 10 months later.
But now it's sooooooooo painful I can't even sit or walk. I am planning on going to the ER as soon as I make sure my son n daughter are taken care of when my husband comes home.
I'm currently sitting on a warm pad since I read keeping it warm will help. I've done salt water submersion last night and it helped but I woke up to excruciating pain.
How do I stop this monster from coming back every time? Please help! I have two kids, one a 5 year old and the other 22 month old. My husband goes away to Med school this August so if this happens again, I'm on my own with my lil babies. I'm so scared.
im not sure what i have.... i have what seems to be a slightly enlarged bartholins gland (maybe marble size). ive had it for a year maybe, and never had it seen bc in my culture we dont se a gyno until marriage or until ur sexually active (I know, its stupid!), and it hasnt caused any discomfort at all whatsoever. anyway, its presence has been bugging so im jsut oging to get it checked out at the gyno. im just wondering.. has anyone had this issue but experienced no discomfort at all? like mine doesnt bother me at all. also, i wonder if being on birth control could prevent these things? anyone here on birth control , but still getting these things? wish you all the best with this issue...
I just had mine lanced for the second time. Both on the same side and both hurt so bad..I tried the shower spray several times a day, antibiotics and heating pad nothing helped. Pain was gone almost immediately after its lanced. They were 10 months apart. Dr said if it happens again she will do surgery to sew it open..??? After she drained it no packing or catheter just sent home and told to take sits baths.
Im so glad i found this website, and that im a little more educated on whats happening to me. I would like to say sorry to all you beautiful ladies for going through all this pain and not having any sucsess with being rid of these cysts once and for all. My first cysts popped up 8 months after i had my son (he's two now). The second showed its ugly face about a yr later. And then two came at the same time 5 moths later, and now im feeling like another one is about to come along. So im trying everything to pervent it from forming a cyst. None of mine have been lanced, i used a heating pad and an ice pack to get mine to bust. The previous ones ive had were very painfull and so very uncomfortable, i used a potato and a heating pad plus hot baths to make them come to a head and pop. I really hate these things and i do not know where they came from, bc ive never had these before until i had my son. But from what ive read on here it could be a numerous amount of things that could be causing these cysts. But what i can think of and could possibly be the reason they are popping up is possibly (correct me if im wrong) when i was in labor with my son i had an epideral, but unfortunatlly my epideral wore off bc of a drug they gave me before the epideral called staydol. It conteracted my epideral and made i non effective. So when i was 9 1/2 centemeters dialated i was in hell! I felt absolutley everything! I pushed for an hour tyring to get my son out and finally i was to tired to push anymore so my dr gave me an episiotomy and put a suction cup to my sons head to help me get him out. And i think what happened was my birthcanal was perfectly dialated and my son could fit through there, its just my opening to my vagina was either not big enough or just wasnt stretched enough (hence the episiotomy). I do not know if when that happened my glands were damaged or irratated. Does anyone know if this could be a possibility to why im having these cysts? I just really want them to go away so i can go back to a normal life and not have to worry about these thing coming and going whenever. If anyone knows of a way to sudside these to make them go away before they get to painfull to were i cant even take my two yr old son outside and have to keep him locked up on a nice day bc i cant move! I really hope someone out there is looking to find a way to correct this bc this is no way to live a life. Once again id like to apologize to all the strong women that have to go through this, keep your heads up ladies your not alone in this fight.
Hello, thank you for thic article, it has been very helpful. Do you find there a relation between hormone (in)balance and the Bartholin Gland. I've been diagnosed with hypothryoidism (underactive thyroid), which in turn often has a lot to do with having a shortage of progesterone and a dominance of oestrogen. I wonder if there's a connection between this problen and the cycste i have now in the bartholin gland. Ive never had this problem before until i was diagnosed and started taking thyrax, medication for the underactive thryoid. My skin also started to break out since.
Only if you knew what I been threw and how long it took me to find this word "batholin gland". Lets see 10 doctors, 5 of them being "specialist". Emergency room visits. I finally stumbled upon this yeterday and found a picture of where the batholin gland is and thats exactly where my soreness is and had no idea it was a batholin gland. Three years! Three Years it took me to find this...smh. I have a question, my batholim gland has non-stop itched for three years and gets so darn sore and I have discharge (not sure if its related). However, there is NO cyst there. Doctors have looked and I have looked and felt and nothing is there. If it is, it has to be incredibly tiny like the size of an atom and would it cause that much grief? Could there be other things that could go wrong with the bahtorlin gland besides a cyst? Thank youl
hi, I'm 18 years old and 5 months pregnant and just came home from the ER yesterday , I was told I had a bartholin abscess that was the size of a lemon on my left side, it swelled up my libia, clitatoris, and closed my vaginal entrance(tmi), it got so bad to the point i couldnt sit, walk, or use the bathroom and i had to take off from work. i had the abcess for nine days so it was really infectected and full of pus and blood. They numbed me with numbing needles first then lanced me open and drained most of it out by squeezing the abcess and pushing on it which extremly hurt, they inserted a word catheter in to keep the gland open and so it can still drain, the swelling has pretty much went down right after the draining and i had immediate relief of pain, I now feel pinching here and there from the catheter , and im wondering if that's normal? , and what's the chances of this abscess coming back again ? it hurt so bad I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. but I'm happy I'm pain free and I'll pray for all you other women going threw this just know we are all in it together! :)
I am 48 and this is my first experience. I thought it was an ingrown hair until this morning. I have taken a bath with Epson Salt and sat in the hot tub. Not sure if the hot tub is a good idea, but it feels better. It has gotten smaller, but puss and a little blood has come out. I will make an appointment on Tuesday. This is crazy.
Michele 2 years ago
Just had incision and packing. Great post treatment info with true description of pain due to abscess. Thanks for the heads up on pain when packing removed. Doc did not tell me this.