Vulvar health · Bartholin guide
What Is a Bartholin Cyst?Şişli · Nişantaşı · Istanbul
A Bartholin cyst forms when the drainage duct of a gland near the vaginal opening becomes blocked. A small cyst may be painless; an infected gland or cyst can form a painful abscess.
Where are the Bartholin glands?
The glands sit at the lower, back sides of the vaginal entrance. They are part of the vulvar region, not the ovaries or uterus. Their narrow ducts allow mucus to reach the surface. A blocked duct may therefore cause swelling on one side of the vaginal opening. A Bartholin cyst and an ovarian cyst are different conditions.
What symptoms can occur?
A small cyst may be noticed as a painless lump. A larger swelling can cause pressure when sitting, walking or having sex. Increasing tenderness, redness, pus or fever can indicate an abscess. The severity of pain and whether you feel generally unwell help determine how urgently you need medical assessment.
How is a cyst different from an abscess?
A cyst contains retained fluid; an abscess is a collection of pus associated with infection. A cyst is not automatically infected and does not automatically need antibiotics. Once an abscess develops, waiting or applying an unprescribed cream may not be enough. Examination findings, previous episodes, the size of the swelling and your medical history guide treatment.
How is the diagnosis made?
Assessment usually begins with a discussion of your symptoms and an examination of the vulva. Before your appointment in Şişli, note when the swelling started, whether the same side has been affected before and which medicines you take. A discharge sample may be appropriate, but an HPV test, ultrasound scan or broad infection panel is not automatically necessary. A firm, fixed, persistent or unusual lump needs assessment for other causes.
When should you seek prompt help?
Seek same-day assessment for rapidly worsening pain, fever, spreading redness or difficulty passing urine. If you feel seriously unwell, attend a hospital emergency department. A new mass at age 40 or older, or after menopause, requires consideration of biopsy. This precaution does not mean that cancer is the likely diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When should you seek prompt help?
Seek same-day assessment for rapidly worsening pain, fever, spreading redness or difficulty passing urine. If you feel seriously unwell, attend a hospital emergency department. A new mass at age 40 or older, or after menopause, requires consideration of biopsy. This precaution does not mean that cancer is the likely diagnosis.
Is this information enough to diagnose my lump?
No. Other vulvar conditions can look similar. An examination is needed to establish the cause and select an appropriate plan.
Bartholin assessment in Şişli, Istanbul
Appointments take place at Dr Alparslan Demir’s office in Şişli. Patients travelling from Nişantaşı and other parts of Istanbul can confirm directions and appointment availability before visiting.
19 Mayıs Mah., Halaskargazi Cad. No:226/1, Çiftkurt Apartmanı, Kat:1, Daire:1 · Şişli / İstanbul