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Bartholin Cyst and Abscess: Symptoms and Treatment in Seoul

What is a Bartholin cyst?

The Bartholin glands are two small, pea-sized glands on each side of the vaginal opening. They make fluid that helps keep the vulva moist. If the opening of a gland's duct becomes blocked, fluid collects and forms a round swelling called a Bartholin cyst. If the fluid becomes infected, it can turn into a painful Bartholin abscess. These swellings are most common in women of reproductive age.

What are the symptoms of a Bartholin cyst?

• A soft, round lump on one side of the vaginal opening, usually in the lower part of the labia
• Often not painful if small; may cause discomfort when walking, sitting, or during sex if larger

Signs of an abscess include a lump that becomes rapidly larger, hot, red, and very painful, making it hard to sit or walk. Fever may also occur.

What causes Bartholin cysts?

A cyst forms when the duct opening is blocked, for example by thick mucus, swelling, or minor injury. Often no specific cause is found. An abscess is caused by bacteria. These may be common skin or bowel bacteria, and sometimes sexually transmitted bacteria such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. A Bartholin cyst itself is not a sign of poor hygiene and is not contagious.

When should I see a doctor?

See a gynecologist if you notice a new lump near the vaginal opening, if a lump is painful, growing, or keeps coming back, or if you have fever. If you are over 40 or past menopause and notice a new vulvar lump, have it checked, because a biopsy may be recommended to rule out rare causes. Seek prompt care if pain is severe or you feel unwell.

How is a Bartholin cyst diagnosed at the clinic?

A Bartholin cyst is usually diagnosed during a gynecology consultation by examining the vulva. The doctor checks the size, tenderness, and signs of infection. If there is an abscess or discharge, a swab may be tested, and STD testing may be offered if there are risk factors. In some cases, especially in older women or with a firm or irregular lump, a biopsy may be advised.

How is a Bartholin cyst treated?

Treatment depends on the size, symptoms, and whether it is infected:

•  Small cyst without pain: often no treatment is needed. Warm sitz baths (sitting in a few centimeters of warm water several times a day) may help it drain.
• Abscess: may need drainage. A small cut is made under local anesthesia to let the fluid out, sometimes with a small tube (catheter) left in place for a few weeks to keep the duct open. Antibiotics may be prescribed in some cases.
• Recurrent cysts: procedures that create a permanent opening (marsupialization) or, rarely, removal of the gland may be considered. The doctor will explain whether this can be done at the clinic or whether a referral to a partner hospital is recommended.

Do not try to squeeze or pop the lump yourself, as this can spread infection. Individual results vary, and cysts can sometimes come back after treatment.

Can Bartholin cysts be prevented?

There is no sure way to prevent them. General steps that may help include:

• Keeping the vulva clean with water or a mild, unscented cleanser
• Wearing breathable cotton underwear
• Using condoms to lower the risk of STIs that can cause abscesses
• Starting warm sitz baths early if you notice a small swelling

Getting care in English near Seongsu Station

If you have a painful or new lump near the vaginal opening, contact the clinic so the doctor can examine it and explain your options in English. Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, sees patients in English at Eunice Women's Clinic.

•  Address: 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, across the crosswalk from Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk
• Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00–19:00
• Tue, Thu: 10:00–20:00 (evening clinic)
• Sat: 10:00–14:00 (no lunch break)
• Weekday lunch break: 13:30–14:30. Closed Sundays and Korean public holidays

You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search “유니스산부인과” or Eunice), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100. Booking is recommended; call or message to check same-day availability. See directions from Seongsu Station.

Frequently asked questions

Will a Bartholin cyst go away on its own?

Small cysts sometimes drain and shrink on their own, especially with warm sitz baths. Painful, large, or infected cysts often need treatment. See a doctor if the lump is painful, growing, or does not go away.

Is a Bartholin cyst a sexually transmitted infection?

No. A Bartholin cyst is a blocked gland and is not an STI. However, some abscesses are caused by bacteria that can include sexually transmitted ones, so the doctor may suggest testing.

Can I pop a Bartholin cyst at home?

No. Squeezing or cutting the lump yourself can push infection deeper and cause more pain. Warm sitz baths are a safe home measure. If the lump is painful, a doctor can drain it safely.

Can Bartholin cysts come back?

Yes, they can recur. If a cyst keeps coming back, the doctor may discuss a procedure that creates a permanent opening for the gland to drain. Individual results vary.

Is a Bartholin cyst a sign of cancer?

Almost always no. Bartholin gland cancer is very rare. For women over 40 or after menopause, a new lump may be checked more closely, sometimes with a biopsy, to be sure.

Related pages

•  Gynecology Consultation
• STD Testing
• Vulvar Itching
• Gonorrhea
• Your first visit

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.