What causes Bartholin's gland cysts?

Some women go to the hospital for a check-up when they experience swelling or even lumps in the vulva area, only to find out that they have a Bartholin's gland cyst. Because these cysts develop slowly and often have no symptoms, they can be difficult to detect. So, what causes Bartholin's gland cyst? What harm will it cause to women if they suffer from Bartholin's gland cyst?

1. Causes of Bartholin's gland cyst

Western medicine believes that:

1. The Bartholin's gland duct is blocked due to non-specific inflammation;

2. In a few cases, the glandular duct is cut off during episiotomy during childbirth;

3. Vagina during childbirth. Laceration of the lateral perineum. Caused by severe scar tissue.

TCM perspective:

Bartholin's gland cyst belongs to the category of "yin sore" in traditional Chinese medicine. It is caused by emotional discomfort, liver qi stagnation, or cold evil invading and stagnating in the liver meridian, which can lead to poor circulation of qi and blood and stagnation in the local area.

2. Harm of Bartholin's gland cyst

1. The Bartholin's glands are located at the back of the vulva majora on both sides, and the gland ducts open on the inner side of the vulva minora close to the hymen of unmarried women. Due to the characteristics of the anatomical location, when the vulva is contaminated by sexual intercourse, childbirth or other situations, pathogens can easily penetrate and cause inflammation.

2. If a woman is infected with a Bartholin's gland cyst and does not receive timely treatment, the cyst may spread posteriorly and become a perirectal abscess, and sometimes even rupture in the rectum. It may also recur and last for a long time.

3. The disease is usually unilateral, but can also be bilateral. There may be no symptoms for a long time and it is often discovered during a gynecological examination. The cyst grows slowly and is usually no larger than an egg. Larger cysts can cause swelling of the vulva and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Examination revealed that the mass occupied the middle and lower 1/3 of the entire vulva majora, the vulva minora was completely flattened, and the vaginal opening was pushed to the healthy side. When a Bartholin's gland cyst becomes infected, it may form an abscess, and repeated infection may cause the cyst to expand.

Bartholin's gland cyst develops relatively slowly, and in the early stages, there are often no symptoms. If you find yourself suffering from this disease at this time, you do not need to seek treatment, just pay attention to regular check-ups. If you find that the cyst suddenly grows larger and you experience symptoms of discomfort, you can take measures to drain the pus.