What causes Bartholin's gland cyst? Understand the cause and take precautions

Bartholin's gland cysts are common in women after childbirth. They are caused by damage to the vagina and perineum during delivery. If Bartholin's gland cysts are not treated in time, they can cause abscesses. Some women have no obvious symptoms of Bartholin's gland cysts, which can be discovered during gynecological examinations.

1. Pathological causes

Bartholin's gland cyst is caused by obstruction of the opening of the Bartholin's gland duct, resulting in the accumulation of secretions in the gland cavity. Causes of Bartholin's duct obstruction include:

1. After the infected Bartholin's gland abscess subsides, the pus is absorbed and the mucus in the gland cavity becomes thick and blocks the gland duct.

2. Congenital glandular duct stenosis or atresia causes poor or no discharge of fluid in the glandular cavity, leading to cyst formation.

3. Bartholin's duct damage

In some individual cases, the Bartholin's gland duct may be blocked and a cyst may form due to lacerations of the vagina and the outer part of the perineum during delivery, damage to the gland duct during episiotomy, or severe scar tissue contraction after the episiotomy heals.

2. Symptoms and Signs

Bartholin's gland cysts vary in size, most of which start small and gradually increase in size. They grow slowly and some may persist for several years. Most of them are solitary, usually no larger than an egg, and rarely occur on both sides at the same time. If the cyst is small and not infected, the patient may have no symptoms and it is often discovered during a gynecological examination. If the cyst is large, the patient may feel a sense of heaviness and swelling in the vulva or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Examination showed that the cysts were mostly unilateral but could also be bilateral. Examination showed that the epidermis appeared normal. The cyst was located at the location of the Bartholin's gland between the posterior and inferior part of the labia majora and the labia frenulum. It was semi-lunar, oval or round in shape. The cyst was obviously raised on the outside of the labia majora, and the labia minora on the affected side was flattened. The cyst is mobile and not tender. When sexual activity is frequent, the cyst will rapidly increase in size. In case of secondary infection, local redness, swelling and pain are obvious, the patient has systemic symptoms such as fever, and the cyst may develop into an abscess.