Bartholin’s Cyst

A Bartholin cyst (or vulvar cyst) is a type of vaginal cyst that forms on either side of your labia (vaginal lips) near the opening of your vagina. It’s named after the Bartholin glands, which are two small glands (located on either side of your vagina) that produce a fluid that helps lubricate your vagina.

A Bartholin cyst occurs when a blockage happens at the openings of one of these glands, causing the fluid to build up and form a lump. It typically only occurs on one of the two Bartholin glands. Some Bartholin cysts are small and don’t cause any pain. If the cyst becomes infected with bacteria, an abscess can form. An infected Bartholin cyst can be painful and may require medical treatment.