Bartholin glands are two small glands that are located on each side
of the vaginal opening. They produce fluids to lubricate the opening to the
vagina. If the duct to a Bartholin gland becomes blocked, fluid builds up
inside the gland, causing a cyst.
Bartholin cysts that do not cause symptoms do not need to be
treated. A Bartholin cyst that is large, painful, or infected is usually
drained and healed open to keep it from coming back (recurring). In rare cases,
the gland and duct are surgically removed when a cyst or infection (abscess)
recurs after repeated treatments.
