Bartholin Cyst: Home Treatment Before You See a Doctor

Women get these a lot, and almost nobody talks about it. You feel a painful lump near the opening of the vagina and you panic. Let me tell you what I tell the women who sit across from me.

Watch me explain it

What it is

A Bartholin cyst is a small gland that gets blocked, so the fluid has nowhere to go. It swells. Laser does not treat this. This one is not a hair problem.

What I suggest before you run to the doctor

• Warm sitz baths. Sit in a few inches of warm water, 10 to 15 minutes, a few times a day. Warmth helps the gland open and drain.
• Epsom salt in the water. A few drops of tea tree oil can go in the bath water, always mixed into the water, never put straight on delicate skin.
• Ichthyol cream (ichthammol). This old drawing ointment helps the area drain. Ask your pharmacist.

Be patient. Many of these open and drain by themselves with warmth and time.

The estrogen connection

I have noticed that these come back more often in women who use vaginal estrogen or intravaginal estrogen. If that is you, tell your doctor.

When to go to the doctor

Go if you have fever, the pain gets very strong, it grows fast, it does not improve after several days of warm baths, or it keeps coming back. A lump that is new after age 40 should always be looked at.

This is what I have learned in 40 years of treating women. It is my experience, not a replacement for your doctor. If you are worried, go and be seen.

Questions? Call or text Eva: 305-864-3333 (Newnan GA and Miami FL).
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