the bartholin glands or ducts are located at either side of the vaginal opening. they secrete a lubricating fluid. occasionally the opening of the gland will become blocked causing a back-up or accumulation of fluid. this is called a bartholin duct cyst. this is the most common cystic growth in the vulva. sometimes the blockage is the result of an infection such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. the accumulated fluid can become infected as well. at this point it is called a bartholin gland abscess. a bartholin gland abscess can be very painful and requires treatment. the most common treatment is an incision with drainage and antibiotics. usually a wood catheter is placed in the gland to allow continued drainage and a larger opening to the gland to form. this catheter is a short tube with a little balloon on one end and is usually left in place for 1-2 weeks. for recurrent cysts or abscesses a procedure called a marsupialization is performed. the gland is surgically opened and then sutured open so that it does not reform. you should discuss with your doctor if you are a candidate for this procedure.
recurring bartholin gland cyst/abcess please help! . . my first one started 8 years ago when i was pregnant with my sonthe doctor lanced and drained it. since june of this year it has been coming back this is the 5th one since june i have one currently and i am 4 months pregnant i had one in june after 4 agonizing days it tore and drained 1 in september that had done the same 2 in october the first 1 in october i had surgery for lancing and draining again and the second 1 came about 2 weeks after and now this is my second 1 in november. please help