At just 26, Emma’s life took an unexpected turn when she developed a painful lump in the vaginal area, a common but little-known condition that shed light on the often-silent struggles many women face.
Initially dismissing it as a minor issue, Emma sought medical help when the pain worsened. She was diagnosed with a Bartholin cyst, a fluid-filled sac caused by a blocked Bartholin gland.
“I thought it was just a small issue at first,” Emma recalls. “But when the pain became unbearable, I knew I couldn’t ignore it anymore.”
Bartholin cysts are common but rarely discussed, often causing symptoms like lumps, swelling, and painful intercourse.
While many cysts go unnoticed or heal on their own, others, like Emma’s, can lead to complications.
Emma’s first treatment was marsupialization, a procedure to drain the cyst, performed at the Family Health Clinic in June 2024. Though successful at first, the cyst reappeared months later.
In October 2024, Emma visited the International Maritime Hospital, where she was advised to undergo a complete removal of the Bartholin gland to prevent future issues.
“If the cyst recurs, the best option is gland removal to avoid more problems down the line,” Dr. AdelaideTurkson, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at the International Maritime Hospital, explained.
The procedure was a success, and Emma finally felt relief from the pain that had once disrupted her life.
“After the surgery, I could finally focus on my work again,” Emma says.
Bartholin cysts affect many women, but the condition is often under-recognized.
Health professionals estimate that 1 in 3 women will experience a Bartholin cyst in their lifetime.
In Ghana, precise data is scarce but many women seek treatment for this condition every year.
Emma’s experience has empowered her to raise awareness about women’s health.
“I didn’t know what a Bartholin cyst was before I got one,” Emma shares. “I encourage other women to be proactive about their health.”
Her story underscores the importance of seeking early treatment for reproductive health concerns.
Women should not hesitate to consult a doctor if they notice unusual symptoms, as early intervention can prevent complications and provide relief.
WebMD, a health and well-being website has more details on Bartholin cysts below:
What Is a Bartholin’s Cyst?
A Bartholin’s cyst, also called a Bartholin’s gland cyst, is a small fluid-filled lump (cyst) that can form on one or both sides of the vaginal opening, where the Bartholin’s glands are. The glands are small, about the size of a pea, but you usually can’t notice them. Their role is to produce lubricating vaginal fluid.
The fluid travels to the vagina through ducts (tubes). Occasionally, one or both Bartholin glands become blocked and cause the fluid to build up, forming a cyst. These cysts are common among people of childbearing age, affecting about 2 of every 10 women.
Bartholin’s cysts mostly occur on one side, but some people get them on both sides. They’re almost always benign, or not cancer.
The cysts aren’t always obvious and are sometimes only found during a medical exam.
Bartholin Abscess
Occasionally, a Bartholin’s cyst can become infected. If this happens, the gland fills with pus. This is called a Bartholin’s gland abscess. Unlike a cyst, an abscess is firm and painful and can interfere with your everyday life.
Bartholin’s Cyst Symptoms
You may not know you have a Bartholin’s cyst because there aren’t always symptoms.
If the cyst gets infected, it can become tender, swollen, and red. It can be filled with fluid and range in size from a pea to a golf ball. You may have irritation, discomfort, or pain when walking, sitting, wiping after using the toilet, or having sexual intercourse. It also could be painful to insert or remove tampons.
Other symptoms of an infected Bartholin’s cyst include:
-Swelling in the area
-Redness
-Drainage
-Growth in size
-Fever and chills (if you have an abscess)
-If the cyst is large, it can make one side of your labia majora (the large folds of skin on the outside of your vagina) hang lower than the other.
Causes of Bartholin’s Cyst
It isn’t always clear why the Bartholin’s glands get blocked.
A blockage could result from long-term irritation, but it can also be caused by:
-Injury to the area or after childbirth, with or without an episiotomy
-Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea or chlamydia (in rare cases)
-Bacterial infections like E. coli.
Most Bartholin’s cysts do not become infected and aren’t contagious upon skin-to-skin contact. Cysts that are caused by STIs, however, can be spread.
The cysts typically happen in your childbearing years but, in rare cases, can occur after menopause. They’re less likely to develop as you age. People who are postmenopausal should have vaginal lumps checked.
Bartholin’s Cyst Risk Factors
Any person with a vagina can develop a Bartholin’s cyst or abscess, but some may be more likely to develop one (or more). This includes those who:
-Are in their 20s or 30s
-Have been exposed to an STI
-Have had a trauma or injury to the area
-Have had a previous Bartholin’s cyst