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What are Vaginal Cysts?

Nat Robinson
Nat Robinson

Vaginal cysts are lumps found in the lining of the vagina. Cysts are generally closed sacs filled with fluid. In most cases, a vaginal cyst forms when ducts or glands in the vagina become clogged. The cysts can vary in size, with some being as small as a dime and others becoming as large as a golf ball. Women with very small cysts may be unaware of their presence.

Generally, these cysts fit into one of two categories. Although, there can be several types of these growths, most are either inclusional or gartner's cysts. Vaginal trauma may lead to an inclusional cyst. The most common forms of trauma may come from childbirth or a surgery, such as a hysterectomy. A gartner's cyst usually develops from remnants of a fetal duct, that was necessary in fetal development, which failed to disappear.

Vaginal trauma from childbirth may cause vaginal cysts.
Vaginal trauma from childbirth may cause vaginal cysts.

If a woman has small vaginal cysts, she may not experience any symptoms. Sometimes, cysts can become large, so large that they may protrude through the vaginal opening. If this happens, an individual may become quite symptomatic. Women with large cysts may experience vaginal pain, swelling and vaginal bleeding. Some woman may also have discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.

Women with vaginal cysts may experience pain during intercourse.
Women with vaginal cysts may experience pain during intercourse.

Other symptoms of vaginal cysts may also occur. There can be swelling in the vaginal area. If a woman has a protruding cyst, she may be unable to use tampons. In addition, there may be a noticeable bulge in the area as well. Women with these types of symptoms should see a doctor specializing in gynecology for an exact diagnosis.

To diagnose vaginal cysts, a physician will generally perform a complete gynecologic examination. A pelvic exam will be carried out for a visual and physical analysis of the cysts. If the doctor suspects that a cyst may be a malignant growth, additional tests may be done. For instance, a biopsy may be performed to determine whether the growth is malignant or benign. Knowing this vital information can assist doctors with prescribing the best kind of treatment for the patient.

Women with vaginal cysts may experience vaginal pain and discomfort.
Women with vaginal cysts may experience vaginal pain and discomfort.

Treatment may not be necessary for small cysts. In most cases, these types of growths do not present a great deal of problems. Large cysts may need treatment. Surgery may be done to remove large cysts that cause severe symptoms. The purpose of the surgery will be to remove the physical obstruction and to alleviate the worrisome symptoms. Usually, once the cysts are removed, they do not reoccur.

If a woman has a protruding vaginal cyst, she may be unable to use tampons.
If a woman has a protruding vaginal cyst, she may be unable to use tampons.

Generally, these cysts cause no great complications, and small cysts may be unnoticeable. Once removed, large cysts typically leave no lasting side effects. For this reason, the prognosis of this health condition is good. Cysts of this nature are not preventable, however, if a women suspects any type of abnormality in her genital region, she should see a doctor and have the issue examined promptly.

Discussion Comments

anon999536

I had a Bartholin cyst on the right side also. Unfortunately, I was young and it came on so suddenly, I didn't know what was going on, and it got huge in just a few days. I was in great pain, sat in the tub and it did drain the night before going to the hospital, but by morning it was back bigger the before. I had surgery and they drained it and in a few days I felt really good. It's the best decision I made (even if I didn't have a choice).

SarahGen

@fify-- I had one too, a couple of years ago. Mine was very small though and I didn't even notice it until my doctor saw it during a routine exam. We left it alone and it resolved by itself.

ysmina

@fify-- I had a cyst in the vaginal area. Mine was not removed though, it was marsupialized. The cyst was basically cut open and sutured at the sides to allow the cyst to drain. My doctor decided on marsupialization because I had the cyst drained a few times before and it came back every time.

I don't know if your procedure or recovery will be similar to mine. I didn't have pain during the procedure but I did have pain afterwards, when the anesthesia wore off. I also had bruising.

It took a while for everything to heal but I think it was worth it. I'm nine months post surgery now and everything is fine, I haven't had a recurrence and there is no pain.

fify

Does anyone here have vaginal cysts due to blocked Bartholin's glands?

I've just been diagnosed with a Bartholin's cyst. My right Bartholin's gland is apparently blocked. My doctor said that they will have to remove it because it looks like it's going to be an abscess soon. I'm a little worried about the procedure. Has anyone had vaginal cyst removal? Was it very painful?

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    • Vaginal trauma from childbirth may cause vaginal cysts.
      By: Marcin Chodorowski
      Vaginal trauma from childbirth may cause vaginal cysts.
    • Women with vaginal cysts may experience pain during intercourse.
      By: micromonkey
      Women with vaginal cysts may experience pain during intercourse.
    • Women with vaginal cysts may experience vaginal pain and discomfort.
      By: Barabas Attila
      Women with vaginal cysts may experience vaginal pain and discomfort.
    • If a woman has a protruding vaginal cyst, she may be unable to use tampons.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      If a woman has a protruding vaginal cyst, she may be unable to use tampons.
    • A pelvic exam may be performed to diagnose vaginal cysts.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      A pelvic exam may be performed to diagnose vaginal cysts.
    • Women with large vaginal cysts may experience vaginal pain, swelling and bleeding.
      By: michaeljung
      Women with large vaginal cysts may experience vaginal pain, swelling and bleeding.