A Bartholin’s cyst is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD). In rare cases, a Bartholin’s cyst may be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. However, the cyst itself is not sexually transmitted.
Bartholin’s cysts form on either side of the vaginal folds near the opening of the vagina when there is an obstruction in the opening of one of Bartholin's glands, causing mucus to accumulate and form a lump.
What is a Bartholin’s cyst?
Bartholin’s glands are pea-sized structures located on each side of the vaginal opening that keep the vagina moist and lubricated. The glands produce fluid that travels to the vagina through ducts. If these ducts get blocked, fluid can accumulate in the gland and lead to a cyst.
In most cases, Bartholin’s cysts don’t cause pain, can range in size from a penny to an orange, and may feel tender to the touch. While most cysts don't cause any symptoms, larger cysts may cause pain and discomfort during sex.
If the cyst gets infected, however, a painful abscess may form and require hospitalization.
Is a Bartholin’s cyst benign or cancerous?
Most of the time, Bartholin’s cysts are benign or noncancerous. However, if you notice that the lump turns solid or harder, you should seek medical help immediately and undergo tests to rule out cancer. A biopsy is the only way to confirm whether a cyst is cancerous or benign.
Bartholin’s gland carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that accounts for 1% of vulvar cancer and occurs in middle-aged women.
What causes a Bartholin’s cyst?
The exact cause of Bartholin's cysts is still unclear, although it is more common in women between ages 20-30. Potential causes of blocked Bartholin's glands include:
- Trauma, inflammation, or extra skin growth in the vulva
- Chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other STIs
- Infections caused by bacteria such as:
- Escherichia coli: Affects water supply and cause hemorrhagic colitis
- Streptococcus pneumoniae: Causes pneumonia and middle ear infections
- Haemophilus influenzae: Causes ear infections and respiratory infections
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Causes gonorrhea
- Chlamydia trachomatis: Causes chlamydia
Who is at a high risk of a Bartholin’s cyst?
Risk factors for Bartholin’s cysts include the following:
- Sexually active
- Previous surgery of the vagina or vulva
- History of a Bartholin’s cyst
- Physical trauma in or around the Bartholin’s gland
- Ages 20-30
QUESTION
What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)? See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/777112-clinical
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/bartholins-gland-cyst
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17737-bartholin-cyst
Top Is a Bartholin’s Cyst an STD Related Articles
Can You Get Syphilis Non-Sexually?
Syphilis is classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is typically passed from one person to another via sexual activity. Contrary to popular belief, though, you can get syphilis non-sexually.
How Do You Treat a Bartholin Cyst After Drainage?
Conservative home remedies may be used to treat Bartholin cysts, but most cases are treated surgically because they can recur, worsen or become infected. Early, asymptomatic Bartholin cysts usually do not require any treatment. The treatment depends on the size of the cyst, the discomfort level of the patient and whether or not the cyst is infected.
Is It Genital Warts or Skin Tags?
How do I know if I have genital warts or skin tags? Learn about each condition and how to tell the difference. The 10 most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States include human papillomavirus (HPV), trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and more. STDs (STIs) are most likely to be spread by sexual contact including vaginal, anal or oral sex.
What Are Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Symptoms?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.
Sexual Health: Common Sex Injuries and Other Hazards
Sex is supposed to be pleasurable, but make the wrong moves in the bedroom, and it can hurt.
STD Quiz
There are more sexually transmitted diseases than just the ones you've heard of. Find out what you've been missing with the STD Quiz.
STDs Facts Slideshow
Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and genital herpes are common STDs. Think you might have an STD? You’re not alone. Find pictures of herpes, gonorrhea, and more. Learn how venereal disease can harm your health, and how to tell your partner if you have an STD.
Vagina Picture
The vagina is an elastic, muscular canal with a soft, flexible lining that provides lubrication and sensation. See a picture of the Vagina and learn more about the health topic.
Douching (Vaginal Douche)
Women douche for a variety of reasons, however, doctors and other healthcare professional do not recommend douching. Douching can change the vaginal flora, and make women more prone to vaginal infections. Health problems linked to douching include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and vaginal irritation.
Vaginal Health Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
Take this Vaginal Health Quiz to learn about about common problems that women experience, and when to see a doctor about problems down there.
What Happens If a Bartholin Abscess Bursts?
Bartholin abscess is a pocket of pus that builds up over the Bartholin glands in females. If a Bartholin abscess bursts, it may resolve on its own in a few days without treatment. However, it is advisable to visit the doctor to avoid the spread of the infection.
What Is Transvaginal Appendectomy?
Transvaginal appendectomy is an evolving surgical procedure that involves the removal of the appendix through the vaginal route. It is one of the three types of appendectomy—apart from traditional open appendectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy—that is done to treat acute appendicitis. Transvaginal appendectomy can be done in either of the two ways: natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) alone or a combination of NOTES and laparoscopy.What Is Transvaginal Cholecystectomy?
Transvaginal cholecystectomy is a novel surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder through the vaginal route. It is one of the three types of cholecystectomy—apart from the traditional open cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy—that is done to treat patients with an inflamed gallbladder (cholecystitis). Transvaginal cholecystectomy can be done in either of the two ways: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) alone or a combination of NOTES and laparoscopy (hybrid NOTES).
What Tests Are Done for STDs?
Testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) includes blood tests, urine samples, and vaginal, oral or rectal swabs. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate STD test based on your sexual history.
Women's Health
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.