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Let’s talk a little about female anatomy! The female genitalia is formed by several internal and external parts. Internally it consists of two ovaries , fallopian tubes, the fallopian tubes and the uterus . Externally, the vagina is the connecting channel of the female reproductive system to the external part of the body, which is fully communicable with the vulva – the external part of the genitalia. The vulva, in turn, is formed by large and small lips (folds that serve as protection of the vagina) and the clitoris. On the part of each side of the vagina, there are accessory glands responsible for vaginal lubrication , especially during sexual intercourse, which are called Bartholin’s glands.
We can see that the Bartholin’s glands are essential at the time of sexual intercourse due to their importance for vaginal lubrication. For women who have vaginal dryness and who are also trying to conceive, it is important to use fertility-friendly lubricants that, in addition to providing lubrication, are not harmful to sperm. With that in mind, the Famivita company developed the FamiGel which, in addition to playing the role of mucus, increases the mobility of sperm and provides increased pleasure. You can find FamiGel here in our online store .
All this detailed explanation about the female genitalia is necessary for us to understand its functioning and talk about a little known problem that can scare any woman when she is diagnosed: Bartholin’s cysts.
What are Bartholin’s Cysts?
Bartholin’s cysts is the name of an inflammation caused in the Bartholin’s glands. This inflammation is caused by obstruction of the gland by an accumulation of fluids within the bartholin gland itself, which gives rise to the presence of a cyst or more.
Usually, the bartholin cyst is totally painless and has no symptoms that show that it is occurring, it can even heal naturally without at least having prior knowledge of its occurrence. However, when this accumulation of liquid occurs, an infection with the presence of pus can cause redness and a lot of discomfort in the area, in addition to swelling and possible expulsion of pus in the area.
Causes of Bartholin’s Cyst
Bartholin cysts can affect any woman, in any age group, but they occur more frequently in sexually active women. Cysts occur due to the accumulation of vaginal lubricating fluid produced by the gland, which generates possibilities of accumulating bacteria at the site , resulting in bartolinitis.
This infection at the site of Bartholin’s cysts can occur during unprotected sex (without using a condom ), due to the risk of contagion with bacteria such as Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, among others that can cause infection together with inflammation .
In addition to the risks through unprotected sex, this condition can occur due to bad habits of intimate hygiene, such as the incorrect washing of the female genitalia or the contact of bacteria in the intestinal tract with the bartholin glands. Thus, it can be concluded that adequate hygiene (excessive hygiene is also harmful) and maintaining sexual relations with the use of condoms are the best ways to protect yourself and reduce the risks of having a bartholin cyst.
Symptoms of Bartholin’s Cyst
A bartholin cyst does not usually cause symptoms and much less is it contagious. But if touched, it can be felt at the fingertips as a kind of lump or internal ball. When this cyst gets worse, infection occurs, among other symptoms that can happen, such as:
- Reddish and warm place;
- Swelling of the area;
- Pus output;
- Appearance of a boil;
- Fever
Difficulties were also observed in sitting and walking, as well as during sexual intercourse. In some more advanced cases, nodules were noticed very close to the vaginal entrance. If you notice any of these symptoms, and even if you suspect it is a boil , immediately seek immediate attention or your gynecologist for evaluation.
Does Bartholin’s Cyst in Pregnancy Offer Risks?
During the gestational phase, the occurrence of a bartholin cyst is not usually so worrying. First, because most of the time it heals naturally, without showing symptoms and major discomfort. In addition, it is not harmful to the woman or the baby during normal delivery .
But if the bartholin cyst becomes infected during the gestational phase, it is extremely important to go through the evaluation of the obstetrician who will indicate the best treatment to fight the bacteria without offering risks to the pregnant woman and the baby’s development.
Treatment of Bartholin’s Cyst
The best treatment indicated for the occurrence of bartholin cyst should be analyzed and indicated by your gynecologist. However, treatments are usually based on anti-inflammatories and pain relievers to reduce discomfort and symptoms. In more specific cases, where there is the presence of infection and pus, antibiotics may be prescribed to act in a more pronounced and potent way.
Sitz baths with warm, warm water may also be indicated to relieve swelling of the area and eliminate pus from inside the bartholin cyst. In more specific cases, surgery to remove the bartholin cyst or drain the fluid from the cyst, or even remove the bartholin glands when none of the first treatments provided a satisfactory result , may be recommended . Therefore, it is necessary to have a thorough analysis by the gynecologist who will study each particular case and indicate the best treatment for the case.
The sitz bath is one of the best natural tips to relieve symptoms and assist in treatment. It is carried out with water with the temperature from warm to hot (up to 35⁰C) for at least 15 minutes and preferably 3 to 4 times a day. In this way, the glands receive a relaxation which causes the liquid inside to be released naturally, reducing swelling and discomfort.
Along with the water for the sitz bath, some herbs considered medicinal can be used that help in the relief of symptoms and serve as a kind of pain reliever. The bark of barbatimão, next to the bark of aroeira, for example, promise an immediate relief to the discomfort and swelling of the place.
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
