How is it treated?
There are different types of treatments available depending on the type of Bartholin’s cyst, the degree of infection, and level of pain you’re experiencing. One of the most common treatment options is prescribing antibiotics. The antibiotics help fight the infection and reduce the inflammation.
Other methods include inserting a word catheter and inflating it. Your doctor may leave the catheter for 2 to 4 weeks, to help drain the fluid. Instead of a catheter, sometimes a needle can also be used to drain the cyst. Sometimes, after the cyst has been drained, the cavity is cleaned with a 70 percent alcohol liquid solution to prevent future infections.
Sometimes a carbon dioxide laser can be used both to vaporize and remove the Bartholin gland. While this surgical procedure is considered effective, takes less time and is quite simple, it is also expensive.
You can also consider marsupialization. In this surgical process, the surgeon makes a small incision in the cyst and places a few stitches on either side of the incision. This helps in draining the fluid from the cyst out of this small, permanent opening.
If you experience recurring cysts and conventional therapies aren’t working, your doctor may advise you to consider gland excision. This is when the Bartholin gland and duct are surgically removed. Though, this process is only recommended if other options are ineffective.