Introduction

  If a genital lump or mass continues to grow or does not improve after a few days of home treatment, consult a doctor.

  A painful lump or mass indicates the presence of an abscess. It must be emptied

  Call your doctor if any other symptoms emerge, such as vaginal  discharge, fever , or vomiting

  With Bartholin cysts and abscesses, the primary reason to seek emergency care is acute pain. Women who are in excruciating pain or who are unable to sit or walk comfortably should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Although severe fever and abdominal pain are not normally caused by Bartholin abscesses, seek emergency care if these symptoms arise. +

Self-Care at Home

  Home treatment of Bartholin cysts and abscesses involves sitz baths, which promote drainage. Special sitz bath basins are available, but the simplest method is to sit in the bathtub in a few inches of warm water. The water should not be so hot as to burn the skin but should be fairly warm. These soaks should be done for 10-15 minutes at a time, 3-4 times daily. This treatment is frequently all that is needed for Bartholin cysts. Abscesses often require drainage by a doctor.

Follow-up

  Women who have had a Bartholin cyst or abscess drained should follow up in 24-48 hours for recheck and possible removal of packing material. In the meantime, sitz baths should be taken to continue drainage.

  Contact the doctor if the packing falls out prematurely. Depending on the timing, the size of the abscess, and whether symptoms are continuing, it may or may not need to be replaced.

  Women may be given pain relievers. Take this exactly as directed. If antibiotics are recommended, they should be taken until they are finished.

  Women should be rechecked if they experience new symptoms including increasing swelling, pain, vaginal discharge, or fever.

Prevention

  If a Bartholin cyst forms, immediate treatment with sitz baths may avoid the formation of an abscess.

  Safe sex practices can help to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and, as a result, the formation of abscesses caused by these organisms.