Bartholin Cysts

smcgui

Hi all,

This is a topic which has affected my life for the last three and a half years.

(A Bartholin cyst develops when the duct exiting the Bartholin gland becomes blocked. The fluid produced by the gland then accumulates, causing the gland to swell and form a cyst. An abscess occurs when a cyst becomes infected. = english translation is that you may find a large lump formed in one of your labias which can be very painful and scary when you don't know what it is.)

From my experience this has been a very hush topic but from what doctors say many women suffer from this problem. So I wanted to create a thread where women could speak openly about it.

My experience has been a long road of antibiotics followed by three separate operations to remove the recurrent cyst to finally having my entire bartholin gland removed. And then a final fifth operation as they seemed to have made a mess of the fourth one!

It is a tough thing to go through as it is not something you can explain to your workplace and many friends. Not only that but emotionally I found it very hard going. For that reason I am happy to discuss my experiences with anyone who needs to speak to someone who has been through it all.

I obviously can't give any medical advice but I can tell you what I've been through. You can also pm me with any questions you like.

Sorry if this post seems a little crazy but I just wanted build awareness around this problem so other women don't feel so alone as I did.

Thanks!

Nevyn

I had that happen once, wasn't fun thankfully the antibios and very hot salt baths and pressure to the area helped.

Tbh most women don't know what a Bartholin gland is never mind that they have two of them as part of their vulva.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholin_gland

The gland secret muscus which helps keep the area moist and lubricated.

JC 2K3

Gf had a marsupialisation done recently, which is essentially where they slice the thing open and sew down the edges so it doesn't reoccurr. Been a bit of a bummer for her, but the way it was dealt with was very quick and professional and apparently it is very common.

She went to her GP, was put on antibiotics for a week, then when the swelling hadn't gone down she went back and was put down for this minor surgery, which she had the next day.

smcgui

Yeah I had the same procedure done in the Rotunda before and thought the staff were great. I hope she recovers well!

Wibbs

A woman mate of mine had this before and in serious pain she was and needed the operation. I didn't realise how common it was and neither did many of the women I knew. It's good to have it talked about.

Das Kitty

Yep had one recently enough. Sitz baths sorted it out though, so thankfully no doctors or ops.

SheRa

I had one a few months ago that went away with antibiotics. It was bloody scary to find that lump. Id convinced myself that it was a lot worse. In the end it was ok though.

cath79

hi guys,
had bartholin surgery 3 weeks ago and am in bits after it. How long was recovery time? Im eating the painkillers like smarties at the mo. Also did anyone have a pain in their thigh/leg after? Not sure whats normal...and getting info is next to impossible.
Thanks

smcgui

Hi cath79, sorry to hear you are in pain. Did you have the gland removed or the cyst removed or a marsup? It tends to be different for everyone. But generally by about 3 weeks I think you stop feeling so sore and just tender instead. Mind you I have heard of other people who have felt fine a week after! Never had a pain in my leg though. Maybe you should go for a check up?

cath79

Thanks for that. I just never got round to asking consultant enough questions...in denial beforehand! He discribed it as incision but think that means marsupilisation. Hope all good for you now..hate hearing recurrence stories! Thanks

smcgui

If it was a marsup then I would probably call the doc and explain how you feel and ask him should you go in to see him? I know recurrence is a nightmare and I hope you don't have to go through it again. It's impossible to remember all the questions when they land you information like that. For your own peace of mind I would definitely ring in at least.

For example after I had my gland removed I had a scary amount of swelling and I continued to bleed from the incision site, I called the doc after a week for my piece of mind and turned out it wasn't normal and the area where the gland has been removed has filled up with blood so I had to have another operation to drain it. It was a nightmare at the time but I was ten times more comfortable after the second operation. I'm now just 2 and 1/2 weeks after that operation and I'm back to work. Still a bit sore but not too bad.

So I would think that you shouldn't be feeling so sore after 3 weeks so might be better to call.

cath79

You por thing, hope you feel better quickly. Thanks for the advice. Take care.

Kaiti

Hi ladies
Don't know if anybody is still using this, but i am due to go into hosp on 3rd june to have cyst removed its been there 23 years and seen 3 children into this world so am a little scared and unsure as to what should i expect any information or advice on recovery would be much appreciated.

smcgui

Hi Kaiti,

Don't worry you will be fine. It will be a great relief for you to be rid of it seeing as you have had it so long. I would expect to take it really handy for a week. I would usually stay in bed for the first day. Then stock up on dvds and sprawl yourself on the couch. Don't try to do any housework because moving around will be sore and tiring. So basically just relax and take it super handy!

pandas

that is really weird i am just back from the doc with one of these!! i had never in my life heard of it before and i was going to post a few questions about it... i was put on flagil and a whole host of other medicines..she said it nothing to worry about but im still curious asit is really sore itchy and burning..i dont have a lump just very sore but thats defo what she said i had she wrote it down for me and when to stop taking such medicines and start others...

Kaiti

smcgui wrote: »

Hi Kaiti,

Don't worry you will be fine. It will be a great relief for you to be rid of it seeing as you have had it so long. I would expect to take it really handy for a week. I would usually stay in bed for the first day. Then stock up on dvds and sprawl yourself on the couch. Don't try to do any housework because moving around will be sore and tiring. So basically just relax and take it super handy!

Hi Smcgui
Thanks a million for replying I was away on hols so only logged on now. Doesn't sound as bad as i was expecting and I think I can do the sprawling thing no hassle thanks again.

smcgui

So here's a scary thing....my gland was not removed that time...he just removed the cyst....and surprise surprise it's back again. So angry... can't even type!:mad::(

Kaiti

Hi, I had mine removed as i thought but when i felt brave enough to check it out in the shower i discovered the surgeon had actually removed the full labia!!! I was shocked and horrified and can't get to see him until August, My GP was even horrified that he'd removed it without discussing it with me I'm nearly 6 weeks over the operation now and still am in shock that he would remove a part of my body without even telling me that there was a possibility that he would have to. So ladies make sure you discuss the full possibilities of what they have to do if you need surgery i would hate anybody to find out the way i did.

Kaiti

smcgui

Kaiti, I am absolutely horrified for you. You poor thing, you must be feeling so angry and upset. I would storm into that man's office if I were you and not wait for an appointment. I can't comprehend how he thought he would need to do that to you and especially that no one told you afterwards? Do you mind telling me where you had it done? Maybe pm me if you're not allowed on boards. Either way please feel free to pm me to vent your frustrations. Sometimes it can be easier to talk to people you don't know and I am quite happy to listen. I'm stunned and I hope you give that doctor a good talking to!:mad:

ladhrann

Kaiti,

That sounds like a serious case of malpractice. If a surgeon has to perform something as a result of an emergency or out of medical necessity the very least there should be is a full post-op debriefing. That's standard practice.

Talk to your g.p. and think about contacting a solicitor.

Kaiti

Thanks for that I have spoken to my gp who thankfully is female and she was horrified to say the least, she had a letter from him which stated removal of cyst and reconstruction, but there is nothing left to reconstruct and the full labia is gone, and 6 weeks later it is still quite tender I am so angry I can't even start to vent just need to see him and discuss the reasons why he did it and why it was not mentioned to me after the surgery will let you know how i get on. Thanks for support

ladhrann wrote: »

Kaiti,

That sounds like a serious case of malpractice. If a surgeon has to perform something as a result of an emergency or out of medical necessity the very least there should be is a full post-op debriefing. That's standard practice.

Talk to your g.p. and think about contacting a solicitor.

Kaiti

smcgui wrote: »

Kaiti, I am absolutely horrified for you. You poor thing, you must be feeling so angry and upset. I would storm into that man's office if I were you and not wait for an appointment. I can't comprehend how he thought he would need to do that to you and especially that no one told you afterwards? Do you mind telling me where you had it done? Maybe pm me if you're not allowed on boards. Either way please feel free to pm me to vent your frustrations. Sometimes it can be easier to talk to people you don't know and I am quite happy to listen. I'm stunned and I hope you give that doctor a good talking to!:mad:

Don't know how to pm you, but had it done in that lovely new private hospital on the lucan road across from liffey valley Don't worry when i get in to see him he will be sorry he didn't discuss the possibility of removing it before the operation or going through it with me afterwards. My gp was disgusted but has been very supportive I will keep you up to date and good luck to you sorry to hear your's is back.

Kaiti

Wibbs

Kaiti try and get a second opinion and a solicitor. Pronto. Giving him a piece of your mind is massively tempting, but it won't matter to him unless you hit him in the pocket and professionally. That is unbelievable to remove a part of you without prior consultation. If he did as you describe that is horrendous and he has to be slapped for it or he'll do it to another woman.

stan1096

I recently discovered that I have one of these. I've been to the hospital and have been scheduled for marpsupialisation of cyst in November. I'm just wondering whether I'm doing the right thing getting this done. My main concern is that I'm in no pain - so I keep asking myself why am I putting myself through minor surgery when it's not actually bothering me. I have tried antibiotics but it didn't really do anything. I was impressed with the doctor I saw and she strongly recommended I had this done. I'm just having a few doubts. Any advice?

Jules

to be honest if your doctor has advise you to get this done, i would go on his/her advice. They are the medical profession. If you have concerns you should speak to him/her directly.

I'll leave this open for now but just a fore warning, discuss this if you have had it done or not but leave the direct medical advice to the professionals please.

SheRa

I had one of these cysts a year ago and antibiotics cleared it up. So the fact that antibiotics didn't clear it for you and the fact that your doc recommended it makes me think that you should def go ahead with it.

(Sorry if this borders medical advice mods.)

stan1096

Thanks. I wasn't looking for medical advice. Not sure what I was looking for ... some reassurance maybe...

Jules

I don't want to come across as being too hard, but i have oravian cysts, not sure what sort, never had them looked into they don't cause me any pain of discomfort. Just don't want someone freaking you out. I'm sure your doc wouldnt tell you to do it if s/he didnt think it was worth it!

stan1096

Thanks Jules.

Does anyone know whether a bartholin's cyst can cause a vaginal discharge?

Nevyn

The bartholin cyst is when the bartholin gland has malfunctioned and the main function of the bartholin's gland is to produce lubricant for the vuvla so yes it may cause unsual vaginal discharge if there is an issue with your bartholin's glad.

If you are unsure please go back and talk to your dr and ask them all the questions you have before treatment.

cath79

Hi, had the surgery last april. The reason they adcise surgery a lot of the time is because the blockage in the gland causes it to swell and then it goes down again, this distorts the gland and the ducts so if left untreated tends to worsen the problem.
Hope that helps. Good luck.

beata.jenice

Hello Smcgui,
I thank you so very much for starting this thread.
For the first time in my life, after an increadible week of life alteringly awesome sex of epic proportions I got one of these cysts, which very quickly became an abcess. Acording to the internet, this is quite normal and shouldnt be a life or death concern.
Yes it healed within 3 days thanks to a tea tree based cream and me actually draining the afore mentioned problem, but now its 4 days later and I seem to be getting another one, same size, a little more to the front, which is odd, because I thought that a woman only has two, on either side of the opening, on the labia.
Are there more than one pair of these glands?
Have you experienced your problem on the same site, or also on different sites?
Yes I've had a full battery of tests done, so no its not an std, and its a very typical description of a Bartholin Cyst, so there isnt terribly much fear of the dreaded std's.
Do you think perhaps because of the extreem activity, Ive caused this problem to occur?

Maple

Zombie thread.

Medical advice is not allowed on this site, please consult your GP.

Locked.

Maple

beata.jenice

Hello Smcgui,
I thank you so very much for starting this thread.
For the first time in my life, after an increadible week of life alteringly awesome sex of epic proportions I got one of these cysts, which very quickly became an abcess. Acording to the internet, this is quite normal and shouldnt be a life or death concern.
Yes it healed within 3 days thanks to a tea tree based cream and me actually draining the afore mentioned problem, but now its 4 days later and I seem to be getting another one, same size, a little more to the front, which is odd, because I thought that a woman only has two, on either side of the opening, on the labia.
Are there more than one pair of these glands?
Have you experienced your problem on the same site, or also on different sites?
Yes I've had a full battery of tests done, so no its not an std, and its a very typical description of a Bartholin Cyst, so there isnt terribly much fear of the dreaded std's.
Do you think perhaps because of the extreem activity, Ive caused this problem to occur?