Home > Health Topics > Topics beginning with B > Bartholin Gland Cyst - Bartholin Cyst > Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Healthy Chronicle
MOL Site Map
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Bartholin Gland Cyst - Bartholin Cyst
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The Bartholin glands are located on both sides of the vaginal opening. They secrete fluids that help lubricate the vagina. If the glands are blocked for any reason, a round swelling called a cyst may develop.
What is going on in the body?
The Bartholin gland ducts drain the fluid made by the glands. These ducts may become blocked due to infection or chronic inflammation. When a duct is blocked, the gland fills with fluid. This forms a cyst. The cyst can grow from very small to the size of a golf ball. Occasionally, the cyst itself may become infected, and a pocket of pus, called an abscess, develops.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
The main causes of this condition include:
In many cases, the cause is unknown. Several different bacteria may cause a Bartholin abscess.