Vaginal cysts are lumps filled with air, pus, mucus, or other substances, found on or near the vagina. These cysts can range in size from as small as a pea to as large as an orange. While most vaginal cysts are harmless, they can cause pain if infected.
Five Types of Vaginal Cysts
- Inclusion cyst: These small cysts on the vaginal wall result from tissue being trapped under the vaginal surface after childbirth or surgery.
- Bartholin gland cyst: These fluid- or pus-filled lumps, located at the vaginal opening, arise from a blockage or bacterial infection in the Bartholin glands, which lubricate the vaginal lips.
- Sebaceous cyst: These cysts form when the oil-producing sebaceous glands of the vulva become blocked, creating lumps filled with yellow-white greasy material.
- Müllerian cyst: These cysts develop from leftover material in the Müllerian ducts from fetal development and grow on the vaginal walls.
- Gartner’s duct cyst: If the Gartner’s duct, an organ present during fetal development, doesn’t disappear before birth, it can form cysts on the vaginal walls later in life.
Causes of Vaginal Cysts
Vaginal cysts can be caused by injury to the vaginal wall during childbirth or surgery, or by blockage of glands or ducts leading to fluid, pus, oil, or other materials filling the cyst. Infections, particularly from sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause these cysts to become painful.
Symptoms of Vaginal Cysts
While some vaginal cysts are asymptomatic and discovered during routine pelvic exams, others can cause symptoms such as:
- Discomfort and pain during sitting, walking, tampon insertion, sex, or after using the bathroom
- Swelling, fever, and tenderness from an infection
- Small lumps protruding from the vagina
Diagnosing Vaginal Cysts
Vaginal cysts are typically diagnosed during a physical exam. Physicians may inspect or palpate the cyst and monitor its size. To rule out cancer or other conditions, additional tests such as biopsies, STI testing, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be conducted.
Treatment Options for Vaginal Cysts
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the cyst and may include:
- Sitz baths: Sitting in warm water to soothe and heal the cyst
- Antibiotics: To treat infected cysts
- Surgical draining: Insertion of a catheter to drain the cyst over several weeks
- Marsupialization: Surgical opening and draining of the cyst, with stitching of the cyst edges to create a permanent pouch for continuous drainage
Choose UCI Pelvic Health Center for Vaginal Cysts Treatment
If you suspect you have a vaginal cyst, contact UCI Pelvic Health Center for expert diagnosis and treatment. Our experienced team provides personalized care to accurately identify and address your condition. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools and offer a range of treatments, from non-invasive options like sitz baths and antibiotics to surgical solutions if needed.