Vulvar Cysts & Abscesses Care in Wellesley, MA | Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
Comprehensive women's health, every stage of life
Discovering a lump or swelling in the vulvar area can be alarming, even when it turns out to be a common and treatable condition. Vulvar cysts and abscesses are surprisingly common, and most are not a cause for serious concern, but they deserve a proper evaluation to confirm what you’re dealing with and to relieve any pain or discomfort.
Our providers at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates offer discreet, compassionate care to help you understand what’s going on and get relief quickly. To schedule an evaluation in Wellesley, call (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online.
What Are Vulvar Cysts and Abscesses?
Vulvar cysts and abscesses both refer to fluid- or pus-filled lumps that can develop in the vulvar area, but they differ in cause and severity.
Cysts are typically small, fluid-filled sacs that form when a gland or duct becomes blocked. The most common type is a Bartholin’s cyst, which forms when one of the Bartholin’s glands, located on either side of the vaginal opening and responsible for natural lubrication, becomes blocked. Most Bartholin’s cysts are small, painless, and go unnoticed unless they grow larger.
Abscesses develop when a cyst, or the surrounding tissue, becomes infected with bacteria. This causes the area to fill with pus, become swollen, red, and often quite painful. A Bartholin’s abscess is one of the most common types and typically develops more quickly and more painfully than a simple cyst.
Other, less common causes of vulvar lumps include sebaceous cysts, ingrown hairs that become infected, and inclusion cysts related to prior injury or childbirth.
How Are Vulvar Cysts and Abscesses Treated?
Treatment depends on the size, symptoms, and whether infection is present. Most women feel significant relief within a day or two of treatment, particularly after drainage of an abscess.
Watchful Waiting
Small, painless cysts that aren’t causing symptoms often don’t require treatment and may be monitored over time.
Warm Compresses
Soaking the area in warm water several times a day can help a small cyst or early abscess drain and heal on its own.
Incision and Drainage
Larger or painful abscesses often need to be drained in-office. This is a quick procedure performed under local anesthetic that provides fast relief from pressure and pain.
Word Catheter Placement
For Bartholin’s cysts or abscesses, a small catheter may be placed after drainage to keep the gland’s opening from closing prematurely, reducing the chance of recurrence.
Antibiotics
If infection is present or suspected to be spreading, antibiotics may be prescribed alongside drainage.
Marsupialization or Gland Removal
For cysts or abscesses that recur repeatedly, a minor surgical procedure to create a permanent opening, or in rare cases remove the gland entirely, may be recommended.
Common Symptoms of Cysts and Abscesses
Symptoms depend on whether you’re dealing with a simple cyst or an infected abscess.
Cysts may cause:
- A small, soft lump near the vaginal opening
- Mild discomfort, especially during walking, sitting, or intercourse
- No symptoms at all if the cyst is small
Abscesses often cause:
- Rapid swelling and a firm, tender lump
- Significant pain, especially when sitting or walking
- Redness and warmth around the affected area
- Fever in more severe cases
- Spontaneous drainage of pus in some instances
If you notice a new lump accompanied by escalating pain, redness, or fever, it’s important to be seen promptly rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
We understand that vulvar lumps can feel embarrassing or frightening to bring up. Our providers approach these visits with discretion, gentleness, and efficiency. Once you arrive at our facility, you’ll be welcomed and escorted into a private consultation room where your provider will examine the area to determine the size, location, and characteristics of the cyst or abscess, and to assess whether infection is present. Your provider will then conduct a conversation around how quickly the lump developed, your pain level, and any fever or other symptoms.
In some cases, a sample of fluid may be tested to check for infection or, in women over 40 or with recurrent issues, to rule out other causes.
Can Vulvar Cysts Be Prevented?
While not all cases are preventable, good hygiene practices can help reduce your risk:
- Practice good genital hygiene, especially after sexual activity
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing that traps moisture and friction
- Treat cuts, ingrown hairs, or irritation in the area promptly
- Practice safe sex, as certain infections can contribute to abscess formation
Why Choose Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates?
Vulvar lumps and swelling can feel like an uncomfortable thing to bring up, but our providers see and treat these concerns regularly and with complete discretion. Since 1963, we’ve built our reputation on treating the whole woman with compassion and clinical excellence, and that includes the parts of your health you might feel hesitant to mention.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’ve noticed a new lump, swelling, or pain in the vulvar area, don’t wait for it to worsen. To schedule an appointment in Boston, call (617) 983-7003. For our Wellesley office, call (781) 235-4000, or request an appointment online.
Vulvar Cysts & Abscesses FAQs
Is a Bartholin’s cyst dangerous?
Most Bartholin’s cysts are harmless and painless. They only require treatment if they grow large, become painful, or become infected and turn into an abscess. If you suspect your cyst or abscess is a Bartholin’s cyst, have it examined as soon as possible to rule out anything more nefarious.
Can I drain a vulvar abscess myself at home?
No. Attempting to drain an abscess yourself can worsen the infection or cause it to spread. Warm compresses can help encourage natural drainage, but a painful or growing abscess should be evaluated and drained by a provider.
Will a Bartholin’s cyst or abscess come back after treatment?
It can, particularly if only drained without a catheter or further procedure. Recurrent cysts may benefit from a longer-term solution like marsupialization.
Are vulvar cysts related to an STI?
Not typically, though certain infections can occasionally contribute to abscess formation. Most Bartholin’s cysts and abscesses are unrelated to sexually transmitted infections.
When should I go to the ER instead of waiting for an appointment?
If you develop a high fever, spreading redness, severe pain, or signs of a rapidly worsening infection, seek urgent or emergency care rather than waiting for a scheduled visit.