A vaginal cyst is a sac-like lump filled with fluid, air, or other substances, developed on or near the vagina. Vaginal cysts can be the result of various causes like childbirth, blocked glands, or some vaginal injuries. Vaginal cysts can be diagnosed via physical exams by your healthcare provider.
What is a vaginal cyst?
A vaginal cyst is a lump filled with mucus, pus, air, or other materials. The size of a vaginal cyst can vary from the size of a pea to the size of an orange. Sometimes cysts are so small in size that they stay undetectable. Vaginal cysts are usually harmless and do not cause pain. But once they get infected, you can be troubled with severe pain.
Where do vaginal cysts form?
The vagina is one of the most significant reproductive organs of the human body. The vaginal cyst usually appears on the labia (the inner and outer folds of the vulva, on each side of the vagina). However, it can also be located inside the vaginal canals that link the cervix to the outside body.
Types of vaginal cysts
There are several types of vaginal cysts, such as Gartner’s duct cysts, Vaginal inclusion cysts, Bartholin’s cysts, Sebaceous cysts, Mullerian cysts, etc. Let’s briefly understand each type.
Gartner’s duct cysts
The Gartner’s duct is the remnant of the mesonephric duct in the female pelvis from a women’s fetal development. Usually, they disappear before childbirth. However, sometimes if they remain, it can collect fluid inside and, later on, can develop in the form of a cyst on the vaginal walls.
Inclusion cysts
Inclusion cysts are the most common type of vaginal cysts found on the wall of a vagina. During vaginal injury, vaginal surgery, or vaginal birth, when tissues get stuck under the vaginal surface, cysts can be formed on the walls or inside the vagina.
Sebaceous cysts
Sebaceous cysts are slow-growing, harmless cysts that can appear on the face, scalp, ears, back, trunk, and groin area. The vaginal sebaceous cysts are formed when oil-producing sebaceous glands of the external genitalia get blocked.
Bartholin gland cysts
A Bartholin gland cyst or vulvar cyst is a kind of vaginal cyst that is developed on either side of the vaginal lips. Bartholin glands are part of the female reproductive system and provide fluid and mucus to lubricate the vagina.
When there is a blockage at the opening of these glands, mucus gets accumulated, resulting in Bartholin gland cysts. Usually, it is found on one of the two Bartholin glands. Smaller cysts do not trigger pain. However, bigger cysts can lead to infection and abscess later on.
Mullerian cysts
Mullerian cysts are rare benign tumors developed from the remains in the Mullerian ducts during the course of prenatal development. They can be formed on the vaginal walls.
Causes of vaginal cysts
Blocked ducts
When a duct or gland gets clogged, fluid, oil, mucus, or other substances start building up in the form of a lump. Once infected, it can cause real pain. As a measure, good hygiene should be maintained.
Injury
Injuries during childbirth, vaginal tear, or any kind of vaginal operation can cause tissues trapped under the vaginal walls leading to cyst formation. Unfortunately, these cysts get formed without our knowledge, and it is tough to take preventive measures in advance in these cases.
Infection
Bacteria from sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause infection of the vaginal cyst. Therefore, as a preventive measure, safe sex using a condom are always advisable.
Symptoms of vaginal cysts
- Pain and irritation while walking, sitting, wiping the groin area, inserting tampon, and having intercourse.
- Small lumps projected from inside the vagina
- Infected and inflamed cysts leading to prolonged fever
The diagnosis of the vaginal cysts
Your healthcare provider can diagnose vaginal cysts after a physical exam. Then, depending on the size and severity of the cysts, you will be advised to go for further treatments.
Tests to identify the nature of the vaginal cysts
- Collection of fluid from the vagina to check for any sign of sexually transmitted diseases
- Biopsy of the cyst to check the malignancy
- An MRI or Ultrasound to check the cysts from the more detailed angle
Treatment for vaginal cysts
You need to consult your healthcare provider in the initial stage for the treatment of vaginal cysts, even if they are treatable at home. Never go for squeezing or draining out the fluid inside the cysts as it can cause infection.
- Antibiotics: For treating infected cysts, you will be provided antibiotics by the doctor.
- Marsupialization: Sometimes, cysts are treated with a minor surgical procedure called Marsupialization, where a cyst is cut open, and the fluid is drained out. Following this, the incision will be closed, and an open pocket or pouch will be created permanently to keep the drainage going.
- Surgical draining: A catheter or a small hollow tube is placed inside the cyst to drain the fluid.
Conclusion
Some home remedies like sitz baths can also provide healing and comfort to the patient with a vaginal cyst. However, do consult your doctor for appropriate treatment.
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