A Bartholin's cyst is a fluid-filled swelling of one of the two small glands at the vaginal opening, caused when the gland's duct is blocked. Small cysts that do not hurt often need no treatment or settle with warm sitz baths. A painful or infected cyst (abscess) is usually drained under local anesthesia, and repeated cysts may be treated with marsupialization.
- Main symptom
- Lump on one side of the vaginal opening
- First-line care
- Warm sitz baths; pain relief
- Procedures
- Drainage, Word catheter, marsupialization
- Anesthesia
- Usually local; sometimes sedation
- Recovery
- Most daily activity within 1–2 days
- Cost guide
- ₩200,000–1,000,000 for procedures
What is a Bartholin's cyst?
The Bartholin's glands sit on each side of the vaginal opening, at roughly the 4 and 8 o'clock positions. They release a small amount of fluid that helps with lubrication. If the tiny duct becomes blocked, fluid builds up and forms a cyst. If the fluid becomes infected, a painful abscess can form.
Bartholin's cysts are common, especially in women of reproductive age. They are not usually a sexually transmitted infection, although bacteria including those that cause STIs can sometimes be involved, so testing may be offered. Other lumps of the vulva are covered on our page about vulvar lumps and lesions.
What are the symptoms?
- A soft lump, often without pain, on one side of the vaginal opening (cyst)
- A swollen, red, hot and very tender lump (abscess)
- Pain when walking, sitting or during sex
- Sometimes fever or feeling unwell with an abscess
A small cyst may be noticed only during a pelvic exam. An abscess tends to grow over a few days and can become very painful.
Treatment options compared
| Option | When it is used | What it involves | General cost guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watchful waiting and sitz baths | Small cysts without pain | Sitting in a few inches of warm water several times a day for a few days | Consultation only |
| Antibiotics | Signs of infection, or alongside drainage | Oral medication; not always needed after good drainage | ₩10,000–50,000 for medication |
| Incision and drainage / Word catheter | Painful cyst or abscess | Small cut to drain fluid; a tiny balloon catheter may stay in place for a few weeks to keep a new opening | ₩200,000–500,000 |
| Marsupialization | Cysts that keep coming back | The cyst wall is opened and stitched to the skin to form a permanent small pouch | ₩500,000–1,000,000 |
| Gland excision | Rarely, for repeated problems despite other treatment | Surgical removal of the gland; higher risk of bleeding | Estimated after consultation |
Costs are a general guide; a written estimate is given after consultation. Simple needle aspiration is quick, but cysts tend to come back, so it is used less often.
- Tender swelling at the vaginal opening
- Pain when sitting, walking or during sex
- Possible fever with an abscess
- Repeated cysts on the same side
- Fluid drained and pressure relieved
- Pain usually eases within a few days
- Infection treated if present
- Marsupialization aims to lower recurrence
How drainage or marsupialization is done at Yoonho
- Examination A gynecologist examines the lump and asks about your symptoms in English. Swabs for infection may be taken.
- Numbing Local anesthetic is injected around the area; sedation can be discussed if you are very anxious or the abscess is large.
- Drainage A small incision lets the fluid or pus drain. For a Word catheter, a tiny balloon is inflated inside the cyst to keep the opening open while it heals.
- Marsupialization (if chosen) The cyst wall is opened and its edges are stitched to the surrounding skin with dissolvable stitches.
- Aftercare You go home the same day with written instructions on sitz baths, pads and pain relief.
- Follow-up A check-up confirms healing; a Word catheter is usually removed after a few weeks. Any tissue sent for pathology is explained in English.
Recovery and possible risks
- Day 0–2 Soreness and some discharge are expected. Warm sitz baths and simple pain relief usually help.
- First 1–2 weeks Use pads, not tampons. Avoid sex until the area has healed or the catheter is removed.
- 2–4 weeks If a Word catheter was placed, it is typically removed at a follow-up visit.
- Long term Most women heal well, but cysts can come back in some cases.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, discomfort during sex and recurrence. For women over about 40, or if the lump feels firm or unusual, a biopsy may be recommended to rule out rare causes.
Cost and insurance for international patients
As a general guide, medication costs about ₩10,000–50,000, incision and drainage or Word catheter placement about ₩200,000–500,000, and marsupialization about ₩500,000–1,000,000. A written estimate is given after consultation.
- If you are enrolled in National Health Insurance, part of medically necessary treatment may be covered — see insurance for foreigners.
- Travelers can request English receipts and a diagnosis for travel insurance claims.
Walk-ins are welcome during opening hours, which can help when an abscess is painful. Bartholin's care at Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong, Seoul is part of our surgical gynecology service.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Will a Bartholin's cyst go away on its own?
Small cysts often shrink or drain on their own with warm sitz baths. A painful abscess usually needs drainage.
Is a Bartholin's cyst an STD?
Usually not. Most cysts are caused by a blocked duct. Because some infections can involve the gland, your doctor may offer STI testing.
Can I walk in for a painful lump?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome during opening hours, and a painful abscess can often be assessed and drained the same day.
Can I fly after drainage?
Most patients can fly within a day or two. If a Word catheter is placed, plan for removal in Seoul or ask your home doctor; tell us your travel dates.
Will it come back?
Cysts can recur after simple drainage. Word catheter placement and marsupialization are designed to lower that chance.
OB-GYN Specialist · Ph.D. · Medical Director
Former Professor of OB-GYN, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine · Former editorial board member, AAGL · 11th President, Korean Society of Aesthetic Gynecology
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Talk to an English-speaking gynecologist
Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.