A cyst is a closed pocket or pouch of tissue. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material. A vaginal cyst occurs on or under the lining of the vagina.
Inclusion cyst; Gartner duct cyst
There are several types of vaginal cysts.
Most vaginal cysts usually do not cause symptoms. In some cases, a soft lump can be felt in the vaginal wall or protruding from the vagina. Cysts range in size from the size of a pea to that of an orange.
However, Bartholin cysts can become infected, swollen and painful.
Some women with vaginal cysts may have discomfort during sex or trouble inserting a tampon.
Women with cystoceles or rectoceles may feel a protruding bulge, pelvic pressure or have difficulty with urination or defecation.
Routine exams to check the size of the cyst and look for any changes may be the only treatment needed.
Biopsies or minor surgeries to remove the cysts or drain them are typically simple to perform and resolve the issue.
Bartholin gland cysts often need to be drained. Sometimes, antibiotics are prescribed to treat them as well.
Bharat Rekhi practices in Mumbai, India. Rekhi is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Vaginal Cysts. He is also highly rated in 43 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Vaginal Cysts, Hysterectomy, and Vulvectomy.
Maryam Siddiqui is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist in Chicago, Illinois. Siddiqui has been practicing medicine for over 26 years and is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Vaginal Cysts. She is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Vaginal Cysts, Vaginal Dryness, Female Genital Sores, and Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods. She is licensed to treat patients in Illinois. Siddiqui is currently accepting new patients.
Kotaro Maeda practices in Toyoake, Japan. Maeda is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Vaginal Cysts. They are also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. Their top areas of expertise are Vaginal Cysts, Rectocele, Bowel Incontinence, Colostomy, and Ileostomy.
Most of the time, the outcome is good. Cysts often remain small and do not need treatment. When surgically removed, the cysts most often do not return.
Bartholin cysts can sometimes recur and need ongoing treatment.
In most cases, there are no complications from the cysts themselves. A surgical removal carries a small risk for complication. The risk depends on where the cyst is located.
Call your health care provider if a lump is felt inside the vagina or is protruding from the vagina. It is important to contact your provider for an exam for any cyst or mass you notice.
Published Date: July 13, 2021
Published By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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