What is the definition of Vaginal Cysts?

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.

What are the alternative names for Vaginal Cysts?

Inclusion cyst; Gartner duct cyst

What are the causes for Vaginal Cysts?

There are several types of vaginal cysts.

• Vaginal inclusion cysts are the most common. These may form due to injury to the vaginal walls during birth process or after surgery.
• Gartner duct cysts develop on the side walls of the vagina. Gartner duct is present while a baby is developing in the womb. However, this most often disappears after birth. If parts of the duct remain, they may collect fluid and develop into a vaginal wall cyst later in life.
• Bartholin cyst or abscess forms when fluid or pus builds up and forms a lump in one of the Bartholin glands. These glands are found on each side of the vaginal opening.
• Endometriosis may appear as small cysts in the vagina. This is uncommon.
• Benign tumors of the vagina are uncommon. They are most often composed of cysts.
• Cystoceles and rectoceles are bulges in the vaginal wall from the underlying bladder or rectum. This happens when the muscles surrounding the vagina become weak, most commonly due to childbirth. These are not really cysts, but can look and feel like cystic masses in the vagina.

What are the symptoms for 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.

What are the current treatments for Vaginal Cysts?

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.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Vaginal Cysts?

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.

What are the possible complications for Vaginal Cysts?

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.

When should I contact a medical professional for Vaginal Cysts?

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.

REFERENCES

Baggish MS. Benign lesions of the vaginal wall. In: Baggish MS, Karram MM, eds. Atlas of Pelvic Anatomy and Gynecologic Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 61.

Dolan MS, Hill C, Valea FA. Benign gynecologic lesions: vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary, ultrasound imaging of pelvic structures. In: Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 18.

Rovner ES. Bladder and female urethral diverticula. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Partin AW, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 90.