[1] Larger cysts may result in swelling on one side of the vaginal opening, as well as pain during sex or walking.

[4] If the cyst becomes infected, an abscess can occur, which is typically red and very painful.

[3] The preferred method is the insertion of a Word catheter for four weeks, as recurrence following simple incision and drainage is common.

[3][5] A surgical procedure known as marsupialization may be used or, if the problems persist, the entire gland may be removed.

[8] The underlying mechanism of the cyst was determined in 1967 by the obstetrician Samuel Buford Word.

Small, asymptomatic cysts can be observed over time to assess their development.

This is a conservative treatment that involves soaking the vaginal area in a few inches of warm water.

A small tube with a balloon on the end (known as a Word catheter) may be inserted into the cyst.

If a cyst is infected, it may break open and start to heal on its own after 3 to 4 days.

Women with bartholin's cysts were randomly assigned to receive treatment via Word catheter or marsupialization to compare rate of recurrence over a 1-year period.

[17] Two percent of women will have a Bartholin's gland cyst at some point in their lives.

[18] The incidence of Bartholin duct cysts increases with age until menopause, and decreases thereafter.

[3] The risk of developing a Bartholin's gland cyst increases with the number of childbirths.