Living Comfortably Post-Bartholin Cyst Treatment: Recovery and Aftercare

Being busy with your family, children, job, and other life activities can make taking care of your health difficult at times. Sometimes, it might seem as though there isn’t enough time to look after yourself, whether it comes to preventative care or care for a concern or issue. Sometimes, you don’t even realize you have a problem until it’s too late and an infection or other symptom occurs. One such case can be issued with Bartholin cysts – small cysts that form in the Bartholin’s glands of a woman’s body. Sometimes, these cysts may be large enough or infected and require treatment – which on its own may be quite forward, but many women are left wondering what the recovery period looks like – including the aftercare following the procedure.

What Are Bartholin’s Cysts and How Do They Form?

Bartholin cysts are cysts that form in the bartholin’s glands. The Bartholin glands are two small glands that are located on both sides of the vaginal opening. The glands are responsible for lubricating the vagina. These glands, however, can become blocked over time for a variety of reasons. Friction and tight clothing are two reasons that these glands can become blocked over time, leading to Bartholin cysts. These cysts can cause problems, although they aren’t always troublesome. In fact, many women who have bartholin cysts do not even know that they have them – they do not cause problems or get infected, and many women only find out they have the cysts when their doctors point them out during an examination.

What is Treatment for Bartholin Cysts Like?

Sometimes, you can resolve the cysts by applying warm compresses and using a sitz bath. However, for those who find themselves dealing with a case of Bartholin cysts that come back over and over, or for those who are infected, treatment may be necessary.

Treatment for Bartholin cysts involves using a CO2 laser to cut into the cyst, drain it, and then suture the skin. This treatment is minimally invasive and much safer than traditional methods, and it can not only remove the cysts but remove the infection, as well. It is usually done in your doctor’s office or a local surgery center as an outpatient procedure and can be performed using local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preferences or needs. The procedure does not pose as many risks as the traditional method, and recovery is typically smoother.

Recovering After Bartholin Cyst Removal

Immediately after the procedure, you will need to have someone drive you home, whether you have opted for local or general anesthesia.

After the bartholin’s cysts have been removed, it is important to take care of your body following the procedure. You will want to use a cold compress to reduce swelling, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can reduce any pain and swelling, as well. Keeping the area clean is essential. After the first few days, using a sitz bath can help reduce further symptoms. Keeping up with the cold compress throughout the week can ensure that discomfort is at a minimum.

Your doctor will tell you how to care for the area and how to watch out for signs of infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and itching that does not subside, as well as fever and fatigue. If the area is hot to the touch, it may be an indication of an infection. If this is the case, call your doctor immediately or seek out medical care at an urgent care or emergency center.

After about a week, you may wish to resume your day-to-day routine. Exercise should be discussed with your doctor, but light activity is usually okay a few weeks after the procedure. Returning to sexual activity following the procedure should be at the discretion of your doctor, but it is usually a good idea to abstain from sexual activity for at least six weeks to ensure that the area heals properly.

If you would like to learn more about Bartholin cysts, as well as how the cysts are treated, call the office of Dr. Ghozland today at 310-393-9359, and we will be happy to get you set up with an appointment!