Vaginal cysts
Inclusion cyst; Gartner duct cyst
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.
External structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris. Internal structures include the uterus, ovaries, and cervix.
The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth.
The uterus is a muscular organ with thick walls, two upper openings to the fallopian tubes and an inferior opening to the vagina.
Bartholin glands are found on each side of the vaginal opening. A Bartholin cyst is a buildup of fluid that occurs if the opening of the gland is blocked. A Bartholin abscess may occur if the cyst fluid becomes infected. The Bartholin cyst or abscess appears as a lump or swelling on the side of the vaginal opening.
Causes
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 the birth process or after surgery.
- Gartner duct cysts develop on the side walls of the vagina. The 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. These tumors are most often composed of cysts.
- Cystoceles and rectoceles are bulges in the vaginal wall from the adjacent 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.
Symptoms
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.
Exams and Tests
A physical exam is essential to determine what type of cyst or mass you may have.
A mass or bulge of the vaginal wall may be seen during a pelvic exam. You may need a biopsy to rule out vaginal cancer, especially if the mass appears to be solid.
If the cyst is located under the bladder or urethra, x-rays may be needed to see if the cyst extends into these organs.
Treatment
Follow-up 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.
Outlook (Prognosis)
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.
Possible Complications
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 to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if you feel a lump inside your vagina or is protruding from your 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. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 58.
Cox L, Rovner ES. Bladder and female urethral diverticula. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 130.
Dolan MS, Hill CC, Valea FA. Benign gynecologic lesions: vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary, ultrasound imaging of pelvic structures. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 18.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 7/12/2023
Reviewed by: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
