Bartholin Cyst? When the Side of the Vagina is Swollen and Painful
Suddenly, the side of your vagina is swollen and you feel severe pain, making it hard to sit or walk? This causes great discomfort and anxiety. It starts as a swollen feeling and becomes larger and harder, making daily life difficult. If you were searching for "painful swelling on the side of the vagina," Dalimchae Clinic understands and will solve it together.
💡 Key Answer 3 most common causes of painful swelling: ① Blockage of Bartholin gland duct / ② Inflammation due to bacterial infection / ③ Recurrence due to low immunity Dalimchae Clinic reduces inflammation and swelling through constitutional improvement and prevents recurrence by boosting immunity.
Why does this happen?
The Bartholin glands, located on both sides of the vulva, produce vaginal discharge to maintain moisture. However, if the duct of the gland is blocked, the discharge cannot be expelled and forms a cyst (water lump). This is a Bartholin cyst. Initially, it may be painless, but if bacteria infect it, it becomes a Bartholin abscess filled with pus. This causes extreme pain, swelling, and heat. Since weak immunity makes you vulnerable, those who had it once are at high risk of recurrence.
Can it get worse if ignored?
Initially, it might seem minor. However, if it progresses to an abscess, the pus-filled lump presses on surrounding tissues, causing extreme pain. While it may burst naturally, inflammation can spread to surrounding tissues or lead to complications like cellulitis. Simply reducing inflammation without fundamental recovery leads to frequent recurrence.
Do I need surgery? What about Korean medicine?
Western medicine often considers surgery like incision and drainage or marsupialization. However, the risk of recurrence remains.
Korean medicine can be an effective non-surgical alternative. A 2017 study in the Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology reported that 20 out of 27 patients (approx. 74%) with Bartholin cysts/abscesses completed treatment without surgery through Korean medicine.
At Dalimchae Clinic Incheon, we focus on constitutional improvement that quickly relieves pain and prevents recurrence. Through acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and herbal medicine, we resolve inflammation and build a healthy body.
How does Korean medicine prevent recurrence?
Dalimchae Clinic focuses on creating a body where the disease does not "turn on" again through constitutional improvement. This isn't just a local problem; it's closely related to overall immunity.
We prescribe customized herbal medicine to strengthen immunity and suppress inflammation. Acupuncture and pharmacopuncture improve local circulation and help the body heal itself. This treatment also positively affects overall women's health, such as vaginitis or uterine issues.
Bartholin Cyst Self-Checklist
- Swelling or a lump felt on one or both sides of the vulva.
- Pain on the side of the vagina when moving (sitting/walking).
- Pain during intercourse.
- Heat or burning sensation in the swollen area.
- Increased discharge or odor.
- History of Bartholin cyst/abscess.
- Body aches or mild fever.
Results:
- 3+ items: Inflammation suspected. Consider consultation.
- 5+ items: Severe progression. Immediate diagnosis recommended.
FAQ
Q. Can it heal naturally? A. Small or early stages might. However, once it becomes an abscess, it causes severe pain and complications, so active treatment is important.
Q. How long is the treatment? A. Acute inflammation can subside in days to weeks. Constitutional improvement for recurrence prevention usually takes 2-3 months.
Q. How to prevent recurrence? A. Fundamental constitutional improvement and immunity strengthening are key.
Q. Can I receive treatment while pregnant? A. Yes, with safe customized herbal medicine and acupuncture under a doctor's diagnosis.
The signal 'painful swelling' is a message from your body. Don't ignore it. Dalimchae Clinic will help you find the cause and regain your healthy daily life.
Where life blooms. Dalimchae Clinic. Check your symptoms with our AI consultation first!
Medical Supervision | Dalimchae Clinic Incheon Branch, Dr. Yang Yuchan (Bartholin Cyst Column)