Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Bartholin Cyst - Triage

Audience: adult

A Bartholin cyst forms when the Bartholin glands, located near the vaginal opening, become blocked. These cysts are often painless but can sometimes cause discomfort or swelling. Many Bartholin cysts can be managed with home care or through telemedicine consultations. However, certain warning signs mean you should seek in-person medical care promptly. These include severe pain, fever, rapid swelling, or signs of infection. Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms, provide advice on managing mild cases, and guide you on when to get urgent care. This guide explains the red flags to watch for, what telemedicine can and cannot do for Bartholin cysts, and how to prepare for and follow up after a telehealth visit. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical evaluation.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe vulvar or pelvic pain requiring urgent evaluation
• Fever or chills suggesting infection
• Rapid swelling or redness around the cyst indicating abscess formation

What telemedicine can do

• Symptom assessment and history taking
• Providing guidance on home care
• Prescribing antibiotics for mild infections when appropriate
• Determining urgency and need for in-person care
• Answering patient questions and concerns

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination or drainage of cyst
• Emergency treatment for severe infection or abscess
• Surgical interventions
• Immediate pain management requiring in-person procedures

What Is a Bartholin Cyst?

Bartholin glands are small glands located on each side of the vaginal opening. They produce fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. Sometimes, the duct of a Bartholin gland gets blocked, causing fluid to build up and form a cyst. These cysts are usually painless but can grow and become uncomfortable or infected.

Common Symptoms of Bartholin Cysts

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Many cysts go away on their own or respond to simple treatments.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

Certain signs require urgent medical evaluation:

If you experience any of these, seek in-person care promptly.

What Telemedicine Can Do for Bartholin Cysts

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Telemedicine is a helpful first step for mild symptoms or follow-up.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

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If your condition worsens or does not improve, an in-person visit is necessary.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

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After Your Telemedicine Visit: What to Do Next

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a private, quiet place for your telemedicine visit
• Have your symptom details ready, including duration and severity
• List any current medications and allergies
• Be prepared to describe the cyst’s size, pain, and any changes
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss

After your tele-visit

• Follow home care advice such as warm compresses
• Take any prescribed medications as directed
• Watch for worsening symptoms or new red flags
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised
• Reach out to your healthcare provider with any new concerns

FAQs

What causes a Bartholin cyst?

A Bartholin cyst forms when the duct of the Bartholin gland gets blocked, causing fluid to build up. This blockage can happen due to infection, injury, or irritation.

Can a Bartholin cyst go away on its own?

Yes, many Bartholin cysts are small and painless and may resolve without treatment. Warm compresses can help speed healing.

When should I see a doctor in person?

Seek in-person care if you have severe pain, fever, rapid swelling, or signs of infection like redness or pus. These may indicate an abscess needing medical treatment.

Can telemedicine help me with a Bartholin cyst?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms, provide advice on home care, and guide you on when to seek urgent in-person care. However, it cannot perform physical exams or procedures.

Is a Bartholin cyst cancerous?

Bartholin cysts are usually benign. Cancer in this area is rare but more common in women over 40. Persistent or unusual lumps should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Sources

1. Bartholin's Cyst and Abscess — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Bartholin Gland Cyst — Mayo Clinic.
3. Bartholin Gland Cysts and Abscesses — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Vulvar Disorders — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, please seek care from a healthcare professional in person.