What it is
Warm baths several times a day can help a cyst drain. An abscess may need antibiotics or a small procedure to drain it.
Cysts can come back. In people over 40, a new lump is sometimes checked with a biopsy to rule out other causes.
Common signs
- A soft, painless lump on one side of the vaginal opening
- Pain, redness and swelling if infected
- Pain when walking, sitting or during sex
- Fever with an abscess
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination by a GP or gynaecologist
- A swab if there is infection
- A biopsy in some cases
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Swab and biopsy results
- Notes of any drainage procedure and how many times it has come back
Questions to ask your doctor
- Does it need treatment or can we wait?
- What can I do if it comes back?
- Is a biopsy needed?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A rapidly growing, very painful lump with high fever
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.