Bartholins cyst (I hope!) Advice needed please!

[ghostofawasp]

I think I had one of these a couple of years back and it just went. But I developed something similar this week ( I noticed it when I got back from a run) and I'm really hoping it's a BC because christ knows what's going on down there if it isn't! This time though it doesn't seem to be going of its own accord; I just called to make an appointment but can't see a doctor until Tuesday morning and by that time it will have been over a week. Do I need to try to get someone to see me earlier, or go to a walk in clinic or something? I get a bit anxious about health problems and fear the worst until someone tells me otherwise.

These are harmless, aren't they? Can I still go running?

[cosmickitten]

Hey I've had a fair few of these, unfortunately for me they never clear up on their own. All have needed antibiotics and most a small operation to drain them.

However in my case I was just unlucky as the cyst got infected each time. If your not sore then it's highly unlikely there is an infection so waiting a few more days wont be a problem. If you are in pain when you sit or walk go and see someone sooner.

I've no idea about running, personally I'd scale back for a couple of days and steer clear of thongs too, just incase. As rubbing can make things a little uncomfortable. If your in no pain I can't see why a short jog would be a problem.

[DiaryOfAWimpyMum]

I had to go to hospital and have it drained under anesthetic. Mine was so large I couldn't walk properly though so it may have been my bad luck.

[ghostofawasp]

Eurgh, thank you. It's horrible isn't it, the last thing I feel like doing is going to show a doctor my deformed fanjo and the thought of having them drained fills me with fear! Any idea what causes them? DH reliably informs me that he hasn't given me the clap but I've only got his word for that. Googling brings up cancer of the vulva so am trying no to dwell on that either...

[cosmickitten]

Step away from google, it is not your friend!!!!

You need to get checked out but realistically a bartholin cyst is much much more likely. I've had 6 cysts, 3 operations and finally a marsupialisation (they stitch the gland open!) sounds scary but in fact all quite straight forward....I asked time and time again what caused it and was told for most ladies it's just bad luck. Some of us have glands that block easily.

Try not to worry.

[cosmickitten]

Ps I have I ways so sedated that I've no memory of the operations and after wasn't that sore. It's more likely it'll clear up on its own or that a some antibiotics will see you sorted quickly.

[toffeelolly]

Hi I have one, have had it about a year, and was really worried when I felt this lump, you think all sorts. Anyway found out it was bc but it is not sore and never gives me any problem so doc said it then best to leave alone mine is very high up. So I will just live with my little lump Good luck.

[ghostofawasp]

Thanks for the replies. The doctor said everything looks fine, which it very much isn't. I guess I'll give it a bit longer and then seek a second opinion.

[Littlegiraffe]

Hi, I went to my GP a few weeks ago about a lump under my labia. She said its most likely just a cyst but has referred me to gynaecology, just to check (as it's 'a good size').

What size are these usually? I have no frame of reference! It's between the top of my thigh and the vaginal opening. If I press around it and try to gauge the size, I'd say it's the size of a small boiled egg. I feel it's quite large but it doesn't bother me at all, or get in the way of anything.

Am trying not to worry. If they're not problematic, do they leave them alone?

Thanks

[Littlegiraffe]

Ps ghost. Google is most definitely NOT our friend!

[elportodelgato]

I have one of these! The nurse looked at it yesterday, it's apparently 'just a cyst' and not infected so no need to do anything. She actually said 'oh no one's going to be interested in that to be honest' and sent me on my way

[DiaryOfAWimpyMum]

I couldn't walk properly with mine it was the size of a golf ball so had to have marsupialisation, it put me off sex for life

[Littlegiraffe]

Diary. I am wincing for you. I hope they leave mine alone! It's just in there minding its own business