The Bartholin’s gland is a small organ situated outside the vaginal opening on the two vaginal lips (termed as labia minora). They are very small in size and not very easily visible to the naked eye. When a female is sexually aroused, the Bartholin’s gland discharges a lubricating fluid. Due to any reason when this gland gets blocked, it results in the development of what is known the Barholin’s cyst. The blockage can happen due to reasons such as infection, poor circulation, inflammation, persistent irritation and so on, which results in a cyst. This cyst may either be infected or not infected, and it can be of different sizes and have different degrees of pain.
To get immediate relief from the Bartholin’s cyst, you need to keep the affected area exceptionally clean. Hence start washing up the area at least twice with clean water. If the cyst is devoid of infection, treatment with the help of warm towel compress can be taken. To prepare a warm towel compress, take a clean cloth and wet it. Fold it and insert it in a plastic bag which has a zip. Keep this bag with the wet towel inside in a microwave oven and heat it until it turns hot. Remove the bag from the oven and squeeze out all air from the bag. Close the zip, and your hot towel compress is ready to be applied on the cyst. Before using it, make sure that it’s not too hot.
You can also take a sitz bath, which involves immersing the vaginal area in hot water. The affected area should be kept in the warm water for around 20 minutes. Do this at least three to four times a day daily. You can also mix half a cup of Epsom salt and add 10 drops of lavender oil to it. Run some cold water on the area after using hot water. If you can get hold of Cypress and juniper berry, mix them in equal amounts and add around 50 drops of lavender oil to it. This mixture should fit in a bottle of 15 ml. Add this to the sitz water bath to get relief from the problem. Wear only soft cotton panties that are not too fitting, and change the panties twice daily. Also, it is essential to practice safe sex to protect yourself from the cysts. If the condition doesn’t improve, you’ll need to see your doctor.