What is Vaginal Cyst and Its Causes?

The human body tends to develop a variety of lumps which are mostly harmless and do not have any symptoms. A cyst is a cavity or sac made due to the abnormal growth of tissues that is filled with air, fluid or pus. It can form anywhere on the body. A cyst on the vagina is called a vaginal cyst. Most of the time it  cures on its own and does not require any treatment. However, if you are experiencing painful vaginal cysts, it is important to understand what causes cysts on the genital area as it may be a sign of infection. Keep reading to know what is a vaginal cyst, what does a vaginal cyst look like and what causes cyst in the vagina.

What is Vaginal Cyst?

A vaginal cyst is a small lump formed on or under the wall of the vaginal lining. This lump is formed when a gland is blocked and vaginal fluid or air is trapped in a sac. These cysts are harmless and without any pain, unless they are infected.

What Does a Vaginal Cyst Look Like?

Vaginal cysts look like little bumps or pimples on the skin around the vagina. It can be felt protruding from the wall of the vagina. Sometimes, these cysts can be as small as a pea and sometimes they can look like a plump if infected, due to swelling and redness.

What Causes a Cyst on the Vagina? 

The most common causes of cysts in the vagina are injury and childbirth. Different types of cysts can develop in the vagina after an injury or childbirth including:

1. Inclusion Cyst

When there is an injury to the vaginal wall, it causes a tear, which develops into a cyst. It is the most common type of vaginal cyst called inclusion cyst that may form after childbirth or vaginal surgery.

2. Gartner Duct Cyst

When a foetus develops inside a womb, a duct called the Gartner duct is present, which normally disappears after childbirth. However, sometimes, the duct does not disappear completely and may develop mucous, which later turns into a vaginal cyst later.

3. Mullerian Cyst

These cysts develop from the leftover materials exist in the Mullerian duct during the fetal development.

What are Vulvar Cysts?

The vulva is the visible and the external part of the female genitals, which includes labia or vaginal lips, clitoris and opening to the vagina which is the internal part of the female reproductive system. A cyst formed on the labia or vaginal lips is called vulvar cyst.

What Causes Cysts on the Vulva?

Let us understand what causes a cyst on the labia. The most common causes of vulvar cysts are gland blockage and infection. The vulva consists of many glands like the Bartholin gland, Sebaceous gland etc. A cyst is formed when a gland or duct is blocked due to an injury or vaginal lining. The fluid secretion stops and it keeps swelling the cysts which may get enlarged up to the size of an orange. Some common cysts formed due to gland blockage are:

1. Bartholin Gland Cysts

Bartholin glands are present on the vaginal lips and blockage of these glands is what causes a cyst on vaginal lips. When the swollen cyst is infected with bacteria it is what causes vaginal abscess and the cyst becomes very painful.

2. Sebaceous Cysts

The vulva has an oil-producing gland called the Sebaceous gland. A blocked gland is what causes sebaceous cysts on the labia, which is filled with sebum, an oily yellowish-white material. 

3. Skene’s Cysts

Skene gland cysts develop because the Skene gland is blocked due to an infection and swelling. These glands are present at the opening of the urethra.

What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Cysts?

Vaginal cysts are generally asymptomatic and do not require any medical attention. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it is better to consult your doctor. Knowing these symptoms and what causes genital cysts will tell you when to see a doctor.

• A lump protruding from the vaginal skin
• Vaginal itching due to dryness
• Pressure and discomfort in the vagina
• Bad odour
• Vaginal bleeding
• Burning and pain at the time of urination
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse

What is the Treatment for Vaginal Cysts?

After understanding what are genital cysts and what causes cysts in the female genital area, let us understand the treatment options for different types of vaginal cysts. For small cysts which do not cause any discomfort, no treatment is required. However, if the cyst lasts for a long period and is causing pain it may be a sign of an infection. Your doctor may advise one of the following treatments depending on the type of the cyst and the infection.

1. Antibiotic Medication

Antibiotics can be prescribed to prevent or cure the infection and shrink the size of the cyst. Antibiotics are effective treatments for small to moderate-sized cysts depending on what causes vulva cysts.

2. Sitz Bath

It is a good way to get relief from pain. It involves soaking your genital area in warm water several times a day for up to 5 days. It may cause the cyst to burst and drain on its own.

3. Marsupialisation

It is a common method used to treat recurring painful cysts. In this method, the cyst is opened and drained surgically and the edges of the cyst are stitched together to form an open pouch for continuous drainage.

4. Surgery

Surgery is performed to drain the content of a large cyst. This process is performed using local anaesthesia where an incision is made and a catheter is inserted into the cyst to drain the fluid.

Maintain a Good Hygiene!

Only knowing what causes a vulvar cyst cannot help you prevent it. You can only prevent an infection by maintaining good hygiene. If you suffer from recurring cysts, surgery is a permanent solution. A cyst removal surgery is covered under health insurance plans subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Care Health Insurance offers a range of health insurance plans that cover different daycare procedures and surgeries. Explore our multiple types of policies and their coverage to get the maximum benefits.

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.