Ask An Expert: Sex and Bartholin Cyst
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Ask An Expert: Sex and Bartholin Cyst
Question:
Should a woman still be sexually active while she has a Bartholin cyst?
Answer:
Bartholin's glands are two microscopic structures located on both sides of the midline near the opening of the vagina. The glands secrete mucous, which helps to lubricate the vaginal walls. The secretions are discharged from the gland through a narrow duct that may become obstructed. If the duct is blocked, the secretions accumulate and form a Bartholin cyst just below the skin.
Intercourse is safe in the presence of a Bartholin cyst, but if the cyst is large enough, intercourse may be uncomfortable. Occasionally, a Bartholin cyst may get infected and become a Bartholin abscess. If a cyst is infected or uncomfortable, it should be drained by a minor surgical procedure.
Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
| Last updated: | January 24, 2007 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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