Vulvar Cysts

The vulva is the area outside the opening of the vagina. This area has special skin with hair and many glands. These glands make a mucous fluid that can collect inside the glands. If the gland openings become clogged for any reason, a pocket, or vulvar cyst, will form. It may, or may not, become infected.

Women with a high risk of developing vulvar cysts have had:

• a previous surgery to the area, such as the incision made to help deliver a baby, known as an episiotomy or

• a previous vulvar cyst

Symptoms include pain, redness and swelling of the area. Applying warm soaks and wearing loose clothes, will usually relieve the problem. If the symptoms get worse or do not improve, you will need to get medical care.

Treatment often involves numbing the area and opening the affected gland by making a small cut. Stitches are used to keep it open and draining. Antibiotic drugs for infection are rarely needed. Soaking the area until it fully heals itself will help.

Vulvar cysts will sometimes recur in the same area even after treatment. If this happens often, or if there is a question of a growth at the gland opening, the gland may need to be removed.

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