Definition and Pronunciation
Bartholin’s cyst (pronounced /ˈbɑːrθə.lɪnz sɪst/) is a fluid-filled swelling that develops when a Bartholin’s gland (also called vulvovaginal gland) becomes blocked. These glands, located near the vaginal opening, normally secrete mucus for lubrication.
Easy Explanation
A Bartholin’s cyst happens when one of the small glands near the vagina gets blocked, and fluid builds up. It can feel like a lump near the vaginal entrance.
Grammatical Formation
- Part of speech: Noun phrase
- Singular: Bartholin’s cyst
- Plural: Bartholin’s cysts
- From Bartholin’s (named after Caspar Bartholin, the anatomist) + cyst (Greek kystis, meaning “bladder, sac”).
Word Comparisons
- Bartholin’s cyst vs. Bartholin’s abscess: A cyst is fluid-filled and not infected; an abscess is when the cyst becomes infected, swollen, and painful.
- Bartholin’s cyst vs. Ovarian cyst: Bartholin’s cyst forms near the vaginal opening; ovarian cyst forms inside or on the ovary.
- Bartholin’s cyst vs. Skene’s gland cyst: Different glands and locations (near vagina vs. near urethra).
Connotations
Strictly medical, but tied to sexual health since it affects lubrication, comfort, and intercourse.
Prepositional Usage
- Treatment for a Bartholin’s cyst: clinical phrase.
- Pain from a Bartholin’s cyst: describing symptoms.
- Drainage of the Bartholin’s cyst: surgical phrase.
Real-Life Examples
- Many Bartholin’s cysts are small and painless, but large ones may cause discomfort.
- A doctor may drain a Bartholin’s cyst if it interferes with walking or sex.
- Recurrent Bartholin’s cysts sometimes require surgical removal of the gland.
Synonyms
vulvovaginal cyst, vestibular gland cyst
Antonyms
healthy Bartholin’s gland, non-blocked gland
Related Terms
Bartholin’s glands, vulvovaginal glands, Skene’s glands, abscess, lubrication
Common Collocations
Bartholin’s cyst drainage, Bartholin’s cyst infection, Bartholin’s cyst pain, recurrent Bartholin’s cyst, Bartholin’s cyst surgery
Idiomatic/Figurative Usage
None; the term is purely clinical.
Sample Sentences
- A Bartholin’s cyst is caused by a blocked Bartholin’s gland duct.
- She felt a lump near the vaginal opening, which turned out to be a Bartholin’s cyst.
- Large Bartholin’s cysts may make sexual intercourse uncomfortable.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, Bartholin’s cysts are connected to sexuality because they can interfere with lubrication, comfort, and penetration. While harmless in many cases, they can cause pain during sex (dyspareunia) or reduce arousal due to discomfort. Infections (abscesses) may require medical treatment. In sexual health, they highlight how small changes in genital glands can significantly affect sexual wellbeing and intimacy.
Sexopedia.co is an educational glossary of sexual and gender-related terms—helping you improve your English while deepening your understanding of identity, language, and self-expression.