Are Bartholin's gland cysts caused by an infection?
Most of the time, Bartholin's gland cysts are not infected. In some cases, however, they can be caused by an infection, or they may become infected. Your doctor may want to check the fluid in the cyst. Most infected cysts, called abscesses (say "ab-sess-es"), contain the normal bacteria (also called germs) that are found on your skin. Some infected cysts, however, are caused by bacteria that are transmitted sexually.
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 08/10
Created: 09/00