Possible Bartholin gland cyst and what to do about it?

[mvmlv]

Hello, I have a soft round lump at the entrance to my vagina on the right side that has been there since January (or at least that's when I first noticed it). It becomes more swollen and firm after sex and can be uncomfortable for a few hours to a day after sex, especially when sitting. Lately (the last month or two) I've noticed a prickly sort of discomfort there, off and on, even when I haven't had sex. I've also noticed the right side of my labia is itchy and sometimes a little tender. I'm not sure if this is related, but it's only my right side, which leads me to believe it might be. I have been having recurring BV infections for about a year and a half now, and I understand Bartholin gland cysts can come about due to frequent infection and becoming "blocked." My question is whether it sounds like I'm on the right track in identifying this, and what my options are for treatment. I live in a relatively remote island in Alaska and don't have many options for specialty care, but I can bring it up during my next pap smear visit in April. How are these things diagnosed and treated, and are there risks for not having it treated right away? I've read that they can be incredibly painful, and luckily mine is not debilitating, but rather disconcerting. Thank you. :)

[specialmom]

Hello.  So, do you have to wait until April to see the gynecologist?  I'd consider going sooner.  It's so not wise to diagnose yourself.  :>)  I'd get this checked out.   If it is a B cyst, then you can try a sitz bath on your own, take ibuprofen and hope it goes away.  :))  But the issue is if it gets infected and an abscess forms.  That is a problem and requires antibiotics and surgical draining (or however your doctor chooses to do it).  But your best bet is to get to the gyn to get checked out.  Good luck and come back and let us know what happens!