Bartholin's cyst, or vulvar cyst, is a common gynecological issue affecting women of all ages,

including older adults like a 62-year-old female patient. These cysts develop when the ducts
of the Bartholin's glands, situated near the vaginal opening, become obstructed, leading to
fluid accumulation. Factors like menopause-related hormonal changes, infections, trauma, or
inflammation can increase the risk. While typically painless, an infected cyst can cause
discomfort, pain during intercourse, and difficulty sitting or walking.
In the Philippines, as in other parts of the world, Bartholin's cysts have been studied in the
context of gynecological health and have likely been managed using traditional remedies and
modern medical interventions. However, it is important to note that cultural and societal
factors may influence the perception and management of gynecological conditions like
Bartholin's cysts in the Philippines. Management may involve conservative measures such as
warm sitz baths and antibiotics, or more invasive options like drainage or surgical removal,
with considerations for the patient's overall health. Given the potential impact on quality of
life and sexual health, prompt evaluation and management are crucial. This introduction will
explore clinical presentation, diagnostic considerations, and tailored management strategies
for a 62-year-old female patient with Bartholin's cyst.
Bartholin's cysts, or vulvar cysts, can occur at any age in women. However, they are most
seen in women of reproductive age, typically between the ages of 20 and 30. This is because
hormonal changes during this time, as well as sexual activity, can increase the risk of gland
blockage and cyst formation. That said, Bartholin's cysts can still occur in women of any age,
including adolescents and older adults.

The prevalence of vulvar cyst is quite rare with accounting of 0.55 per 1,000 years of life
(Yuk, et al., 2013). Moreover, approximately 2 percent of patients seeking gynecological
care worldwide have Bartholin's cysts (Medical News Today., 2020). Reoccurrence of rate of
vulvar cyst was reported 12% (Lee, & Wittler, 2023).
A benign obstruction of the Bartholin gland, a Bartholin gland cyst is often unilateral,
asymptomatic, and may be discovered by accident during imaging tests or a pelvic exam.
Bartholin gland blockage can happen during episiotomy, childbirth, or damage to the region;
but can also happen for unknown reasons. Women who are fertile may develop a cyst from
their bartholin glands. Typically, 2-4 cm in diameter, the cyst can produce vague pelvic pain,
dyspareunia, and urine irritation. Staphylococcus, streptococcus, and E. coli are typically
present in the nonpurulent fluid that fills the cyst (Lee, & Wittler, 2023)..
References
Yuk, J. S., Kim, Y. J., Hur, J. Y., & Shin, J. H. (2013). Incidence of Bartholin duct cysts and
abscesses in the Republic of Korea. International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the
official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 122(1), 62–64.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.02.014
Medical News Today. (2020). What is a Bartholin's cyst? Retrieve from
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325851
Lee, W. A., & Wittler, M. (2023). Bartholin Gland Cyst. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.