Identifying Risk Factors for Bartholin’s Gland Cyst and Abscess Formation: A Retrospective Case Series

Abstract

Bartholin’s glands are paired vestibular glands essential to vulvovaginal lubrication. Bartholin’s gland cysts and abscesses (C&As) affect approximately 2% of females and are associated with significant pain, dyspareunia, and impaired quality of life. Recurrence rates approach 40%, yet risk factors and preventive strategies remain poorly defined. Although hormonal influences, sexual activity, and vaginal infections have been proposed as contributing  factors, supporting evidence is limited. This study aims to identify behaviors that may promote C&A occurrence and recurrence through descriptive analysis of survey data. 132 participants with a history of C&A recruited through an online forum completed a 45-item electronic survey assessing demographics, potential exposures, and clinical characteristics. Out of 132 participants, 77.3% reported abscesses, and 93.2%, cysts. Median onset was 19-30 years. 15.2% had not engaged in intercourse before onset of their first C&A. 12.9% reported menstrual cup or disc use; 21.2%, vaginal delivery; 77.3%, hormonal birth control use. 32.6% reported abnormal PAP results, with 44.2% ASCUS, 48.8% HPV and 14.0% cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. 24.2% reported positive STI tests. 50% reported vaginal infections; 69.7%, UTIs. 49.6% routinely bathe after intercourse. 12.1% reported vaginal douching at least once. Abscess episodes ranged from 1–10. Findings should be interpreted cautiously given potential biases and study-design limitations. Bartholin’s gland C&As remain underrepresented in literature despite high recurrence rates. Our findings underscore the multifactorial nature of disease development and highlight the need for wider-ranging studies to clearly define a risk profile and inform preventive strategies.