Q:

I have had 3 bartholin cysts over the last three months. The first one was infected, so I was prescribed antibiotics which healed it. I have been able to manage the last two on my own, but they are still painful and annoying. I have been getting them right before or at the end of my period. If I started taking birth control, is there a possibility that their occurrence could be lessened?

I have been using sitz baths, salt water baths, A&D creme, and an antibiotic ointment when they are needed. I do not have health insurance, and would like to avoid lancing and catheters.

 

A:

It sounds as if you may need to have a definitive surgical procedure to prevent them from reforming --there is no good way to prevent them (the birth control pills are not a factor) once they have plugged up and keep getting reinfected.  Come in to talk with one of our women's health practitioners to discuss your options.

~The Doc