Cysts are sac-like lumps filled with air, fluid, or other substances. In most cases, cysts are neither harmful nor painful. Cysts range in size from too small to see to the size of an orange. These lumps can appear anywhere on the body, including the vagina.Vaginal cysts may be caused by injury to the vagina through childbirth, by benign tumors in the vagina, or by a buildup of fluid.
Vaginal cysts occur in a variety of different forms. These include the following:
- Bartholin's gland cysts: These are fluid-filled cysts that form on the Bartholin's glands, which sit on either side of the vaginal opening. The glands produce fluid that lubricates the outer lips of the vagina.
- Inclusion cysts: Typically, these form on the lower back of the vaginal wall. They tend to be very small and unlikely to be noticed. They are also one of the most common forms of cysts that can develop on the vagina. They may be caused by injury during childbirth or surgery.
- Müllerian cysts: These are another common type of cyst that form as a result of material left behind when a baby develops. They grow anywhere on the vaginal walls and often contain mucus.
- Gartner's duct cysts: These can occur when ducts in a developing embryo do not disappear as they should after a baby is born. The leftover ducts can develop into vaginal cysts over time.
For example, injury to the vaginal walls causes inclusion cysts.
The most likely risk factors for inclusion cysts are a rip or tear during childbirth, surgery that damages the lining of the vagina, or an episiotomy (small cut between the vagina and anus) made prior to childbirth to widen the opening of the vagina.
Bartholin's gland cysts occur when the opening to the Bartholin's gland becomes blocked by the flap of skin that covers it, causing a fluid-filled growth.