Usually mild
- A soft, painless lump on one side of the vaginal opening
- Discomfort when walking, sitting or during sex
- Swelling that comes and goes
A tender lump? Let's take a look.
Bartholin Cyst Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul, with a female doctor who explains
Bartholin cyst treatment relieves a swelling of the Bartholin gland, a pea-sized gland on either side of the vaginal opening that can block and fill with fluid or become infected (an abscess). At Sinsoe Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, a female OB-GYN can examine the lump and test for infections, including a 12-pathogen STD PCR panel. Whether drainage or surgery is available for you is confirmed case by case. An English-speaking coordinator helps you get seen quickly.
Availability: Sinsoe confirms pelvic exams, swab tests and a 12-pathogen STD PCR panel, which help find the cause of a swelling near the vaginal opening. Ask the coordinator whether Bartholin cyst drainage or surgery is available for you.
- Availability confirmed case by case
- Exam by a female OB-GYN
- 12-pathogen STD PCR panel
- Results in 1–2 days
- Self-pay for visitors
- ₩100,000 STD 12-pathogen PCR (fee schedule, June 2026)
- 1–2 days for swab test results
- 5 female doctors on one team
- EN English coordinator from booking to results
The basics
What is a Bartholin cyst?
The two Bartholin glands sit just inside the lips of the vaginal opening, at about 4 and 8 o'clock, and make fluid that keeps the area moist. When the small duct of a gland gets blocked, fluid builds up and forms a cyst.
A small cyst may be painless and go away by itself. If it gets infected, it can turn into an abscess: a hot, red, very painful swelling that makes sitting and walking hard.
Treatment depends on whether it is a cyst or an abscess, how big it is and whether it keeps coming back. Women over 40 with a new lump should always have it examined.
General overview How Bartholin cysts are usually treated
- Warm sitz baths several times a day for small cysts
- Pain relief and, for infection, antibiotics
- Drainage of an abscess through a small cut
- A small catheter left in for a few weeks so the duct stays open
- Marsupialization surgery for cysts that keep coming back
What it is not
- Not usually a sexually transmitted infection, although STDs can cause an abscess. See STD testing
- Not a genital wart or herpes sore. See genital wart removal
Signs
Bartholin cyst symptoms and when to see a doctor
A small, painless lump can often wait a few days. A painful, growing one needs a doctor.
See a doctor soon
- A hot, red, very tender swelling
- Pain that makes walking or sitting hard
- Fever or feeling unwell
- A lump that grows quickly over 2 to 4 days
Get seen the same day if you have:
- Fever with a painful swelling
- Redness spreading into the skin around it
- Severe pain you cannot manage at home
Message us on WhatsApp straight away. If it is an emergency or the clinic is closed, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Treatment options
Bartholin cyst treatment options
These are the standard approaches. Your doctor recommends one after an exam.
Home care and medicine
Warm sitz baths 3 to 4 times a day for a few days can help a small cyst drain. Antibiotics are added if there is infection.
Small cystsDrainage with a catheter
Under local anesthesia, a small cut drains the fluid and a tiny balloon catheter is placed for a few weeks so a new opening forms.
AbscessesMarsupialization
A minor surgery that stitches the cyst open to make a permanent small opening. It lowers the chance of the cyst coming back.
Recurring cysts Step by step
Getting a Bartholin cyst checked in Gangnam
Tell us how painful it is when you message, so we can find the soonest time.
- 1 Message us in English On WhatsApp. Tell us how long you have had the lump, how painful it is and whether you have fever.
- 2 Check in on 2F Bring your passport or Alien Registration Card. Reception and the OB-GYN clinic are on the 2nd floor.
- 3 Gentle exam A female OB-GYN looks at and gently feels the swelling to tell a cyst from an abscess or other lump.
- 4 Tests if needed A swab or STD PCR panel checks for infection. Results usually in 1 to 2 days.
- 5 Your plan Home care, medicine or a procedure is explained, including whether it can be done at Sinsoe.
Self-care that helps
- Sit in a few centimeters of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
- Take a simple painkiller such as ibuprofen if it suits you.
- Wear loose cotton underwear.
- Do not squeeze or try to pop the lump.
What to expect
Some fluid or blood may drain for a few days. Sitz baths keep the area clean and help healing.
Avoid sex until the catheter is out and the area has healed, usually a few weeks. Your doctor checks it at follow-up.
Honest picture
Recovery, recurrence and risks
Bartholin cysts are common and treatable, but they can come back.
Home care
Small cysts
Many settle within days. If the lump grows or hurts more, see a doctor.
Drainage
Fast relief
Pain usually eases quickly. Without a catheter, a cyst is more likely to come back.
Marsupialization
For repeated cysts
Lower recurrence. Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring and temporary pain during sex.
Over 40
Extra caution
A new lump in women over 40 may need a biopsy to rule out rare problems of the gland.
Expats & visitors
Getting a Bartholin cyst checked in Korea as a foreigner
A painful swelling can't wait until you get home. Here is how we help.
Seen by a female doctor
Bring your Alien Registration Card. Follow-up checks are at the same clinic.
Quick help during your trip
Bring your passport. Message us your symptoms and dates, and we try to see you as soon as possible.
English documents
Ask for an English receipt or medical certificate for your travel insurer.
Quick answers
Bartholin cysts in Seoul: common questions
Where can I get a Bartholin cyst checked in Gangnam with an English-speaking doctor?
Sinsoe Women's Clinic at 537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul has female OB-GYNs and an English-speaking coordinator. It is a 4-minute walk from Eonju Station Exit 7 (Line 9). Book on WhatsApp at +82-10-9517-5719.
Does Sinsoe offer Bartholin cyst treatment?
Sinsoe confirms exams, swab tests and STD testing, but Bartholin cyst drainage or surgery is not listed as a separate service. Message the coordinator and a doctor will tell you whether treatment is available for you or where to go.
Will a Bartholin cyst go away on its own?
Small cysts often do, especially with warm sitz baths. An abscess usually needs drainage.
Is a Bartholin cyst an STD?
Usually not. It is a blocked gland. Sometimes bacteria, including gonorrhea or chlamydia, cause an abscess, so testing may be advised.
Can I pop a Bartholin cyst myself?
No. Squeezing can spread infection and make it worse. See a doctor if it is painful or growing.
How much does Bartholin cyst treatment cost in Seoul?
It depends on what is needed. The STD 12-pathogen PCR panel is ₩100,000 from the clinic's published fee schedule (June 2026); confirm before your visit. Ask the coordinator about other costs.
Can Bartholin cysts come back?
Yes, some do. Catheter drainage or marsupialization lowers the chance of a cyst coming back.
Ready when you are
Ask about Bartholin cyst treatment
Tell us about the lump in English. A coordinator replies with the soonest time to see a female OB-GYN.
Sinsoe Women's Clinic
537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06126, South KoreaEonju Station Exit 7 (4 min) · Yeoksam Station Exit 6 (5 min)
| Mon & Fri | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue, Wed, Thu | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |