Bartholin cyst

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Experts believe that the cause of a Bartholin cyst is a backup of fluid. Fluid may accumulate when the opening of the gland (duct) becomes obstructed, perhaps by the growth of a flap of skin.

A cyst can become infected, forming an abscess. A number of bacteria may cause the infection, including common bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), as well as bacteria that cause sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.

DS00667

Jan. 19, 2008

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