About this article
Medically reviewed- Written by
- Dr Paul Watson
- Medically reviewed by
- Dr Han Simpson
- Published
- August 19, 2026
- Medical review date
- September 8, 2026
- Evidence searched through
- September 8, 2026
- Next review due
- September 8, 2027
- Intended audience
- General Readers & Patients
- Geographic scope
- Worldwide
- Conflicts of interest
- None declared.
- Funding
- Website Owner
- Report a correction
- Report an error or editorial concern
- Medical disclaimer
- Read the medical disclaimer
What Does a Vaginal Cyst Look Like?
A vaginal cyst usually looks or feels like a smooth, rounded lump on the vaginal wall or near the vaginal opening. It may be skin-coloured, pink, white or yellowish. Some vaginal cysts are soft and painless, while an infected cyst may become red, swollen and extremely tender. See our vaginal cyst pictures below to help you identify whether you have these cysts, or not.
The location often provides the most useful clue:
- A lump on one lower side of the vaginal opening may be a Bartholin cyst.
- A small bump on the vaginal wall may be an inclusion cyst.
- A bulge higher along the side wall may be a Gartner duct cyst.
- A lump beside the urethral opening may be a Skene’s gland cyst.
- A superficial white or yellow bump on the labia may be an epidermal cyst.
Although people commonly search for vaginal cyst pictures, many visible lumps are actually on the vulva—the external genital area—rather than inside the vagina.
Medical warning: Pictures cannot confirm what a genital lump is. Arrange a medical examination for any new, painful, growing, bleeding or persistent lump.
Vaginal Cyst Pictures and Types at a Glance
| Type of cyst | Typical location | What it may look like | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bartholin cyst | One lower side of the vaginal opening | Smooth, one-sided swelling | Pressure, pain when sitting, walking or having sex |
| Vaginal inclusion cyst | On or beneath the vaginal wall | Small, smooth, flesh-coloured bump | Usually painless; occasionally pressure or discomfort |
| Gartner duct cyst | Upper side wall of the vagina | Smooth internal bulge | Often no symptoms; sometimes pressure or pain |
| Müllerian cyst | Anywhere along the vaginal wall | Rounded lump covered by normal tissue | Usually painless |
| Skene’s gland cyst | Beside the urethral opening | Small, smooth lump near the urine opening | Painful urination, pressure or recurrent urinary symptoms |
| Epidermal inclusion cyst | Vulva or labia | White, yellow or skin-coloured bump | Usually painless unless inflamed |
| Infected cyst or abscess | Varies | Red, tense and swollen lump | Severe pain, pus, fever or feeling unwell |
1. Bartholin Cyst Pictures
A Bartholin cyst forms when the duct of a Bartholin gland becomes blocked. These glands sit on either side of the vaginal entrance and produce lubricating fluid.
A Bartholin cyst typically appears as a round lump on one side of the vaginal opening. It may range from approximately pea-sized to golf-ball-sized. One side of the vulva may look noticeably larger than the other.
What does a Bartholin cyst look like?
A non-infected Bartholin cyst may be:
- Smooth and rounded
- Skin-coloured or slightly pink
- Soft, firm or fluctuant
- Painless or mildly uncomfortable
- Located on only one side
If infection develops, the cyst can turn into a Bartholin abscess. It may then become red, hot, tense and extremely painful. Pus or unpleasant-smelling fluid may drain from it.
According to the NHS, Bartholin cysts do not always need treatment, but any unexplained lump should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
2. Vaginal Inclusion Cyst Pictures
A vaginal inclusion cyst is a small sac that develops beneath the vaginal lining. It can form when surface tissue becomes trapped after:
- Childbirth
- An episiotomy
- A vaginal tear
- Pelvic surgery
- Trauma to the vaginal wall
An inclusion cyst often looks like a small, smooth bump covered by normal pink vaginal tissue. Some appear white or yellowish beneath the surface.
Most are painless. A larger cyst may cause pressure, discomfort during sex or difficulty inserting a tampon.
3. Gartner Duct Cyst Pictures
A Gartner duct cyst develops from tissue remaining after the reproductive and urinary organs formed before birth. It is usually found along the upper front or side wall of the vagina.
Because it is located inside the vaginal canal, a Gartner duct cyst may not be externally visible. During a pelvic examination, it may appear as a smooth bulge covered by otherwise normal vaginal tissue.
Possible symptoms include:
- Vaginal pressure or fullness
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- A noticeable internal lump
- Difficulty inserting a tampon
- Urinary symptoms if the cyst is large
Ultrasound or MRI may be recommended when the diagnosis or the cyst’s relationship to nearby organs is uncertain.
4. Müllerian Vaginal Cyst
Müllerian cysts develop from embryonic tissue and can occur anywhere along the vaginal wall. They usually resemble other vaginal-wall cysts and cannot reliably be identified by appearance alone.
A Müllerian cyst may appear as a:
- Rounded internal lump
- Smooth bulge covered by pink tissue
- Soft or firm mass
- Painless cyst discovered during a pelvic examination
A clinician may need to remove or biopsy an unusual cyst to determine its exact type.
5. Skene’s Gland Cyst Pictures
A Skene’s gland cyst forms beside the urethral opening, where urine leaves the body. These cysts are often small, but a larger one may affect urination.
Possible symptoms include:
- A smooth lump beside the urethra
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Difficulty starting urine flow
- Dribbling after urination
- Pain during sex
- Recurrent urinary symptoms
Some urethral diverticula look similar to Skene’s gland cysts. Ultrasound, MRI or cystoscopy may occasionally be needed to distinguish them.
6. Epidermal or “Sebaceous” Cyst on the Vulva
An epidermal inclusion cyst develops when skin cells and keratin become trapped beneath the vulvar skin. Although people sometimes call these sebaceous cysts on the vagina, they normally occur on the vulva or labia.
They may look like:
- A small white, cream or yellow bump
- A round, firm lump beneath the skin
- A skin-coloured bump with a tiny central opening
- A movable, usually painless nodule
If an epidermal cyst becomes inflamed or infected, it may become red, swollen and painful. A ruptured cyst can release thick material with an unpleasant smell.
What Does an Infected Vaginal Cyst Look Like?
An infected cyst or abscess may be:
- Red or darker than the surrounding skin
- Rapidly enlarging
- Hot and tender
- Tense or visibly swollen
- Filled with pus
- Painful when walking, sitting or having sex
Other signs of infection include fever, chills, foul-smelling drainage and feeling generally unwell.
A rapidly worsening, painful vulvar swelling should be assessed promptly. Large abscesses sometimes require medical drainage rather than antibiotics alone.
Vaginal Cyst or Boil?
A vaginal cyst and a vulvar boil can look similar, but they develop for different reasons.
| Feature | Vaginal or vulvar cyst | Vulvar boil |
| Cause | Blocked duct, gland or trapped tissue | Infected hair follicle |
| Appearance | Smooth lump beneath the tissue | Inflamed, pimple-like bump |
| Pain | Often painless initially | Usually painful and tender |
| Location | Vaginal wall or around the vaginal entrance | Hair-bearing vulvar or pubic skin |
| Surface | Usually smooth | May form a white or yellow pus-filled head |
| Number | Often one lump | One or several bumps may occur |
A boil cannot develop deep inside the vaginal canal because the vagina does not contain hair follicles.
Vaginal Cyst or Genital Wart?
A cyst is usually a smooth, rounded lump beneath the tissue. Genital warts are surface growths associated with certain types of human papillomavirus.
Genital warts may be:
- Flat or raised
- Rough or irregular
- Flesh-coloured, pink, grey or brown
- Present individually or in clusters
- Shaped like small projections or cauliflower
Cysts are more commonly solitary and have a smooth surface. However, neither condition should be diagnosed from an online image.
Vaginal Cyst or Herpes?
Genital herpes more commonly causes blisters and sores than a persistent lump beneath the skin.
Possible herpes symptoms include:
- Groups of small blisters
- Painful open sores
- Tingling, burning or itching
- Pain when urinating
- Flu-like symptoms during an initial outbreak
Testing is recommended if you have new genital blisters or sores or may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection.
Other Causes of a Lump Near the Vaginal Opening
Conditions that can resemble a vaginal or vulvar cyst include:
- Ingrown hair
- Folliculitis
- Vulvar boil
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Genital wart
- Genital herpes
- Skin tag
- Lipoma
- Vaginal polyp
- Urethral diverticulum
- Pelvic-organ prolapse
- Endometriosis
- Benign tumour
- Vulvar or vaginal cancer
A photograph cannot reliably distinguish all of these conditions.
What Causes Vaginal Cysts?
Vaginal and vulvar cysts may develop because of:
A blocked gland or duct
Fluid accumulates when the duct of a Bartholin or Skene’s gland becomes blocked.
Childbirth, surgery or injury
Vaginal surface tissue can become trapped beneath the lining following childbirth, an episiotomy, surgery or trauma.
Embryonic tissue
Gartner duct and Müllerian cysts form from tissue left behind during foetal development.
Blocked skin structures
Skin cells and keratin can accumulate beneath vulvar skin, forming an epidermal inclusion cyst.
Vaginal cysts are not usually caused by poor hygiene, and most are not sexually transmitted.
Symptoms of a Vaginal Cyst
Many cysts produce no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- A lump on the vaginal wall or labia
- Vaginal pressure or fullness
- One-sided vulvar swelling
- Pain while walking or sitting
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Difficulty inserting a tampon
- Urinary discomfort
- Redness or warmth
- Pus or foul-smelling drainage
- Fever if infection is present
Can a Vaginal Cyst Be Cancer?
Most vaginal and vulvar cysts are benign. However, a photograph cannot exclude cancer or another serious condition.
Arrange a medical examination if a lump is:
- Hard, fixed or irregular
- Growing or repeatedly returning
- Bleeding, crusted or ulcerated
- Associated with persistent itching
- Accompanied by abnormal discharge
- Present after menopause
- Not healing
- Associated with enlarged groin lymph nodes
A new Bartholin-area lump in someone over 40 or after menopause requires particular attention. A clinician may recommend a biopsy to exclude a rare Bartholin gland cancer.
How Is a Vaginal Cyst Diagnosed?
A clinician will usually begin by examining the lump and confirming its precise location. They may assess:
- Size and shape
- Surface colour and texture
- Whether it is soft, firm, movable or fixed
- Whether it is painful or inflamed
- Its relationship to the urethra
- Any bleeding or abnormal discharge
Additional investigations may include:
- Ultrasound
- MRI
- Urine testing
- STI testing
- Testing of pus or discharge
- Cystoscopy
- Biopsy
Vaginal Cyst Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of cyst, its size and whether it is causing symptoms.
Monitoring
A small, painless cyst with a typical benign appearance may not need immediate treatment.
Warm baths
Warm-water or sitz baths may relieve mild discomfort and encourage some Bartholin cysts to drain naturally.
Pain relief
Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help when medically appropriate. Follow the instructions and check with a pharmacist or clinician if you are pregnant or have a medical condition affecting which painkillers you can take.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be prescribed when bacterial infection or cellulitis is present. A large abscess may still require drainage.
Word catheter
A clinician can drain a Bartholin cyst or abscess and insert a small catheter to keep the opening draining while it heals.
Marsupialisation
A recurrent Bartholin cyst may be treated by creating a permanent drainage opening.
Surgical removal
A symptomatic vaginal-wall cyst or uncertain mass may be removed and examined in a laboratory.
Can You Pop a Vaginal Cyst?
You should not squeeze, cut, puncture or attempt to pop a vaginal cyst yourself.
Home drainage can cause:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Damage to nearby structures
- Increased pain
- Recurrence
- Delayed diagnosis of another condition
If a cyst drains by itself, gently clean the area, use a clean pad and seek advice if pain, swelling, fever or discharge continues.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Arrange a medical appointment for any new or unexplained genital lump, especially if it persists.
Seek prompt medical attention if:
- The lump is rapidly growing
- Pain is severe or worsening
- The area is hot, red or very swollen
- Pus or foul-smelling fluid is draining
- You have a fever or feel unwell
- You cannot sit or walk comfortably
- You have difficulty urinating
- The lump keeps returning
- There is unexplained vaginal bleeding
- You are over 40 or postmenopausal and have developed a Bartholin-area lump
Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine, feel seriously ill or have rapidly spreading redness and swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a vaginal cyst look like?
A vaginal cyst commonly looks like a smooth, round bump beneath the vaginal lining or near the vaginal entrance. It may be pink, white, yellow or skin-coloured. An infected cyst may appear red, swollen and filled with pus.
Where do vaginal cysts usually appear?
True vaginal cysts appear on the walls of the vaginal canal. Bartholin cysts form near the lower vaginal entrance, Skene’s gland cysts develop beside the urethra, and epidermal cysts usually occur on the vulva or labia.
What does a vaginal cyst feel like?
It may feel like a smooth, rounded lump beneath the tissue. Depending on its type, it can be soft, firm, movable or fixed. Infection makes a cyst more likely to feel hot and painful.
Is a vaginal cyst hard or soft?
It can be either. Some fluid-filled cysts feel soft, while deeper inclusion or epidermal cysts may feel firm. A hard, fixed, irregular or growing lump should be examined.
Can a vaginal cyst go away naturally?
Some small cysts resolve or remain harmless without treatment. Others persist and require treatment if they become painful, infected, large or recurrent.
How long does a vaginal cyst last?
A small cyst may settle within days or weeks, but some vaginal-wall cysts remain for months or years. A persistent or changing lump should be assessed.
Are vaginal cysts sexually transmitted?
Most vaginal cysts are not STIs. However, genital warts, herpes and other infections can resemble cysts, so testing may be needed when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Can shaving cause vaginal cysts?
Shaving is more likely to cause an ingrown hair, folliculitis or boil on the vulva. It does not normally cause a true cyst inside the vagina.
Can a vaginal cyst cause pain during sex?
Yes. A large, inflamed or infected cyst can cause pain or pressure during penetration. Persistent pain during sex should be medically assessed.
When should I worry about a vaginal lump?
Seek medical advice if the lump is painful, growing, hard, bleeding, recurrent or associated with fever or abnormal discharge. A new Bartholin-area lump after age 40 or menopause should always be evaluated.
Doctor’s Summary
Most vaginal and vulvar cysts are benign. Their location provides an important diagnostic clue:
- Lower side of the vaginal opening: Bartholin cyst
- Beside the urethra: Skene’s gland cyst
- Within the vaginal wall: inclusion, Gartner duct or Müllerian cyst
- On the labial skin: epidermal cyst, boil or ingrown hair
Even clear vaginal cyst pictures cannot replace a physical examination. Have any new, painful, persistent, growing or bleeding genital lump checked by a healthcare professional.