Bartholins gland/cyst removal?

Hello everyone. I'm writing this as post op, I was completely addicted to the site, looking every few hours hoping to find someone who shared my experience, to reassure myself that I'd done the right thing and my recovery (which was harder than I'd anticipated) was normal. Just wanted to say that I had my op on 21/3/16 and it's just great not to be walking around with a massive testicle!! I was fortunate never to have any pain when it was swollen as it wasn't infected but it's still a relief not to be in that cycle that had been going on with me for a few years. It was tough but I'm so glad I had the gland removed. Sex is back to normal and I don't have an issue with dryness apart from the first couple of times after 5 weeks, even though I bought loads of lubes in fearful anticipation of it. My stitches are inside, which after reading some posts on here had me worried but all has been fine. It all felt a bit tight the first few times and a bit uncomfortable. We just took it carefully until we were more relaxed about it. I am now nine weeks post surgery and I stopped sitting on my episiotomy cushion a couple of weeks ago- don't know how I would have managed without it. I am 50 and knocking on the door of menopause so I'm wondering if the dryness will eventually affect me like the other girls have mentioned but the gland wasn't working anyway so I haven't noticed any difference.
When I'd first had it done, they stitched inside, pierced the labia for drainage and I had another little hole too. I don't even think about it now which shows that all is fine. After surgery, I felt depressed and wondered if it was all normal and when it would ever get better. It took about 6 weeks to start forgetting about it so you just have to be patient. Thanks to everyone who took the time to post on here, it was comforting in an isolated journey. It seems some girls recover more quickly , that might be dependent on age and previous health. Good luck to you all x

I've read through all of these posts and I'm astonished that several women had a surgery and did not know what operation had been done. Or the doctors (or the office) would not return calls to answer questions and concerns post open. That is insane and an outrage! If that happened to me, I'd be reporting that behavior to the state medical board- absolutely unprofessional.
I'm only so surprised because this is not a surgery that should be done in haste. If you have only just learned about what a bartholin cyst is and the next move is "emergency surgery" then patient beware. Get to know your doctor, ask questions, read and research!
I have had a reoccurring bartholin cyst once a year (sometimes twice a year) for 10 years that would develop into the size of golf ball or slightly larger, and needed draining. I've only just 6 days ago finally opted to have the surgery to remove the entire cyst and gland because I'm finally financially able to swing it. While surgery was recommended in the past, it was ME who made that choice to have surgery when I was ready. Never let anyone slice and dice unless you feel comfortable with it and you feel adequately informed! Even if you know it will come back after a lancing procedure, take your time- your wooha will survive another day!
I can say that despite the pain of the surgery to remove the gland and cyst, I know it's worth the years in the future of not having to deal with it any more. I have absolutely no regrets- a little numbness in my future is so worth not having to get sliced open every 6-8 months for a draining! But again, it was MY choice.
Be strong ladies! Knowledge is power! Know yourself (know your doctor!) And make healthy, informed choices!

After your surgery how much drainage did you have? I'm going to call my Dr this week if it doesn't stop or at least get lighter... I'm 6 days post surgery and I change my pad about every 2 hours.
I'm glad to read you are feeling better! I can't wait till I'm out of this phase :(

I had my Bartholins gland removal 3 years ago, at this moment I don't feel anything, I can say that my Ob Doctor is really good because everything is normal now. but my question is.. in removing the Batholins will affect the tightness of vagina?? doest it becomes loosen or not? please help me for the answer

I had my Bartholins gland removal 3 years ago, at this moment I don't feel anything, I can say that my Ob Doctor is really good because everything is normal now. but my question is.. in removing the Batholins will affect the tightness of vagina?? doest it becomes loosen or not? please help me for the answer

How long did you have the bloody drainage?

I had a swollen bartholin gland cyst completely removed 2 weeks ago. The pain is mich better but it still hurts every now and again. I was told to not do much for another 3 weeks. So my question is, I just started my cycle 3 days ago, and I was wondering if I should still wear pads or can a tampon be used at some point? I'm new to all this this. I've never had a gland issue that bad before. Also, when can I have sex again? I'm sure that part isn't going to be easy lol.

Hi I know it's been a while....and I can completely imagine you leading a pain free life post the gland removal...are you from India? If so plz let me know the details of your surgeon...thanks

hi; but do you still get moist during sex? thanks for your answer- i've been scared to have the surgery because i dont want my sex drive to leave......HELP

what state are you in? Can you provide the name of your doctor? I need to have this done thank you.

Why would it? The gland is in the labia and not the vaginal canal.

I live in florida. Any doctir whi can do a c- section is cspabke of removibg a Bartholin gland.

sorry about the typos...small keypad/fat fingers lol. Most Ob/GYNs can do this procedure.

It has no impact on sex drive. You will likely be MORE interested after having it removed from the equation. It's possible you may need more lubrication, but you can buy lubricating jelly at the store and it's simple to apply.

BTW I hardly ever even think about this any more, except to be grateful that it is gone. The Area is just slightly numb, but otherwise perfectly fine. I would have the surgery again in a heartbeat.