What Are Bartholin's Gland Cysts and How Do They Develop?

Bartholin's glands are pea-size glands located on each side of the vaginal opening. They help produce the fluid that maintains moisture in the vagina. When the ducts become blocked, swelling or a cyst can develop. These cysts are rarely cancerous.

What Causes a Bartholin's Cyst to Form or Become Infected?

Doctors are not sure why some women develop Bartholin's cysts. In some cases, the tubes may become blocked due to a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. A visit to a physician is needed to determine whether a Bartholin's gland cyst is present, and a sample of vaginal discharge may be collected and sent to a lab for testing.

How Effective Is CO2 Laser Treatment for Bartholin's Cysts?

A 2016 study of 31 women treated with CO2 lasers in an outpatient setting found that after the skin was incised, a laser beam opened, drained, and vaporized the abscesses. None of the women developed complications, and only five had a recurrence. Patients reported little intraoperative pain and a high level of satisfaction.

What to Expect During and After Bartholin's Cyst CO2 Laser Treatment?

The procedure can be completed in about seven minutes. It begins with topical antisepsis and local anesthesia. Using the CO2 laser, incisions are made to help drain the abscess. The interior is then cleaned with a sterile saline solution. After treatment, patients should soak in a sitz bath several times a day for three or four days using a few inches of warm water and a solution of povidone-iodine. Patients should abstain from sexual activity for two to three weeks after treatment.

Bartholin’s Cyst CO2 Laser Ablation Treatment

Hard-to-find Bartholin’s Cyst Laser Treatment Available in Orange County

Dr. David Ghozland is one of only a few physicians in the world performing laser Bartholin’s Cyst treatment.

After seeing many women in his private practice who were frustrated following painful drainage procedures and marsupialization, Dr. Ghozland began looking for an option that treated more than just the immediate cyst. He adopted a fractional CO2 laser approach that treats the affected duct while preserving the healthy Bartholin’s gland.

Through this approach, the Intimate Health Center has achieved an 85% non-recurrence rate with minimal downtime, as documented in a peer-reviewed study of 81 patients published in Acta Scientifica Women’s Health (2021).

We’ve since treated more than 600 patients using laser technology. Women travel from across the U.S. and internationally to our center specifically for this procedure.

This treatment may be an option if your cyst has returned after drainage, antibiotics, a Word catheter, or marsupialization, or if you want to preserve your gland and avoid a more invasive procedure.

Book a Complimentary Consultation with Dr. Ghozland Today

Why Do Bartholin’s Cysts Recur After Standard Treatment?

Bartholin’s cysts often recur because the gland itself isn’t properly treated. Standard treatments can relieve the pain by creating an opening for the fluid to drain, but they fail to address the affected gland, which leaves the root of the problem unresolved. The gland can become blocked again, which causes fluid to build back up.

Many women come to our office after standard treatments such as drainage and marsupialization helped create a temporary sense of relief and hope—only to end up right back where they started when the cyst returns.

How CO2 Laser Treatment Lowers Recurrence Risk

Rather than simply creating a drainage channel, Dr. Ghozland also treats the affected duct. Using advanced CS fractional CO2 technology, he opens and drains the cyst while preserving the healthy gland, then precisely treats the duct to reduce the likelihood that it will become blocked again.

Bartholin’s Cyst Treatment Comparison
	Drainage	Marsupialization	CO2 Laser
How It Works	A small incision is made to drain fluid from the cyst, relieving pressure and discomfort.	The cyst is opened and stitched to create a small, permanent opening to help fluid drain easier in the future.	Targeted laser energy treats the gland tissue itself, helping restore normal function and reduce the chance of future blockages.
Key Differences	Quick, widely used, but typically a temporary fix focused only on symptom relief.	More involved than drainage. Aims to reduce recurrence but doesn’t eliminate the root cause.	Focuses on treating the source of the problem rather than just draining the cyst, offering a more long-term solution.
Limitations	Does not address why the gland became blocked. Cysts often return. May require repeat procedures.	Doesn’t fully treat the underlying gland dysfunction. Recurrence is possible. Healing can take time and involve discomfort.	Newer approach; may not be widely available everywhere. Requires a specialist with specific expertise.
Recurrence Rates*	50%	30–40%	10–15%

*Recurrence rates reflect published clinical outcomes. Dr. Ghozland’s own results come from a study of 81 patients published in Acta Scientifica Women’s Health in 2021.

The Treatment Process: What to Expect

Treating your Bartholin’s Cyst at the Intimate Health Center in Los Angeles occurs in three steps.

Step 1: Consultation – Free Private Conversation with Dr. Ghozland

The first step is a free consultation with Dr. David Ghozland, who personally reviews your history. This consultation can be in person or virtual. The two of you will discuss:

How long you’ve had your Bartholin’s Cyst
Its current size
What treatments you’ve already tried
Any recurrences you’ve had

The goal is to fully understand your specific situation before any treatment recommendation is made.

Step 2: The Procedure – 30 Minutes, Home the Same Day

The laser procedure happens at the Intimate Health Center under a gently applied local anesthesia. Dr. David Ghozland takes extra time with you to make sure the numbing process is calm and comfortable. The total procedure takes about 30 minutes. Most of our patients go home the same day.

Step 3: Recovery – The Elite Recovery Protocol™

As part of our Elite Recovery Protocol™, you’ll receive daily check-ins, a dedicated surgeon dashboard to monitor healing progress, and direct team access throughout your full recovery period.

Many patients return to light daily activities within a few days. Complete healing may take several weeks depending on the size of your cyst, previous procedures, and your individual treatment plan.

Your recovery is planned in advance by you and our team, including options for strategic tissue healing, regenerative therapies, and a dedicated support structure built around your specific situation.

Treatment Logistics

Traveling From Out of State or Internationally

Because only a few physicians in the world offer this Bartholin’s Cyst laser procedure, patients fly in from across the country and abroad to get treated at the Intimate Health Center in Orange County. Our team is experienced in coordinating care for out-of-area patients from first contact through full recovery.

For those who want to make more out of their trip to our office in beautiful Southern California, our team will be happy to talk with you and make recommendations.

Cost and Insurance

This is normally an out-of-pocket procedure, though it’s frequently eligible for payment through FSA or HSA funds. We offer payment financing through Care Credit and Cherry. During your free consultation, we’ll walk you through a detailed plan and quote, including all of your payment options.

Is a Bartholin’s Cyst Laser Treatment Right for You?

A free conversation with Dr. Ghozland is the best way to find out. In general, you may be a strong candidate for this innovative laser procedure if:

You’ve had a Bartholin’s cyst at least once
Your Bartholin’s cyst is at least the size of a grape
A previous drainage, Word catheter, or marsupialization didn’t keep your cyst from coming back
You want the cyst treated without losing the gland itself
You’re trying to avoid a more invasive next step
You’ve been told, “This is just something that happens,” and you’re done accepting that as an answer

If anything on this list sounds familiar, a no-obligation conversation with Dr. Ghozland to discuss your situation will likely be beneficial to explore your options.

Put an End to Repeat Bartholin Cyst Procedures

If you’ve already gone through drainage, antibiotics, a Word catheter, or marsupialization only to have your cyst return, it may be time to explore another option.

Start with a private conversation about your history, concerns, and whether laser treatment may be appropriate for you.

What's the most effective treatment for a recurring Bartholin's cyst?

Why does my Bartholin's cyst keep coming back after marsupialization?

Does the laser procedure hurt?

Am I a candidate for laser Bartholin's cyst treatment?

Can a Bartholin's cyst be permanently cured?

How much does laser Bartholin's cyst treatment cost?

Does insurance cover laser Bartholin's cyst treatment?

What Patients Are Saying

Hear from other women who have undergone this treatment at the Intimate Health Center.

One patient discusses her experience with Dr. Ghozland during a podcast interview.

I traveled from another state because my cyst had returned several times and I was tired of temporary solutions. From my first phone call, the office understood the urgency and how much pain I was experiencing. The procedure was far easier than the treatments I had previously gone through, and the follow-up care was excellent. For the first time in a long time, I am not constantly living in fear of another recurrence.

I had a Bartholin’s cyst that kept returning and disrupting my life. I had already gone through painful drainage procedures, antibiotics, and weeks of worrying about when it would come back. Dr. Ghozland explained the fractional CO₂ treatment in a way that finally made sense. The procedure was quick, the recovery was manageable, and I felt genuinely cared for throughout the entire process.

Anyone who has experienced a Bartholin’s abscess knows how unbelievably painful and embarrassing it can be. I could barely sit, walk, or concentrate at work. Finding Dr. Ghozland was such a relief because he clearly had extensive experience treating this specific problem. I appreciated that his approach was designed to treat the cyst while preserving the gland. I finally feel like I have my life back.

Bartholin’s Cyst Procedure Videos

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