I am 27, and have had bartholins gland cysts and/or abscesses at least once or twice a year, for about 4 years. They seem to come up out of nowhere.

My first one was so painful it swelled to the size of a tangerine. I didn't want to get it lanced, so I found some home remedies (it includes warm Epsom Salt sitz baths several times a day, and hot compresses with a washcloth dipped in essential oils: olive oil, a few drops of tea tree, cypress, and a good amount of lavender) After a few days of home remedies, I was in such pain I was going to go to an Urgent care. Thank god as soon as i was off work and went to the bathroom, i saw some white liquid on the edge of it, and when I pressed it, it burst and everything came out.

I don't want to get it lanced because i feel if I let them happen and then let them come to a head and drain through the same natural opening, it will get easier and easier to deal with.

After about 7 of them, I know my choice was correct. They have been getting smaller and smaller, and just two days ago I felt a small, grape-sized painless lump on the inside of my vagina. I KNEW what was coming. I left it alone, hoping it would subside, but it didn't. It got a little bigger, and the area was tender.

About twenty minutes ago I worked up the nerve to go to the bathroom, sit on the toilet, and press. To my utter delight, some gray fluid came out painlessly, and I was able to press the lump until all the material drained. I washed the area super-duper well, put some witch hazel-soaked gauze pads on the area, and put on a skirt so after I soak the area to cleanse it, i can "air-dry".

I suggest going this way. These damn things are prone to reoccur, so I think the best way to deal is to let them drain on their own, so the opening will widen and each time it will be easier for you to take care of them on your own. I hope this helps someone out there!!!