The area to the outside opening of the birth canal is called the vulva. This has special skin with hair and many glands. These glands make a mucous fluid which can collect inside the glands. If the gland openings get clogged for any reason, a pocket, or vulvar cyst, will form. It may, or may not, become infected.

Women with a high risk of developing vulvar cysts have had:
* a previous surgery to the area, such as the incision made to help deliver a baby, known as an episiotomy, or
* a previous vulvar cyst.

Symptoms include pain, redness and swelling of the area. Apply warm soaks and wear loose clothes. This usually will clear the problem. If it does not improve or gets worse, you will need to get medical care. Treatment often involves, numbing the area and opening the affected gland by making a cut. Stitches are used to keep it open and draining. Antibiotic drugs for infection are rarely needed. Soaking the area until it fully heals itself will help.

Vulvar cysts will sometimes recur in the same area even after treatment. If this occurs often, or if there is a question of a growth at the gland opening, the gland itself may need to be removed.

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