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Overview
Warm baths help.
Abscesses need draining.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayPainful swelling or fever.
See a doctor soonGet seen today instead; don't wait for a regular appointment.
Causes
Caused by infected gland.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause very painful, hot, swollen lump at the vaginal opening. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Bartholin cystSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
A lump on one side of the vaginal opening from a blocked gland.
What you can do at home
- Warm sitz baths.
Medicines
Drainage and antibiotics.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Pain
The exam
A pelvic exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Early care.
- Get checked
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.