The cyst can grow from the size of a penny to larger than an orange, although most don't get bigger than a golf ball. They can be tender. Most of the time, Bartholin gland cysts are not infected and can't be spread to others. In some cases, however, they can be caused by an infection, or they may get infected after they get bigger. Your doctor may want to culture the cyst fluid to see if an antibiotic is needed.
Most infected cysts contain the normal bacteria that are found on our skin.
You may notice a round, painless or slightly tender bulge within one of the vaginal lips, near the opening of the vagina. The cyst may stay the same size or may slowly grow larger. Cysts that get infected are usually very tender. In extreme cases, walking may be painful. Your doctor will look at the area to see if you have a Bartholin gland cyst and to find out if it's infected.