Hi there! I've had Bartholin's Cysts/ abcesses since I was 18, now 23. I get them on both sides. The right side has been drained so many times that it no longer pops on its own. The left side is less common for me but still happens and usually pops on its own.
When I get a cyst, I feel it IMMEDIATELY. and then 5 hours later, i'm getting chills,i have a fever, everything hurts and I just want to throw up.
If I already have a cyst, there is very tlittle that helps. Warm compress, hot bath, trying to physically pop it never do anything for me.
After 5 years now, I have some sort of working routine.
Things I've noticed:
-I usually get them after sex, when my partner finishes inside of me. (Pulling out has tremendously decreased the frequency of cysts)
-Taking baths after sex is SO helpful, especially if your partner finishes inside of you. (I've found this helpful for preventing cysts, but not very helpful if I already have one.)
-I also take one Keflex after sex. I have a continous prescription for Keflex, which I know isnt the best, but you go deal with this pain and tell me what you wouldnt do to get rid of it!!! I've noticed the Keflex helps the cyst to "disappear" instead of pop.
-If you get frequent cysts, get to know your gyno! Call them when you have a cyst and get it drained!!! There is no point in waiting on it. But if your new to them, they'll probably heal themselves.
These things really suck but I know they arent going away anytime soon for me.