A woman with a Bartholin's cyst has a swollen Bartholin's gland in the vagina.

The Bartholin's glands are tiny glands near the vagina that secrete fluids to keep it moist. In some cases, the passageway between the gland and the inside of the vagina may become blocked. This can cause fluid to build up inside the gland, forming a cyst. If the gland becomes infected, a boil or Bartholin's abscess may form.