— N.F.A. ANSWER: The definitive treatment for an infection in a closed space (i.e., an abscess, boil or infected cyst) is to incise (cut it open) and drain it.

If the cyst becomes infected it must be drained or incised in order to heal. Although antibiotics may help to improve the infection, it will not resolve the infection without draining the cyst first.

Diagnosis of a cyst or an abscess is made by physical examination. A culture of the drainage may be done to identify the bacteria causing the infection, and to rule out sexually transmitted disease.

The definitive treatment for an infection in a closed space (i.e., an abscess, boil or infected cyst) is to incise (cut it open) and drain it. It is effective, and no antibiotics are usually needed.

If the cyst is infected there may be pain that is worsening, fever and chills, swelling, and possible drainage. The infected cyst is usually on only one side of the vagina.

In other cases, surgical drainage of the Bartholin’s cyst is necessary. If an infection occurs, antibiotics may be helpful to treat the infected Bartholin’s cyst.

The definitive treatment for an infection in a closed space (i.e., an abscess, boil or infected cyst) is to incise (cut it open) and drain it. It is effective, and no antibiotics are usually needed.

— N.F.A. Answer • The definitive treatment for an infection in a closed space (i.e., an abscess, boil or infected cyst) is to incise (cut it open) and drain it.