Can a UTI Cause a Bartholin Cyst?
No, a urinary tract infection (UTI) does not cause a Bartholin cyst. These are anatomically and pathophysiologically distinct conditions affecting different organ systems.
Anatomical Separation
Bartholin glands are located bilaterally at the posterior introitus (vaginal opening) at approximately the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions, draining into the vestibule 1.
The urinary tract includes the bladder, ureters, and urethra—completely separate structures from the Bartholin glands 2.
These glands are normally pea-sized and only become palpable when the duct becomes obstructed, forming a cyst, or when a gland abscess develops 1.
Distinct Pathophysiology
Bartholin Cyst Formation
Bartholin cysts form when the duct opening into the vestibule becomes obstructed, leading to fluid accumulation 3, 1.
The obstruction mechanism is unrelated to urinary tract pathogens or UTI processes 4.
When infected, Bartholin abscesses are commonly caused by opportunistic organisms, with aerobic bacteria (particularly coliforms) being most common, followed by polymicrobial infections 3.
UTI Pathogenesis
UTIs develop through ascending infection from the lower urinary tract or, less commonly, hematogenous spread to the kidneys 2.
The most common pathogen is Escherichia coli, accounting for over 90% of cases in young healthy women 2.
UTI risk factors include sexual activity, diabetes mellitus, structural urinary tract abnormalities, and catheterization 2, 5.
Important Clinical Distinction
While both conditions may involve similar bacterial species (particularly coliforms like E. coli), this reflects the ubiquity of these organisms in the genitourinary region, not a causal relationship 3.
No evidence in the literature suggests that UTI pathogens migrate to or cause obstruction of Bartholin ducts 4, 3, 1.
The differential diagnosis for Bartholin masses includes epidermal inclusion cysts, Skene's duct cysts, and other vulvar lesions—not UTI-related pathology 1.
Clinical Caveat
Concurrent presentation is possible but coincidental. A woman could theoretically have both a UTI and a Bartholin cyst simultaneously, but these would be independent conditions requiring separate evaluation and management 5, 4. The presence of one does not indicate causation of the other.