Bartholin's glands are two small bilateral glands located at the back of the vulva, near the entrance to the vagina and in the thickness of the labia majora. They measure approximately 1 cm and are normally not noticeable to the touch. They end through a small canal and an opening at the entrance to the vagina. They are used to produce a liquid that helps lubricate the vagina. When a blockage of the duct allowing the flow of secretions occurs, a cyst forms.
Infection of this cyst produces the abscess of the Bartholin gland. Bartholin gland surgery is indicated for persistent cysts.