Everything You Need To Know About Nabothian Cysts

These cysts are usually painless and rarely cause symptoms unless they grow significantly. You probably won't even know you have one until your doctor mentions it during a routine pelvic exam. They range in size from a couple of millimeters to an inch and a half across, though most are smaller than half an inch. Filled with white or yellow mucus, they look like smooth, tiny bumps. You might develop just one, or several at the same time.

Doctors typically spot these cysts during a routine pelvic exam, or sometimes on a pelvic scan if you need cervical imaging for another reason. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor might gently break the cyst's surface. They can also use a colposcopy—a procedure that magnifies the cervix—to get a better look and ensure the bump isn't caused by something else. If there's any lingering doubt, they might take a quick biopsy just to be safe.

Most of the time, nabothian cysts don't cause any trouble. However, if they grow quite large or multiply, they can make Pap smears and routine gynecological exams painful or even impossible to complete. If that happens, you'll need treatment so your regular health screenings can safely continue. Because they are filled with mucus, these cysts can occasionally rupture. A ruptured cyst might cause unusual discharge or light vaginal bleeding with a slight odor.

Surgery is really only necessary if the cysts are getting in the way of your regular exams. In those cases, a doctor might recommend surgically removing (excising) the growth. Alternatively, they might use electrocautery ablation, a process that uses a heated probe to drain and destroy the cyst. This ablation method is often preferred because it's less likely to cause blood loss than a traditional excision.

Depending on the size and location of the bump, your doctor might be able to treat it with cryotherapy. During this quick procedure, they apply liquid nitrogen directly to the cyst, freezing and destroying it. Cryotherapy is generally less invasive than other surgical removal options.

Always have a doctor check out any bleeding between your regular periods or any unusual discharge. While these symptoms might simply mean a cyst has ruptured—which is usually completely harmless—they can also signal a pelvic infection or another unrelated health issue. Nabothian cysts rarely cause pelvic pain, so if you're experiencing persistent discomfort in that area, seek medical attention to rule out a more serious underlying cause.

It's actually quite common for these cysts to form during pregnancy or after giving birth. Normally, the cervix stays slightly open to let menstrual blood and sperm pass through, but during pregnancy, it remains firmly shut. After delivery, fresh tissue grows over the cervical mucus glands. This new tissue can trap the mucus, leading directly to nabothian cysts. If you're pregnant and worried about a new lump or cyst, definitely bring it up with your doctor.

Hormonal changes and physical trauma to the cervix are the main culprits behind these cysts. Because of this, you are most likely to develop them during pregnancy, right after giving birth, or while going through menopause. The intense hormonal shifts of puberty can also trigger them. Gynecological procedures, like a dilation and curettage (D&C), can cause cervical trauma that makes cysts more likely to form. Vaginal and cervical infections also play a role; your body produces extra mucus to fight off the infection, which increases the chances of those cervical glands getting blocked.

Most nabothian cysts aren't completely preventable, but maintaining good hygiene helps keep infections at bay. Treating any pelvic or genital infections promptly stops excess mucus from blocking the cervical glands in the first place. Sticking to your routine gynecological screenings is your best defense. Regular exams allow your doctor to catch and treat any cysts that have grown large or numerous enough to cause potential problems down the line.

The prognosis for nabothian cysts is excellent. They usually don't require treatment, and most people live with them without experiencing any issues. Still, your doctor will want to monitor the growths during your regular exams to make sure they aren't reaching a problematic size. If you do end up needing surgery to remove one, you can usually go home the very same day. Expect to make a full recovery within a few days, though some procedures might take a couple of weeks to heal completely.