Hi Aunt Vadge,
Is it okay if I masturbate after my Bartholin’s cyst surgery?
So I noticed my Bartholin’s cyst on Saturday and I went to the hospital for them to check. I let the doctor do the incision and drainage, and after that they put a catheter or balloon inside. They told me to come back on Monday for them to check on it. I went back and they said it’s healing even though is still leaking. But, they took the catheter out, so far I don’t feel any pain after that. Today is day two and I haven’t even touch myself throughout these days and I want to know if I can masturbate? Usually I only massage my clit, I never stick my fingers inside the entrance of my vagina, so I’m wondering if I can go back to masturbation?
Sincerely,
C
Age: 18
Country: America
_____
Dear C,
The best person to ask is your doctor – they will have advice for you regarding what to do after your surgery. Your body needs to heal, so it’s best to leave your vagina alone.
There are a few things to consider after Bartholin’s cyst drainage, especially when catheters have been used for drainage, and your wound is still leaking and healing. You don’t want to disrupt the healing of your Bartholin’s gland/duct. Your Bartholin’s glands are responsible for the wetness you feel when you are turned on. This fluid flow may help clear your ducts, which can help prevent cysts from recurring. However, it could also cause fluid to build up again so soon after drainage.
My advice would be to call the doctor’s office or email them, and tell them what you just told me regarding how you masturbate. Get a proper medical opinion from someone who knows what surgery you’ve just undergone. They will say ‘no sex’, but what you are asking is quite specific, and does not include any penetration or even touching the Bartholin’s gland area.
You can ask whether the extra fluid flow will help or hinder your healing.
Sometimes masturbating can be very quick and not particularly juicy. It may be fine for you to masturbate if you do it quickly, with limited wetness.
Talk to your doctor and be very specific in your question. Be kind to your vulva as it heals. You need your Bartholin’s glands to be healthy so you can enjoy a wet vag all your life!
Best,
Aunt Vadge
References1,2
- 1.Reif P, Elsayed H, Ulrich D, et al. Quality of life and sexual activity during treatment of Bartholin’s cyst or abscess with a Word catheter. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. Published online July 2015:76-80. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2015.03.008
- 2.Dole DM, Nypaver C. Management of Bartholin Duct Cysts and Gland Abscesses. J Midwife Womens Health. Published online February 7, 2019:337-343. doi:10.1111/jmwh.12937
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