Understanding Nabothian Cysts: A Guide

Author: Jessica Lloyd
Senior Naturopath | BHSc(N) | ISSVD, ISSWSH, BSSM, ATMS

Last reviewed: November 20, 2025

Nabothian cysts are a normal cervical finding and do not present a concern unless they are very large.¹

Nabothian cysts are also known as mucinous retention cysts or epithelial cysts and are benign features of the adult cervix, with multiple cysts possibly appearing at any given time.

The cysts are similar to blisters, which makes sense: the cysts are due to a blockage in the columnar epithelial cells of the cervix, which produce fertile cervical mucous.²

These cervical cells are responsible for an element of fertility – during the fertile phase (ovulation) the cells produce alkaline fertile cervical fluid to allow the easy passage of sperm to the egg. At other times of the menstrual cycle, the mucous is thicker, acting as a sort of blockade, and the vagina is more acidic, which sperm don’t like.

The cysts can be white or yellow, clear, and range in diameter from just millimetres to up to 4cm.

What causes nabothian cysts?

Nabothian cysts develop because cervical cells have a high turnover rate, meaning they replace themselves frequently. As part of these cells’ normal function, particularly with age, the two different types of cells in the transformation zone of the cervix start to mingle and mix.

The change from columnar to squamous epithelial cells means that a mucous-producing (columnar) cell or cells can get stuck beneath a new non-mucous-producing (squamous) cell, trapping some mucous, which results in a small cyst (bubble) forming. This is a Nabothian cyst.³

The cyst can lead to slight inflammation, then tissue repair, and a temporary blockage of the small gland lined with columnar cells underneath. This process is normal and tends to resolve on its own.

Treatment for nabothian cysts

From time to time, Nabothian cysts may become very large, distend the abdomen as they fill with fluid, and cause discomfort.⁴

If the cysts are larger than 1cm, they should be kept under observation and, if necessary, may need to be either burnt off with liquid nitrogen or cut out. Your physician can advise the best course of action.⁵

Nabothian cysts are considered benign and normal for the most part and do not require treatment. If treatment is required, full healing will occur with the possibility of some scarring, though everything tends to return entirely to normal.

To learn about the cervix in more detail, see our comprehensive cervix article.

References

1.
Balasubramaniam D, Ravi S, Yogini K. Giant Nabothian Cyst Mimicking a Huge Cervical Fibroid. Gynecology and Minimally Invasive Therapy. Published online January 2022:64-66. doi:10.4103/gmit.gmit_47_20
2.
Nakano FY, Leão R de BF, Esteves SC. Insights into the role of cervical mucus and vaginal pH in unexplained infertility. Medical Express. Published online 2015. doi:10.5935/medicalexpress.2015.02.07
3.
Wu Z, Zou B, Zhang X, Peng X. A large nabothian cyst causing chronic urinary retention. Medicine. Published online February 2020:e19035. doi:10.1097/md.0000000000019035
4.
El-Agwany A. Large multilocular cystic lesions in the uterine cervix: Differential diagnosis and significance. J Med Ultrasound. Published online 2018:153. doi:10.4103/jmu.jmu_38_18
5.
Kim HK, Park SH, Kim CJ, Kwon JY, Namkung J. Large nabothian cyst with chronic pelvic pain: case report and literature review. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. Published online February 15, 2020. doi:10.31083/j.ceog.2020.01.4983