A Bartholin’s abscess can occur when one of the Bartholin’s glands, located on either side of the vaginal opening, develop an infection. When the gland is blocked, a cyst will usually form. If the cyst becomes infected, it can lead to a Bartholin’s abscess. It usually causes significant pain. While most people with a Bartholin’s abscess completely recover, in some cases the cyst will return and become infected again. Bartholin’s abscess can sometimes be treated at home using a sitz bath. Bartholin’s abscess comes back repeatedly, your doctor may suggest a procedure called marsupialization.