What is the primary treatment for an infected Bartholin's duct cyst?

The primary treatment for an infected Bartholin's duct cyst is incision and drainage. This intervention is necessary because when a Bartholin's cyst becomes infected, it forms an abscess that requires surgical intervention to both relieve pain and remove the pus.

Incision and drainage effectively evacuates the infected material and alleviates symptoms. It also allows for proper identification of any underlying issue that may be causing recurrent cyst formation. Following this procedure, further management may include sitz baths or the placement of a Word catheter to facilitate drainage and promote healing of the cyst.

While warm compresses may provide symptomatic relief and comfort, they do not address the source of infection. Antiviral medications like acyclovir are not appropriate for a simple Bartholin's duct cyst, as the condition is not a viral infection. Similarly, azithromycin is an antibiotic and would be considered if a bacterial infection were causing cervicitis or another type of infection, but it is not indicated for the drainage of an abscess specifically. Thus, incision and drainage remains the definitive and effective treatment for an infected Bartholin’s duct cyst.