have any of you ladies on here ever had a batholins cyst/abcess?

Yes I had one last year and had to have it cut out (not a pleasent experience). My doctor didn't really know what could have caused it as I'm pretty healthy and don't have and STDs. Just one of those things I think.

Bartholin's glands in the female are the equivalent of the Cowper glands in a male...

Infections.. especially STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) like syphilis can affect these glands, causing cysts and abscesses called Bartholin's cyst/abscess.

I have seen a couple of cases.,. if you have recurrent abscesses, you probably have an STD - which should be treated - do an RPR/VDRL test for syphilis, and get treated. There are also other causes and minor infections leading to it.

To treat the abscess itself, it requires simple drainage and antibiotics. A Bartholin's cyst requires a procedure called 'marsupialization' - a cut is made and the pus etc is drained. Its a simple enough procedure, and may rquire only local anesthesia.

You need to go to the docs - get them to do a swab to test what is causing them then get a course of the right antibiotics.

You can help by wearing loose naturel fiber clothes and keeping clean etc xxx

You are not alone. It wasn't me, but my mother in law. She said and I quote, "It smelled like rotting whale flesh. I was horrified."

It is just a gland that keeps your stuff moist down there and when it gets clogged, it stinks. Don't worry. Nothing to be too alarmed about. Good luck.

could be i std but my mate had these shaving can cause it wearing thongs all the time i would see Dr don't be shy as lots of people get these

Hmm interesting,don't fancy the fishy bit though.