Medical experts say that there are five main signs of an inflammatory reaction: edema, pain, fever, redness and impaired function of the organ in which the inflammation occurred.
There are times when all of the above symptoms appear on the labia. It is unpleasant and very painful. Typically, such signs indicate the presence of a disease such as bartholinitis - a common gynecological problem in women.
A bit of anatomy to begin with. Bartholin glands are located on the labia majora in their posterior part. The size of this organ is approximately 8-10 millimeters. The function of the gland is to moisturize the entrance to the vagina during sexual arousal. When infected, the Bartholin gland can become inflamed. As a rule, staphylococci, enterococci, gonococci and blue-green pus sticks cause infection.
Such microorganisms enter the gland in two ways: through the bloodstream and in the process of contact. The hematogenous path through the blood occurs in the presence of a chronic infection in the body: pyelonephritis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, caries and others. Contact contamination occurs due to promiscuous sexual relations, non-observance of personal hygiene rules, as well as from an infected partner.
The infection falls into favorable conditions, bacteria multiply, and their waste products simultaneously with dead cells begin to form pus. As a result, the bartholin gland swells, reddens and is very painful. Due to the fact that the excretory duct of the organ is very narrow, pus does not go outside and accumulates inside, sometimes increasing the gland to a size of 5 centimeters in diameter.
So, the clinical picture of inflammation of such an organ as the Bartholin gland consists in severe swelling, redness of the labia majora, a feeling of discomfort during walking, and an increase in temperature may appear. There is a spontaneous opening of a purulent formation, and the symptoms go away, but this does not mean recovery - such an improvement is often temporary. The Bartholin gland still contains bacteria that can activate at any time and cause an acute clinical picture.
When an abscess of the Bartholin gland occurs, an examination is performed. It is aimed at identifying the causative agent, as well as the degree of its sensitivity to antibiotics. Based on the data obtained, the best antibacterial drug or two antibiotics of a different group is selected. Also, in the process of treatment, the patient is recommended to take warm baths with antiseptic solutions diluted in them , for example, chlorhexidine or potassium. In addition, ointment compresses and applications with ichthyol ointment or Vishnevsky are prescribed. Physiotherapy procedures, such as laser irradiation, magnetotherapy and others, are very effective. If the bartholin gland is severely inflamed, if a serious abscess occurs, a surgical operation is performed during which the tissue is dissected. In some advanced cases, with often recurring infections, an operation to marsupialize the gland can be performed. Thus, an artificial hole is created through which the liquid will flow out on its own. This procedure is considered the most sparing. All serious treatments are carried out exclusively in a hospital setting.
After the treatment, the iron may remain slightly increased, this suggests that there is a likelihood of cyst formation. This education is small and does not cause much discomfort. But still it is better to remove the cyst - this will prevent the occurrence of relapses of the disease. This disease cannot become the cause of infertility, but with untimely treatment there is a likelihood of a permanent source of infection.