The paired gland is located in the adipose tissue of the labia, the task of which is to maintain optimal vaginal moisture. It is called Bartholin. The secret produced by the Bartholin gland facilitates gliding during intercourse and helps to stretch muscles during childbirth. The organ has a small duct that ends on the surface of the labia minora. Sometimes pathogens of infection get into the gland through this hole: gonococci, trichomonads, chlamydia.
As a result,
inflammation of the bartholin gland occurs (photo). Sometimes the infection can penetrate not by sex, but by another route, for example, from a diseased tooth,
sore throat, or intestinal disease. In this case, the cause of inflammation can be streptococci, staphylococci, bacteria. They cause non-specific bartholinitis.
Symptoms of acute form
When pathogens enter the duct of the Bartholin gland, inflammation and often suppuration begins, which can be acute or chronic. In acute, an abscess always occurs: true or false. If a false abscess has formed (it is also called obstruction of the excretory duct or canaliculitis), then the following manifestations will occur:
- the skin over the gland swells, becomes bright red;
- there is a burning sensation, pain that intensifies when moving or sitting;
- with pressure on the affected area, pus is released;
- if bartholinitis is not treated at this stage, the symptoms intensify: the pus ceases to stand out and accumulates in the duct;
- accumulated pus forms a large painful lump in the region of the labia;
- temperature rises;
- the chronic phase of the disease occurs.
When pathogens do not enter the duct, but into the gland itself, a true abscess occurs. Bartholinitis, the symptoms of which are brighter in this case, is much more severe.
- The parenchyma melts.
- Both large and small lips swell strongly. In the large area there is a sharp, severe throbbing pain.
- The temperature rises sharply to 39 ° and above.
- Inguinal lymph nodes increase.
Sometimes abscesses spontaneously open, but an autopsy does not mean that bartholinitis has ended. Symptoms become less painful, but do not disappear at all. Often, it is at this stage that the disease goes into the chronic stage.
Chronic bartholinitis. Symptoms
They are the same as in the acute form, but perhaps less pronounced. In the chronic phase, the disease worsens, then subsides on its own. If left untreated, purulent formations can provoke the development of a cyst or cause a general infection of the blood. And this is the biggest danger that the disease carries. Diagnosis should be carried out at the first sign of it. Examination and treatment is prescribed by a gynecologist.
Bartholinitis. Diagnosis and treatment
- Bacteriological examination of vaginal discharge and pus released from the lips.
- PCR diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Smear.
Usually, doctors prescribe treatment with antibiotics, Miramistin, which relieve inflammation of ointments. However, in advanced cases, surgical intervention is necessary.