Hygiene of the external genital organs is important for the health of every woman. Proper and thorough daily care can prevent many infectious and inflammatory diseases of an intimate nature. Such diseases include a Bartholin gland cyst. This article will introduce the causes of the development of the disease and methods of treating cysts.
Causes of the disease
Bartholin glands are glands located in the female genitals at the entrance to the vagina. These two organs the size of a small pea are located in the subcutaneous fat layer. It is impossible to see or feel them.
Bartholin organs produce a fluid that moisturizes the genital area. The fluid passes out through two tubes located at the entrance to the female vagina. They are called bartholin ducts. Sometimes the ducts become clogged, fluid accumulates and clogs the glands. In this case, a disease occurs - a Bartholin gland cyst (bartholinitis).
The causes of bartholinitis can be:
- trichomoniasis;
- gonococcal infection;
- thrush;
- chlamydia and ureaplasmosis;
- non-observance of intimate hygiene.
The disease is a small, slowly growing tumor. Most often, cysts are small and painless, which disappear on their own, without treatment. With infection of the glands or duct, an abscess of the disease occurs that must be treated.
Bartholin's cyst - symptoms
An uncomplicated disease looks like a rounded formation in the labia majora. The formation is almost painless, has sizes ranging from the size of a small pea to the size of an apple. Small formations do not cause inconvenience. When the gland grows to a large size, complaints about pain during walking and during sex are appearing.
If the Bartholin gland cyst has turned into an abscess, elevated body temperature, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, weakness are noted. The diameter of the formation can reach up to 12 cm. First there is a slight itching and slight burning sensation in the genital area, and subsequently a sharp and throbbing pain during walking. In view of the fact that the condition of the abscess is caused by the presence of purulent infection, purulent discharge from the vagina is possible. A purulent abscess can open up spontaneously with the release of pus.
Diagnostics
Identifying bartholinitis is not particularly difficult. Diagnosis of the disease is based on a gynecological examination, a clinical picture, a smear test for the level of vaginal cleanliness, a study of the contents of the inflamed gland.
Bartholin's cyst - treatment
Treatment of the disease depends on its stage. The Bartholin gland cyst, like other diseases of an infectious nature, is acute and chronic. The treatment of the acute stage of the disease is based on:
- on the local use of anti-inflammatory therapy using ointments (Vishnevsky, Levomekol, ichthyol) and solutions of mirastitine, chlorhexidine and others;
- on the appointment of antibiotics for a number of cephalosporins (Cefazolin, Ceftriaxone and others), penicillins (Amoxiclav);
- on the use of imidazoles (Tinidazole, Trichopolum).
The course of antibiotic therapy is no more than 10 days.
In the treatment of severe cysts and abscesses, surgical intervention is required. The main task here is to restore the gland with the further formation of the channel. To this end, an operation is performed using intravenous analgesia.
During the operation, a purulent focus is opened, its contents are cleaned. The cavity is treated with antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide 3%). For further outflow of purulent discharge, a drainage tube is introduced into the cavity. Some time after complete cleansing, it is removed.
In addition to surgery, antibiotics and vitamins are used. Wound treatment is performed with topical application of ointments (Vishnevsky, Levomekol).
In some cases, it is necessary to remove the Bartholin gland or create an artificial channel.
Important
It is very important in the treatment of bartholinitis to observe the following rules:
- Do not do haircuts, hair removal in the affected area;
- do not wear tight underwear during illness and treatment (bikini, thong);
- Daily washing of the genitals with the use of soap.