Bartholinitis is a disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the bartholin gland, which is located on the eve of the vagina. According to statistics, this is a common pathology that is mainly encountered by young women aged 20 to 35 years. Treatment of bartholinitis is rarely associated with difficulties, especially if the disease was diagnosed in time.
Of course, many women are interested in additional information. Why does bartholinitis develop in women? Symptoms and treatment, risk factors and possible complications are important information that should not be ignored.
General information about the disease
Symptoms and treatment of bartholinitis are information that many women are interested in. But first, it’s worth sorting out the general information.
As you know, the Bartholin glands are small structures that are located in the thickness of the lower part of the labia majora. The diameter of the gland does not exceed one centimeter. Their main function is the production of a thick secretion, which, through a small excretory duct, enters the vestibule. This secret provides hydration of the vaginal mucous membranes.
Bartholinitis is an inflammation of the gland that develops against the background of the penetration and active reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. The inflammatory process can be the result of infection with sexually transmitted infections. For example, bartholinitis often develops against the background of trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea. In addition, inflammation can be non-specific - it is associated with the activity of conditionally pathogenic microflora, in particular E. coli, staphylococci, candida fungi, streptococci, etc.
Pathogens typically enter the bartholin gland from the urethra or vagina. In addition, the spread of infection is possible along with the flow of lymph and blood.
Why does the disease develop? Risk factors
Before considering the symptoms and treatment of bartholinitis in women, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the causes of its appearance. Of course, inflammation of the gland is associated with the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. Nevertheless, there are some predisposing factors that increase the likelihood of developing an ailment. Their list is very impressive:
- non-observance of the rules of personal hygiene, especially when it comes to the period of menstruation (so the likelihood of infection in the duct of the gland increases significantly);
- the presence of scratches, scuffs and other microtraumas (damage to the skin can become a gateway to infection);
- wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fabrics (such clothing violates the secretion outflow from the gland and injures the skin, which creates excellent conditions for the active reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms);
- promiscuous sex life, especially if the appropriate protection was not used during sexual intercourse (the likelihood of sexually transmitted infections increases, which also leads to inflammation of the gland);
- the presence of foci of infection in the body - even tooth decay can be potentially dangerous if a person does not consult a doctor on time (pathogenic microorganisms can enter the bartholin gland cavity along with blood and lymph flow);
- weakening of the immune system (the susceptibility of the body to various infections increases);
- improper nutrition, vitamin deficiency, local or general hypothermia, constant stress - all this affects the state of immunity and increases the likelihood of an inflammatory process;
- previously transferred surgical and diagnostic procedures in the pelvic area.
Of course, it is extremely important to determine what exactly led to the development of the inflammatory process. Treatment of bartholinitis in women directly depends on the causes of the ailment.
The clinical picture in acute inflammation
According to statistics, in most cases, the inflammatory process affects only one gland (bilateral inflammation is possible, but most often it develops against the background of gonorrhea).
In the initial stages, the disease proceeds without any visible violations. But as inflammation progresses, the first symptoms begin to appear. The skin around the external duct of the gland turns red, the mucous membranes swell, which is accompanied by constant discomfort. With palpation in the thickness of the tissues, you can feel the solid duct of the gland.
Gradually, the duct opening closes, as a result of which the secret accumulates inside the gland. The activity of pathogenic microorganisms leads to the formation and accumulation of purulent masses - this is how a false abscess is formed. Bartholin's iron increases in size, the skin swells even more, sometimes an increase in body temperature is observed.
If such violations occur, you must go to a doctor for a consultation. Inadequate treatment of bartholinitis at home is fraught with very dangerous complications.
Chronic form of bartholinitis
A chronic form of inflammation, as a rule, is associated with untimely therapy or its absence. An ailment is characterized by an alternation of exacerbations with fairly long periods of relative well-being.
During remission, symptoms are usually absent. Only occasionally do women complain of minor discomfort and the formation of mucous secretions. Perhaps the appearance of pain during intercourse.
The exacerbation period is accompanied by edema, redness, soreness and other symptoms characteristic of the acute form of the disease. Treatment of chronic bartholinitis must necessarily be comprehensive, since the ailment does not respond well to standard drug therapy.
The formation of an abscess: features of symptoms
As already mentioned, the accumulation of pus inside the gland sometimes leads to the formation of an abscess. This condition is accompanied by a sharp increase in body temperature (sometimes up to 40 degrees). Patients complain of weakness, nausea, drowsiness.
There is pain in the area of the affected labia. Unpleasant sensations are constantly present, amplified during physical activity. Enlarged gland can sometimes be seen with the naked eye. The tissues around her swell, turn red, become hot to the touch. Palpation of the gland is accompanied by sharp pain. Sometimes there is an increase in lymph nodes located in the inguinal zone.
In some cases, the abscess may open, which leads to the formation of fistulas or the spread of purulent masses on the surrounding tissue. This phenomenon is extremely dangerous, since there is a likelihood of sepsis.
List of possible complications
According to reviews, the treatment of bartholinitis in most cases ends in complete recovery. But the likelihood of complications should not be ruled out. Their list is useful to study.
- If untreated, the inflammatory process becomes chronic. Gradually, a connective tissue capsule forms around the focus of infection - this is how a cyst with liquid contents forms. In certain conditions, the development of a purulent process is possible. The affected bartholin gland increases in size, causing discomfort.
- If there is a purulent process, then there is a likelihood of the formation of fistulas that can open out (through the skin), and also communicate the cavity of the gland with the bladder and vagina.
- Possible complications include vulvitis - a disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the clitoris, lower part of the vagina and labia. It is accompanied by severe itching, discomfort and severe swelling.
- Possible damage to the organs of the excretory system. Patients often suffer from pyelonephritis, cystitis (inflammation of the bladder tissue) and urethritis (inflammation of the membranes of the urethra).
- To the list of possible complications include inflammation of the cervix (colpitis). The disease is accompanied by abdominal pain, the appearance of mucous and / or purulent vaginal discharge.
- Without treatment, bartholinitis can be complicated by adnexitis - inflammation in this case is localized in the tissues of the ovary. Patients suffer from fever, lower back pain, vaginal discharge and menstrual irregularities. It is worth noting that without appropriate therapy, colpitis, adnexitis and other diseases of the reproductive organs can lead to infertility.
- Sometimes pus that has accumulated in the bartholin gland penetrates through the wall into other tissues, and the infection enters the bloodstream, spreading throughout the body - this is how sepsis develops. Systemic damage to the body is accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature, a drop in blood pressure. Often, sepsis ends with the development of purulent meningitis, septic endocarditis, the death of the patient.
Medication for Bartholinitis
After a thorough diagnosis, the doctor will draw up a suitable treatment regimen. In this case, a lot depends on the causes and stage of development of the disease.
- The treatment of bartholinitis with antibiotics is effective, since in most cases the inflammatory process is associated with the activity of bacterial microflora. Ideally, for starters you need to carry out bacteriological culture - during the study, a specialist can only determine the type of pathogen and check the effect of certain antibacterial agents on the grown culture. Unfortunately, such a test takes about a week. That is why in most cases, doctors prescribe antibiotics of a wide spectrum of action to patients. Such drugs as Azithromycin, Ceftriaxone, Amoxiclav, Cefazolin, Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin, Clarithromycin are effective.
- Treatment of bartholinitis with Vishnevsky ointment helps prevent the development of an abscess and relieve the inflammatory process. In addition, with inflammation of the bartholin gland, Levomekol ointment is also used. It is simple to use the medicine - you just need to apply the ointment to a cotton swab, then attach it to the affected area and fix it. Some doctors recommend alternating medications: for example, you can apply Levomekol at night, and use Vishnevsky ointment in the daytime, or vice versa.
- In some cases, it is recommended to treat affected skin with disinfectant solutions. To do this, it is better to use drugs such as “Chlorhexidine”, “Chlorophyllipt” and “Miramistin”, since they gently affect tissues, without causing burns and discomfort.
- Additionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used, in particular, Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Paracetamol, etc. Such drugs help to cope with fever and relieve pain.
- With severe pain, analgesics are used.
- If there is a fungal infection, then it is advisable to take antifungal drugs, in particular Fluconazole.
Treatment of bartholinitis during pregnancy is carried out according to the same scheme, but the choice of antibiotics should be taken more responsibly.
After the symptoms of exacerbation disappear (usually this occurs after 3-5 days), various physiotherapeutic procedures are recommended for patients. Ozokerite, UHF-therapy, magnetotherapy, and laser treatment of bartholinitis are considered effective. In addition, patients are recommended sedentary baths from herbal decoctions, as well as taking vitamin complexes.
Surgical intervention
Unfortunately, in some cases it is impossible to do without surgical intervention. The operation is indicated in the case of the formation of an abscess.
- In acute inflammation, the doctor carefully opens the abscess, removes the secretions accumulated in it, and then treats the cavity of the gland with hydrogen peroxide or other antiseptic (sometimes also irrigated with an antibiotic solution). Next, drainage is established - a small tube is inserted into the cavity of the gland, which ensures the outflow of pus. The tube is removed after 5-7 days. Of course, during this period, the patient needs to observe bed rest, take anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs.
- If we are talking about a chronic form of inflammation, then a drainage tube is not an option. In this case, marsupialization will be more effective. The purpose of the procedure is to create a channel through which the secretion of the gland will be independently excreted on the threshold of the vagina. First, a special catheter is inserted into the abscess cavity (cysts), which remains in the tissues for 4-5 weeks. Then the tube is taken out - this time is enough for a new duct to form from nearby structures.
- If all of the above manipulations did not give the desired effect and the disease continues to progress, then the doctor may decide to remove the Bartholin gland. This is a relatively complicated procedure, which is associated with the location of the gland - its upper part is adjacent to a large accumulation of venous vessels. Nevertheless, sometimes this is the only way out. Rehabilitation lasts about 10 days - at this time the patient takes the necessary medicines, attends various physiotherapeutic procedures.
Treatment of bartholinitis at home. Reviews about traditional medicine
You have already familiarized yourself with the basic methods of therapy. But many patients are wondering if treatment of bartholinitis is possible at home. Of course, using various traditional medicine, you can significantly speed up the healing process.
- Useful are considered compresses from aloe or Kalanchoe. It is necessary to soak a cotton swab or disk with fresh juice from the leaves of plants and attach to the affected tissues. Such agents have pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, can relieve swelling and prevent the formation of pus.
- For compresses sometimes use fresh cabbage leaves (white cabbage). The washed cabbage leaf should be rinsed with boiling water, and then applied to the affected area. The compress must be kept all night.
- Daily sitting baths will also be helpful. In the water you need to add a herbal decoction. It is necessary to mix a tablespoon of oak bark, calendula and chamomile flowers, and then pour a liter of boiling water, then hold in a water bath for 15 minutes. Filter the broth and add it to the water for a sedentary bath (the procedure should last about 15-20 minutes).
- To deal with inflammation, lotions with St. John's wort decoction will help (you need to prepare a concentrated decoction, moisten a cotton pad or gauze bandage in it, which then apply to the skin in the region of the Bartholin gland).
Of course, before using such tools, you must always consult with a specialist. Treatment of bartholinitis in women at home is possible only with the permission of a doctor.
Prevention: how to prevent the development of inflammation?
Treatment of bartholinitis most often passes easily and ends with a complete recovery. Nevertheless, it is much easier to try to prevent the development of the disease.
- The most important is the careful observance of the rules of intimate hygiene. You need to wash yourself every day. Doctors also recommend washing the external genital organs after each bowel movement.
- You can use a special soap for intimate hygiene with an appropriate pH level.
- Risk factors include promiscuous sex life. If an accidental sexual intercourse still takes place, then do not forget about condoms.
- Naturally, it is important to maintain the immune system. Positive activity is affected by physical activity, hardening, proper diet.
When the first symptoms appear, you need to contact a gynecologist. Inadequate treatment of bartholinitis at home can lead to the development of a mass of complications.