What are the dangers of Bartholinitis?

The Bartholin's glands are located at the back of the labia majora on both sides, and the gland duct opens on the inner side of the labia minora near the hymen. In the acute stage, there is local pain and redness and swelling. The pain is most severe when a Bartholin's gland abscess forms. Fever is common, and chills are rare. Sometimes urination and defecation are difficult. Clinical examination can reveal a red, swollen, hard lump in the lower 1/3 of the labia majora, which is obviously tender. Local tenderness is obvious, with a sense of fluctuation, and the inguinal lymph nodes are often swollen.

Bartholinitis usually occurs in the reproductive age, rarely in infants and after menopause. The pathogens are mostly Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus and Enterococcus, and a few are gonococci. The following obstetrics and gynecology experts will introduce to us the dangers of suffering from Bartholinitis.

1. Various discomfort symptoms: Acute vestibular glanditis first invades the gland duct, presenting with acute suppurative inflammation, with local redness, swelling, heat and pain. Sometimes there is a feeling of heaviness and difficulty in urination and defecation, as well as systemic symptoms such as increased body temperature and increased white blood cell count. There may be a sense of fluctuation in the local area, and enlarged inguinal lymph nodes.

2. Abscess formation: The gland duct opening is often blocked due to swelling or coagulation of exudate, and the pus cannot flow out to form an abscess, which is called Bartholin's gland abscess. If it has developed into an abscess, it is mostly a lump the size of an egg or an apple, and is often unilateral. The skin on the surface of the lump is red and thin, and the surrounding tissue is edematous. When the inflammation is severe, it can spread to the perineum and the opposite vulva. When the pressure in the abscess cavity increases, it can rupture on its own. It often makes the patient restless when walking or lying down.

3. Cyst formation: If the Bartholin's gland abscess is not treated in time, it may spread to the posterior direction and form a perirectal abscess, sometimes even leading to rectal rupture. After the abscess is incised and drained, most abscess cavities can be completely closed and healed, but fistulas may also form, leading to repeated attacks and long-term non-healing. When the acute inflammation disappears, the gland duct is blocked, the gland secretion fluid cannot be discharged or the pus gradually turns into mucus to form a cyst, which is called a Bartholin's gland cyst.

The above is the answer to the harm of suffering from Bartholinitis. Obstetricians and gynecologists remind patients that they should stay in bed and rest when suffering from Bartholinitis, keep the vulva clean, apply local hot compresses, and use antibiotics and traditional Chinese medicines that clear heat and detoxify. I wish you good health!