What are the symptoms of Bartholinitis infection?

The Bartholin's glands are located in the lower third of the labia majora on both sides, with a diameter of about 0.5-1.0 cm. Their exit ducts are about 1.5-2.0 cm long, and the gland openings are located on the inner side of the labia minora near the hymen. Under the stimulation of sexual intercourse, mucus is secreted for lubrication. Due to the special anatomical location, pathogens can easily invade and cause Bartholin's gland inflammation.

[Clinical manifestations] This disease is often a mixed infection. When acute inflammation occurs, bacteria first invade the glandular ducts. The glandular duct openings are blocked due to inflammation and swelling. The exudate cannot be discharged and may form an abscess. Bartholinitis can be divided into three types: Bartholin's ductitis, Bartholin's abscess, and Bartholin's cyst.

1. The initial infection stage of Bartholin's ductitis is mostly ductitis, with local redness, swelling, pain and pain during sexual intercourse. Examination can show small white dots at the opening of the Bartholin's gland on the affected side, which are obviously tender to the touch.

2. Bartholin abscess: The duct opening is blocked, purulent secretions cannot be discharged, bacteria multiply in the gland, accumulate in the duct and gland, and gradually expand to form a Bartholin abscess. The patient complains of swelling and severe pain in the vulva on the affected side, even pain during urination and difficulty walking. During the examination, the vulva on the affected side is red, swollen, hot and painful, and there is a lump on that side. If an abscess has formed, the lump can be felt to have a sense of fluctuation and obvious tenderness. It is mostly unilateral, and the size of the abscess is 3-6cra in diameter. The skin becomes thinner, and the abscess continues to grow and may rupture on its own, and the symptoms are relieved accordingly. If the rupture is small and the pus is not drained smoothly, the symptoms may recur. Systemic symptoms include fever, increased white blood cell count, and enlarged inguinal lymph nodes on the affected side.

3. Bartholincyst: After the acute phase of inflammation, the pus is absorbed and the fluid in the gland is replaced by mucus, forming a Bartholincyst. Some patients' cysts are not caused by infection, but because the gland duct is cut off during the episiotomy during delivery, and the fluid in the gland cannot be discharged. After long-term accumulation to a certain extent, it will cause a Bartholincyst. When the cystic tumor is small, the patient is mostly asymptomatic. When the tumor grows, the affected side of the vulva swells.

During the examination, the affected side of the vulva is swollen, and a cystic mass can be felt, which is adhered to the skin. The labia minora on that side is flattened, and the vaginal opening is squeezed to the healthy side. If the cyst is large, there may be a local swelling and discomfort during sexual intercourse. If it is not treated in time, once it is combined with bacterial infection, it will cause Bartholin's gland abscess. Some patients are because the previous treatment was not thorough, and when the body's resistance is reduced, bacteria take the opportunity to multiply in large numbers and form new abscesses. This process can be repeated many times, forming a vicious cycle.