In the fatty tissue of the labia there is a steam gland, the task of which is to maintain the optimal moisture of the vagina. It's called Bartholin's. The secret produced by the Bartholin gland makes it easier to slip during intercourse, helps to stretch the muscles during childbirth. The organ has a small duct that ends on the surface of the small lips (genital). Sometimes infectious agents enter the gland through this hole: gonococci, trichomonas, chlamydia.
As a result, inflammation of the Bartholin's gland occurs (photo). Sometimes the infection can penetrate not sexually, but in another way, for example, from a sick tooth, an inflamed throat, affected by an intestinal disease. In this case, the cause of inflammation can be streptococci, staphylococci, bacteria. They cause nonspecific bartholinitis.
Acute symptoms
When pathogens enter the duct of the Bartholin's gland, inflammation and often suppuration begin, 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 a blockage)excretory duct or canaliculitis), then the following manifestations will occur:
- the skin over the gland swells up, turns bright red;
- there is a burning sensation, pain that is aggravated by movement or sitting;
- when pressing on the affected area, pus is released;
- if bartholinitis is not treated at this stage, the symptoms intensify: pus stops being secreted and accumulates in the duct;
- accumulated pus forms a large painful bump in the area of the labia;
- temperature rising;
- the chronic phase of the disease begins.
When pathogens enter not into the duct, but into the gland itself, a true abscess occurs. Bartholinitis, the symptoms of which in this case are more vivid, is much more severe.
- The parenchyma melts.
- Both large and small lips swell strongly. A sharp, severe throbbing pain appears in the large area.
- The temperature rises sharply to 39° and above.
- Inguinal lymph nodes increase.
Sometimes abscesses spontaneously open up, but the opening does not mean that bartholinitis has ended. Symptoms become less painful, but do not disappear completely. Often it is at this stage that the disease becomes chronic.
Chronic bartholinitis. Symptoms
They are the same as in the acute form, but perhaps less pronounced. In the chronic phase, the disease either worsens or subsides on its own. If not treated,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 are prescribed by a gynecologist.
Bartolinitis. 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, anti-inflammatory ointments. However, in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.
