What is Bartholinitis?

Bartholinitis, as the name suggests, is inflammation of the Bartholin glands, which are located in the lower 1/3 of the labia majora on both sides. Due to the special location, it is easy to be invaded by bacteria and cause inflammation. So what kind of disease is the Bartholin gland?

Causes

The pathogens are mostly staphylococci, Escherichia coli, streptococci and enterococci. With the increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis have become the most common pathogens. In addition, there are anaerobic bacteria, among which Bacteroides are the most common, because Bacteroides are normal vaginal inhabitants and have more chances of infection. This disease is often a mixed infection and often occurs during the reproductive period.

Clinical manifestations

Acute Bartholinitis is more common on one side. When it occurs, the gland duct is first invaded, presenting with acute suppurative inflammatory changes, with local redness, swelling, heat, and pain, that is, swelling of the vulva on the affected side, burning sensation, severe pain, and sometimes a feeling of heaviness and difficulty in urination and defecation. 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 an abscess has formed, the mass may feel fluctuating when touched, and the tenderness is obvious. If it is not treated in time, the pressure in the abscess cavity increases and it may rupture on its own. After the pus flows out, the patient feels relieved; if the rupture is small and the drainage is not smooth, it may recur, often making the patient restless when walking or lying down. Bartholinitis often has systemic symptoms such as enlarged inguinal lymph nodes, fever, and increased white blood cell count.