Bartholinitis symptoms and diagnosis

What is Bartholinitis? In our daily life, I believe everyone has a certain understanding of Bartholinitis. So do you know what are the symptoms of Bartholinitis? How is Bartholinitis diagnosed? Gynecological experts say that if there are the following symptoms, Bartholinitis can basically be diagnosed. Let's learn about it together.

Bartholin's gland inflammation is caused by inflammation of the hymenal tube opening and small 1/3 deep disease on both sides of the labia. Due to the anatomical characteristics, during reproduction, childbirth, etc., the vulva is contaminated, pathogens invade and cause inflammation of the Bartholin's gland.

When the Bartholin's glands are infected, the gland ducts are often affected first, and the gland duct openings are blocked due to inflammation, congestion and edema. The secretions and exudates are not easy to be discharged, which can form Bartholin's gland abscesses. At first, redness, swelling, hard masses and pain are found in the posterior 1/3 of the labia majora, which are mostly unilateral, and occasionally bilateral.

1. Symptoms of Bartholinitis

1. Inflammation usually occurs on one side, with local swelling, pain, burning sensation and difficulty walking at the beginning.

2. Causes difficulty in urination and defecation for women.

3. Examination revealed local skin redness, swelling, fever and obvious tenderness.

4. If it is a Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection, thin, light yellow pus may flow out by squeezing the local area.

5. When the abscess is formed, a sense of fluctuation can be felt and the diameter of the abscess can reach 5-6cm. The patient may experience systemic symptoms such as fever.

6. When pressure is applied to the abscess and the skin surface becomes thin, the abscess will rupture naturally and drain by itself. The inflammation will subside and heal quickly. If the drainage is not smooth, the inflammation will continue and acute attacks may recur.

Types of Bartholinitis

1. Bartholin's gland cyst

After the acute phase of inflammation, the pus is absorbed and the fluid in the gland is replaced by mucus, which becomes a Bartholin's gland cyst. Some patients' cysts are not caused by infection, but because during delivery, the gland duct is cut off during episiotomy, and the fluid in the gland cannot be discharged. After long-term accumulation to a certain extent, it will cause a Bartholin's gland cyst.

When the cystic tumor is small, the patient is usually asymptomatic. When the tumor grows, the affected side of the vulva swells. During the examination, the affected side of the vulva is swollen, the cystic tumor can be touched, and it is adhered to the skin. The labia minora on that side is flattened, and the vaginal opening is squeezed to the healthy side. When the cyst is large, there may be a sense of local swelling and reproductive discomfort. If it is not treated in time, once bacterial infection is combined, it will cause Bartholin's gland abscess.

Some patients have incomplete treatment before, and when the body's resistance is reduced, bacteria take the opportunity to multiply and form new abscesses. This process can be repeated many times, forming a vicious cycle.

2. Bartholin's ductitis

The initial stage of infection is mostly ductitis, with local redness, swelling, pain and reproductive pain. Examination may show small white dots at the opening of the Bartholin's gland on the affected side, which are obviously tender.

3. Bartholin's gland 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's gland abscess. The patient complains of swelling and severe pain in the vulva on the affected side, even pain during urination and difficulty walking.