Can you really die from Bartholinitis?

The Bartholin's glands are located behind the labia majora on both sides, and the gland duct opens on the inner side of the labia minora near the hymen. Due to the characteristics of the anatomical location, when the vulva is contaminated during sex, childbirth or other situations, pathogens can easily penetrate and cause inflammation. Bartholin's gland inflammation is a common gynecological inflammation. Generally, it can be cured with timely treatment and will not directly affect life expectancy. The following editor will take you to understand its symptoms and how to treat it.

Bartholin's gland inflammation usually occurs in the reproductive age group, rarely in infants and after menopause. The pathogens are mostly Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus and Enterococcus, and a few are gonococci.

In the acute stage of Bartholinitis, there is local pain and redness and swelling. When a Bartholin abscess is formed, the pain is extremely severe. Fever is common, but 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. 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, curved and thin, and the surrounding tissues are edematous. When the inflammation is severe, it can spread to the perineum and the opposite vulva. There is significant local tenderness and a sense of fluctuation, and the inguinal lymph nodes are often enlarged.

Based on the medical history, local appearance and digital examination, it is generally not difficult to diagnose. However, attention should also be paid to whether there are any abnormalities in the urethral opening and paraurethral glands. Due to severe pain, vaginal speculum examination is no longer possible. If it is not necessary, it can be temporarily suspended. Generally, secretions should be taken from the opening of the Bartholin's glands, the urethral opening, and the paraurethral glands for smear examination of pathogens.

If the abscess is not treated in time, it may spread to the posterior side and form a perirectal abscess, and sometimes even rupture into the rectum. After the abscess is incised and drained, most of the abscess cavities can be completely closed and healed, but fistulas may occasionally form, with a small amount of secretions constantly discharged. When palpated, a small and hard nodule can be felt, with slight tenderness, and pus may sometimes flow out of the mouth when squeezed. Sometimes the mouth closes or narrows by itself, and pus can accumulate and form an abscess again, which may also recur and not heal for a long time.