Is Bartholinitis Dangerous?

Bartholinitis is a gynecological disease that often occurs in women of childbearing age. The existence of this gynecological disease always poses a huge threat to women's health. If Bartholinitis is not treated in time, it will cause great harm to patients and cause many complications. So, what are the complications of Bartholinitis? In response to this issue, the editor will introduce it below, hoping to help women.

What are the complications of Bartholinitis?

Bartholinitis is an inflammation caused by infection with a variety of pathogens. If Bartholinitis is not treated in time, it will cause acute suppurative inflammation and become Bartholin's gland abscess. This disease is more common in women of childbearing age and less common in young girls and postmenopausal women. Bartholinitis needs to be treated in time, otherwise it will be very harmful and there will be many complications. So, what are the complications of Bartholinitis?

In the acute stage of Bartholinitis, there is local pain and redness and swelling. The pain is most severe when a Bartholin gland abscess forms. 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 egg- to apple-sized lumps, often unilateral (Figure 1). 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 contralateral vulva. There is significant local tenderness and a sense of fluctuation, and the inguinal lymph nodes are often enlarged.

If the abscess is not treated in time, it may occasionally spread to the posterior direction, forming a perirectal abscess, and sometimes even rupture into the rectum. After the abscess is incised and drained, most abscess cavities can be completely closed and healed, but fistulas may occasionally form, with a small amount of secretions constantly discharged. A small and hard nodule can be felt during palpation, with slight tenderness, and pus can sometimes flow out of the fistula when squeezed. Sometimes the fistula closes or narrows on its own, and pus can accumulate and form an abscess again, which may also recur and not heal for a long time. After the acute phase of Bartholinitis, due to the obstruction of the glandular duct, the glandular secretion fluid cannot be discharged and is retained, forming a Bartholin's gland cyst.

Warm reminder: The above is an introduction to the complications of Bartholinitis. Bartholinitis has a great impact on women's health. If it is not actively treated, it is likely to cause serious consequences for female friends. Therefore, if women have symptoms of Bartholinitis, they should go to a regular hospital for treatment as soon as possible and take active treatment measures to avoid worsening of the disease and affecting their health.