What are the symptoms of Bartholinitis?

Bartholinitis is an inflammation of the Bartholin's glands, which are located in the lower third of the labia majora on both sides. Their diameter is about 0.5-1.0 cm, and their exit ducts are about 1.5-2.0 cm long. The gland opening is located on the inner side of the labia minora near the hymen. The following is a detailed introduction to the symptoms of Bartholinitis.

Typical symptoms of Bartholinitis: burning sensation in the vulva

1. Vulvar swelling 2. Painful urination 3. Vulvar skin swelling 4. Vulvar pain 5. Vulvar itching

Initially, a red, swollen, hard lump is found in the posterior 1/3 of the labia majora. It is accompanied by pain, burning sensation, obvious tenderness, painful urination, difficulty walking, and sometimes difficulty urinating and defecating. It is mostly unilateral and occasionally bilateral. After that, the skin on the surface of the lump becomes thinner, the surrounding tissue becomes edematous, and there is a sense of fluctuation. It develops into an abscess. The lump varies in size, mostly the size of an egg, and is often accompanied by enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. In severe cases, there may be systemic symptoms such as fever and headache. If not treated, the abscess may rupture on its own.

After the pus flows out, local pain is relieved, congestion and edema are reduced, and systemic symptoms disappear. When the pressure inside the abscess increases, the surface skin becomes thinner, and the abscess ruptures on its own. If the rupture is large, it can drain on its own, and the inflammation subsides quickly and heals. If the rupture is small, the pus cannot be completely drained, and the lesion may recur.

Examination shows local skin redness, swelling, fever, and obvious tenderness. Sometimes systemic symptoms such as fever and increased white blood cell count may occur. If it is a gonorrhea infection, thin, light yellow pus may flow out when squeezing the local area. When an abscess is formed, the pain intensifies and a sense of fluctuation can be felt. In severe cases, the diameter of the abscess can reach 5 to 6 cm. The patient will have systemic symptoms such as fever, and the inguinal lymph nodes may enlarge to varying degrees.