What are the symptoms of Bartholinitis?

Bartholinitis is an inflammation of the Bartholin's glands, which are located in the lower 1/3 of the labia majora on both sides. They are about 0.5-1.0 cm in diameter, and their exit gland 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. Under the stimulation of sexual intercourse, mucus is secreted for lubrication. Due to the particularity of the anatomical position, pathogens can easily invade and cause Bartholinitis. The pathogens are mostly Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus and Enterococcus. With the increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis have become the most common pathogens. If not treated in time, acute suppurative inflammation will become Bartholin's gland abscess, which is more common in women of childbearing age.

Typical symptoms of Bartholinitis: burning sensation in the vulva (73%) swelling in the vulva (70%) pain during urination (67%) swelling in the vulva (65%) pain in the vulva (63%) itching in the vulva (60%)

At first, a red, swollen, hard lump is found in the posterior 1/3 of the labia majora. It is painful, with a burning sensation and obvious tenderness. It also causes pain during urination and difficulty walking. Sometimes it causes difficulty in urination and defecation. It is mostly unilateral, but 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 size of the lump varies, 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, the local pain is relieved, the congestion and edema are reduced, and the systemic symptoms disappear. When the pressure inside the abscess increases, The surface skin becomes thinner and the abscess ruptures on its own. If the hole is large, it can drain on its own, and the inflammation subsides quickly and heals. If the hole is small, the pus cannot be completely drained and the lesion may recur. Examination shows local skin redness and swelling, fever, and obvious tenderness. Sometimes systemic symptoms such as fever and increased white blood cell count may occur. If it is an infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, squeezing the local area may cause thin, light yellow pus to flow out. When the 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 has systemic symptoms such as fever, and the inguinal lymph nodes may enlarge to varying degrees.