What is Bartholinitis

I think most people have never heard of the name of Bartholinitis, especially girls. The Bartholin's gland is actually a part of the back of the labia majora on both sides of the female. During sexual intercourse, childbirth or other situations, the vulva is contaminated, making it easy for pathogens to enter and cause inflammation. So, what is Bartholin's gland?

Bartholinitis is mainly caused by some pathogens, such as Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli or Streptococcus, which are sexually transmitted and cause some genital infections. In addition, there are some anaerobic bacteria, among which Bacteroides are more common. This is because Bacteroides can normally live in the vagina, so there is a greater chance of infection. Bartholinitis is a mixed infection and often occurs during the reproductive period.

Bartholinitis first invades the gland duct, causing local redness, swelling, heat, and pain. The affected area will swell, feel burning, and be extremely painful. Sometimes, you may have difficulty urinating or defecating. Sometimes, the fluid cannot flow out and forms an abscess, so it is called a Bartholin's gland abscess. When you touch the lump, you will feel fluctuations and obvious tenderness. If it is not treated in time, it will burst on its own.

For Bartholinitis, patients often experience systemic symptoms such as enlarged inguinal lymph nodes, increased body temperature, and increased white blood cell count. For Bartholinitis, if the Bartholin abscess is not treated in time, it will form an abscess around the rectum, and sometimes even rupture into the rectum. After the abscess is incised and drained, most of the abscess cavities will close on their own and heal. If Bartholinitis reaches the acute stage, due to the obstruction of the glandular duct, the glandular secretion fluid cannot be discharged, and a Bartholin cyst will form.

As for how to prevent Bartholinitis, experts suggest that keeping the vulva clean is the main way to prevent infection. Wash the vulva regularly every day and do not wear nylon underwear. When patients suffer from vulvitis, they should be treated in time. This will prevent the occurrence of Bartholinitis to a certain extent. At the same time, women should also have a certain degree of self-control over sexual behavior and moderate sexual life, which will be of great help in preventing Bartholinitis.