What is Bartholinitis

Bartholinitis is an inflammation of the Bartholin glands, a common type of vulvar inflammation in women. The Bartholin glands (also known as Bartholin glands) are located deep in the lower 1/3 of the labia majora on both sides of the female vulva. The diameter of the gland is about 0.5~25px, the outflow duct of the gland is about 1.5~50px long, and the gland opening is located on the inner side of the labia minora near the edge of the hymen.

Under the stimulation of sexual intercourse, the Bartholin's glands secrete mucus, which acts as a lubricant during intercourse. Due to their special anatomical location, when the vulva is contaminated by sexual intercourse, miscarriage, childbirth, etc., pathogens can easily invade and cause inflammation [1].

Causes

The cause of Bartholinitis is mainly bacterial infection. Domestic research has found that the pathogens are mostly Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Gonorrhea, while Gonorrhea is the most common in foreign countries. In addition, there are anaerobic bacteria. Some scholars have cultured pus from Bartholin's gland abscesses and cultured anaerobic bacteria, among which Bacteroides is the most common. With the increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis have become common pathogens.

Pathogenesis

This disease is mostly a mixed infection. When acute inflammation occurs, bacteria first invade the glandular ducts. The openings of the glandular ducts are blocked due to inflammatory swelling or coagulation of exudate. Pus cannot flow out and gradually accumulates to form an abscess called Bartholin's gland abscess (also known as Bartholin's gland abscess).

The vast majority of patients can be cured and will not relapse, but a small number of patients may have repeated relapses.