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Inflamed Bartholin’s Gland: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on
Inflamed Bartholin's Gland

The inflammation of Bartholin’s gland is a common and excruciating condition level of the vulva. It occurs in the female sex quickly and unexpectedly, affecting the quality of life of women who suffer from it regularly. These glands are responsible for secreting a fluid that lubricates the vagina.

This alteration affects women who have reached sexual maturity. On some occasions, surgical intervention may be necessary for its removal and resolution. The inflammation of this gland is what is known as bartolinitis—the risk of developing a Bartholin gland cyst increases as the number of deliveries increases.

This FastlyHealarticle will explain Bartholin’s gland’s causes, symptoms, and treatment.

What is the inflammation of the Bartholin’s gland?

Bartholinitis is an inflammatory process produced in the Bartholin’s gland due to obstructing the ducts that lubricate the labia minora or trauma.

These glands are located on both sides of the vaginal opening; the two glands are the size of a pea. They are connected to the vagina through a conduit between the hymen and the labia minora. The liquid they produce is transparent and is responsible for lubricating the vagina.

This inflammation is manifested by an increase in volume on the sides of the vulva.

Inflamed Bartholin’s gland: causes

The causes that trigger this inflammatory process are multiple. Among them are:

  • Accumulation of fluid: when there are infectious processes, fluids accumulate, and in this way, inflammation of the gland occurs.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases: bartolinitis is not transmitted through sexual contact, but when STDs happen where there is an accumulation of pus at the vaginal level, this can increase the size of both glands. These diseases can be gonorrhea or chlamydia, infections with which pus can collect in the vagina.
  • Bartholin’s cyst: this is produced by the accumulation of fluid, caused by the enlargement of the gland, and is known as a cyst.
  • Use of lycra underwear: the use of lycra underwear can cause infections.
  • Tight clothing: very tight pants or shorts can compress the area and cause inflammation. Both the use of tight dress and lycra create a suitable medium for the proliferation of bacteria capable of producing this inflammation.
  • Stress or predisposition issues: Stress can trigger inflammation without an apparent cause. Occasionally, the presence of an immune-type disorder may be evident.
  • The presence of adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that can compromise the gland, although sporadic. A biopsy should be performed to rule out its presence in cases where this inflammation occurs in women over 40 years.

Inflamed Bartholin

Inflamed Bartholin’s gland: symptoms

Generally, this inflammation does not produce symptoms, and its appearance is abrupt and without warning.

In cases where it is an uninfected inflammatory process, it is in the presence of a Bartholin’s cyst, which can cause the following symptoms:

  • Inflammation is located at the level of the labia majora, which increases progressively.
  • Pain.

If the inflammation of the Bartholin’s gland is the product of an infectious process, the following occurs:

  • High fever greater than 38ºC.
  • General malaise accompanied by chills.
  • Pus escapes through the lesion, causing immediate pain and pressure relief.
  • Discomfort when walking, sitting, and at the time of sexual intercourse.

In cases where a painless Bartholin gland inflammation occurs in a postmenopausal woman without being accompanied by other symptoms, it should be considered whether it is a malignant tumor of the gland.

In the presence of any of these symptoms, you should go to your gynecologist. He is the one to verify their existence and indicate the appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis of an inflamed Bartholin’s gland

The diagnosis of this inflammatory process is straightforward, the gynecologist carries it out in the consultation, and for this, it requires:

  • A good medical history.
  • Background examination.
  • The increase in volume in the vulvar region will be observed during physical examination accompanied by heat, pain, and redness.

At this time, the medical treatment to follow is indicated.

Inflammation of the Bartholin’s gland in pregnancy

A pregnant woman can suffer from bartolinitis, and in this case, it must be treated early to avoid the complications that generate the presence of an abscess.

Symptoms and treatment are the same as in a woman who is not pregnant. The stage of pregnancy she is in must be taken into account to indicate the appropriate treatment that does not cause damage to the development of the fetus.

If the woman is close to the delivery time, the abscess should be drained as soon as possible to prevent further discomfort.

Inflamed Bartholin’s gland: treatment

The treatment of the inflammation of the Bartholin gland is aimed at calming the pain. This is achieved by controlling the inflammation and eliminating the infection if it is present.

In cases where the increase in volume and pain are moderate, a treatment based on cold compresses, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs will be indicated.

If it is a more laborious process, once the inflammation stage is controlled, the lesion should be drained, and the area cleaned so that no remains of pus material remain. In addition, drug treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory is indicated.

In cases where drainage occurs spontaneously, it must be verified that the cavity is entirely free of pus to prevent the lesion from spreading.

Bartolino’s cyst operation

There are cases where it is advisable to remove the gland entirely, so a surgical procedure must be used. This type of procedure is recommended in cases of acute bartholinitis, which occurs very frequently. The area must be deflated to proceed with excision. This is known as marsupialization, which is nothing more than drainage of the cyst.

It is essential to treat this condition as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary complications. Do not hesitate to consult with your trusted gynecologist; he will provide you with the treatment you need to alleviate this condition in the shortest possible time.

Bartolino's cyst operation

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Inflamed Bartholin’s Gland: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment, we recommend entering our Female Reproductive System category.

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