Treatment of Bartholin Gland Abscess

About the disease

Bartholin gland abscess is an infection, which appears on the Bartholin`s glands, located on both sides of the vagina opening. Bartholin`s glands are generally responsible for providing lubrication to vagina during sexual intercourse.  It is manifested by pain, which can be sensed during walking or even sitting. Various gynecological infections can cause Bartholin gland abscess. Most commonly, it is accompanied by development of cyst in the Bartholin`s gland, which is also infected. Cyst or abscess itself can reach several centimeters in size and cause considerable pain. According to Healthline, approximately 2% of all female population develop Bartholin gland abscess during their lifetime. It is most common in women of reproductive age, which potentially can become pregnant.   

Bartholin gland abscess is usually caused by bacteria, which infect Bartholin`s gland. They can also cause swelling or obstruction. Bacteria, which can cause development of Bartholin gland abscess, is usually passed through sexual contact. These same bacteria cause chlamydia and gonorrhea. It is known as E.coli.

Bartholin gland abscess tends to progress quickly. Before abscess appears usually a cyst grows in on the Bartholin`s gland. It tends to grow very slowly, whereas abscess starts to manifest itself as pain almost immediately.  It rarely resolves on its own, that`s why a woman always needs to undergo treatment. 

Symptoms

• Pain during any activity, when there is slightest pressure on vagina
• Fever
• Swollen vagina
• Redness
• Irritability
• Sores

Diagnosis

• During a physical examination a gynecologist will examine vagina for signs of lumps, which cause pain and which can indicate presence of abscess.
• Sample test from a painful area, which can be conducted during a regular check-up, can also identify presence of abscess. It can also determine if a person has STD, which need to be treated as well to prevent appearance of other infections.
• Biopsy is sometimes performed to rule out the possibility of tumor or other conditions, which can cause similar symptoms. 

Treatment

• Treatment of Bartholin gland abscess usually involves drainage of infected Bartholin's gland. In early stages a patient may take special sitz bath and medicaments to alleviate the pain and reduce size of abscess, but most often person needs to undergo surgical intervention to completely drain the abscess.
• Surgery is performed through the incision of the abscess, which is usually done by special catheter. Catheter is placed into Bartholin`s gland for several weeks. Over this time, catheter drains the abscess and heals the gland. Surgical treatment can be accompanied by conservative treatment, which includes prescription of antibiotics that block infectious bacteria and heal infection. 

Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Farrukh Ahmed