Inflammation of the Bartholin’s glands, usually caused by bacteria, and characterized by swelling, pain, and abscess formation.
Inflammation of the mucus-secreting glands alongside the vaginal opening (Bartholin’s glands). In chronic bartholinitis cysts may form in the glands. In acute bartholinitis the glands are blocked and an abscess develops.
Bartholin’s gland infection, located at the vaginal entrance, is characterized by inflammation. This condition, often associated with sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, leads to a painful and swollen redness at the opening of the gland ducts. The treatment typically involves the use of antibiotic medications, analgesics for pain relief, and warm baths to alleviate discomfort.
Bartholinitis can sometimes progress to the development of an abscess or a painless cyst referred to as Bartholin’s cyst, which may become infected. Abscesses are typically drained under general anesthesia. In cases of recurrent abscesses or infected cysts, surgical intervention may be necessary. This can involve converting the duct into an open pouch through a procedure known as marsupialization or completely removing the gland.