It is the inflammation of the Bartholin's glands, located on each side of the vaginal opening.
It appears due to an obstruction of said glands due to accumulation of fluids or secondary to an infection. Its most common symptoms are inflammation, redness of the affected area, pain or fever.
The diagnosis will be established by clinical questioning and gynecological examination. In addition, an analysis of the secreted fluid or even a biopsy can be performed to rule out an underlying Bartolino gland tumor.
As for the treatment, it is based on the administration of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and analgesics. Occasionally it requires performing a drainage and, should it be chronic, it is possible to proceed to the extirpation of the glands.
Recommendations include avoiding the use of tight-fitting clothes and the continued use of lycra undergarments, maintaining proper intimate hygiene and taking precautions in sexual relations.
- Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in adults and adolescents. Khalil G Ghanem, MD, PhD. Uptodate. Jun 15, 2018.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2015. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services; October 2016.
- Liu B, Roberts CL, Clarke M, et al. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections and the risk of adverse obstetric outcomes: a retrospective cohort study. Sex Transm Infect 2013; 89:672.
- Workowski KA, Bolan GA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep 2015; 64:1.
- Illingworth B, Stocking K, Showell M, Kirk E, Duffy J. Evaluation of treatments for Bartholin's cyst or abscess: a systematic review. BJOG. 2020
May;127(6):671-678. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.16079. Epub 2020 Feb 4. PMID: 31876985. - Wechter ME, Wu JM, Marzano D, Haefner H. Management of Bartholin duct cysts and abscesses: a systematic review. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2009
Jun;64(6):395-404. doi: 10.1097/OGX.0b013e31819f9c76. PMID: 19445813. - Omole F, Kelsey RC, Phillips K, Cunningham K. Bartholin Duct Cyst and Gland Abscess: Office Management. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jun 15;99(12):760-766.
PMID: 31194482.
