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Bartholin cyst or abscess

Abscess - Bartholin; Infected Bartholin gland

 

Bartholin abscess is the buildup of pus that forms a lump ( swelling ) in one of the Bartholin glands. These glands are found on each side of the vaginal opening.

Causes

 

A Bartholin abscess forms when a small opening (duct) from the gland gets blocked. Fluid in the gland builds up and may become infected. Fluid may build up over many years before an abscess occurs.

Often the abscess appears quickly over several days. The area will become very hot and swollen. Activity that puts pressure on the vulva , and walking and sitting, may cause severe pain.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms may include:

  • A tender lump on either side of the vaginal opening
  • Fever
  • Pain with sexual intercourse

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will do a pelvic exam. The Bartholin gland will be enlarged and tender. A biopsy may be recommended in older women to look for a tumor, although this is very rare.

Any vaginal discharge or fluid drainage will be sent to a lab for testing.

 

Treatment

 

SELF-CARE STEPS

Soaking in warm water 4 times a day for several days can ease the discomfort. It can also help the abscess open and drain on its own. However, the opening is often very small and closes quickly. Therefore, the abscess often returns.

DRAINAGE OF THE ABSCESS

A small surgical cut can completely drain the abscess. This relieves symptoms and provides the fastest recovery.

  • The procedure can be done under local anesthesia in a provider's office.
  • A catheter (tube) may be inserted and left in place for 4 to 6 weeks to continue to allow draining while the area heals.
  • You should begin soaking in warm water 1 to 2 days afterward. You cannot have sexual intercourse until the catheter is removed.

Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is pus or other signs of infection.

MARSUPIALIZATION

Women can also be treated with a minor surgical procedure called marsupialization.

  • The procedure involves creating a small, permanent opening to help the gland drain.
  • The procedure can sometimes be done in the clinic with medicine to numb the area. In other cases, it may need to be done in the hospital with general anesthesia so that you are asleep and pain-free.
  • You should begin soaking in warm water 1 to 2 days afterward. You cannot have sexual intercourse for 4 weeks after surgery.
  • You can use oral pain medicines after the procedure. Your provider may prescribe narcotic pain medicines if you need them.

Your provider may recommend that the glands be completely removed if abscesses keep coming back.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The chance of a full recovery is excellent. The abscesses return in about 1 in 10 cases.

It is important to treat any vaginal infection that is diagnosed at the same time as the abscess.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if:

  • You notice a painful, swollen lump on the labia near the vagina opening and it does not improve with 2 to 3 days of home treatment.
  • Pain is severe and interferes with your normal activity.
  • You have one of these cysts and develop a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C).

 

 

References

Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Infections of the lower genital tract: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2012:chap 23.

Holtzman LC, Hitti E, Harrow J. Incision and drainage. In: Roberts JR, Hedges JR, eds. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 37.

 
  • Female reproductive anatomy - illustration

    External structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris. Internal structures include the uterus, ovaries and cervix.

    Female reproductive anatomy

    illustration

    • Female reproductive anatomy - illustration

      External structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris. Internal structures include the uterus, ovaries and cervix.

      Female reproductive anatomy

      illustration

    Tests for Bartholin cyst or abscess

     

       

      Review Date: 5/16/2016

      Reviewed By: Irina Burd, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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