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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.
Swelling
Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...
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.
Abscess
An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.
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.
Vulva
The vulva is made up of the female genital parts that are outside the body. It includes the "lips" or folds of skin (labia), clitoris, and the openi...
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- A tender lump on either side of the vaginal opening
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Fever
Fever
Fever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - 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.
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. The discharge may be:Thick, pasty, or thinClear, cloudy, bloody, white, yellow, or greenOdor...
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.
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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.
General anesthesia
General anesthesia is treatment with certain medicines that puts you into a deep sleep so you do not feel pain during surgery. After you receive the...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - 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.
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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
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.
