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Alternative names Return to top
Abscess - Bartholin's; Infected Bartholin's glandDefinition Return to top
Bartholin's abscess involves an accumulation of pus that forms a lump (swelling) in one of the mucus-producing Bartholin's glands, which are located on each side of the vaginal opening at the innermost part of the labia. This swelling is hot to the touch, sensitive, and painful.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
A Bartholin's abscess forms when a duct (small drainage opening) from the gland gets blocked. Secretions in the gland builds up and may become infected. Many different types of bacteria can cause the infection, including the bacteria that cause gonorrhea. However, these infected glands are usually not caused by a sexually transmitted infection.
Often the abscess can appear and become full-blown within 2 or 3 days. Any activity that puts pressure against the vulva, even walking and sitting, may cause excruciating pain.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
A pelvic examination reveals an enlarged and tender Bartholin's gland.
Treatment Return to top
Soaking in warm water 4 times a day for several days usually provides some relief. This may help localize infection and cause the abscess to open and drain on its own. However, this does not always solve the problem, because the site of rupture is usually very small and closes quickly, before drainage is complete.
Surgical incision, which results in complete drainage of the abscess, provides the greatest relief and the fastest recovery. This procedure can be done under local anesthesia in a doctor's office. Placement of an iodoform (antiseptic) gauze wick or a small rubber catheter allows the abscess to continue draining while healing.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to combat the infection, but they are not usually needed if the abscess is drained properly.
Women who have recurrent abscesses may consider a procedure called marsupialization. In this procedure, a small, permanent opening is surgically created to help the gland drain.
Your health care provider may recommend that the glands be removed if abscesses recur.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The chance of full recovery is excellent. About 10% of the time, abscesses recur.
It is important to treat gonorrhea or any other infection that causes abscesses.
Complications Return to top
A chronic Bartholin's duct cyst may develop if the purulent fluid of the abscess is walled-off from the surrounding tissue. In women over the age of 40, an enlarged Bartholin's gland may signal an underlying tumor in the gland, although this is very rare.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a painful, swollen lump is noted on the labia near the vaginal opening and does not improve with 2-3 days of home treatment. Call if pain is severe and interferes with normal activity.
Call your health care provider if you develop a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prevention Return to top
Safer sex behaviors (especially condom use) and good personal hygiene may decrease the risk of developing a Bartholin's abscess.
Update Date: 7/19/2004 Updated by: Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |