Bartolinitis: what it is, causes and treatment

What is bartholinitis?

Bartolinitis isan infection or inflammation of the two bartolino glandsof women, those located in the navicular fossa, located on both sides of the vagina, leading to the vestibule of the same and whose function is toproduce transparent and natural mucus, to lubricate the vagina at the time of intercourse.

Bartolinitis isdue to diseases or contact with bacteria during sexual intercourse, despite being painless the first days, it is usually appreciated by the enormous red inflammation of the two glands, which it produces at the moment, they can even fill with pus, producing secretions inside and being dangerous because of their size.

Note: A medical study states that “Whenever a Bartholinitis appears even if there is no record of sexual intercourse or sexual assault, it is necessary to perform a study of Sexually Transmitted Infections and rule out the presence of Chlamydia Trichomatis and Neisseria Gonorrhea”. (1)

Types of bartolinitis

There areseveral types of bartolinitis, some become very serious due to their presence or duration. Others are mild and respond appropriately to treatments, even without requiring removal. We present the most important ones:

1. Acute

Acute bartholinitis is the one that does not persist for a long time , it is frequent but its onset is usually sudden, very devoid of relevant symptoms and it does not evolve to such a high degree. It can heal in a matter of weeks , but requires grooming and extreme care.

2. Chronicle

Better known as a Bartholin’s cyst, the latter can be caused by Little Attention to an Acute Episode, where the inflammation can grow and become a large painful cyst, in addition to leaving the patient disabled. The latterrequires removal or surgical intervention in the worst advanced cases.

To highlight:This Bartholin’s cyst can appear in the form of a small cyst or a larger Bartholin’s abscess, in the affected area of the vaginal gland, in any case, fluid drainage can be performed in the abscess or lump.

What are the causes of Bartholinitis?

Bartholinitis has various causes, mostly related to the environmentthrough which contact is made with the bacteria that cause inflammation or cysts. We present the main causes of the inflammation of the Bartholin glands:

1. Infections

They are the most common cause. This inflammation is caused by infections transmitted sexually and without protection, where contact with bacteria that cause diseases such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea(main etiological agents that produce this type of lump in the vagina) or by other bacteria can occur. likeEscherichia coli.

Important: A medical report states that “The presence of bacteria such as anaerobic Bacteroides and Peptostreptococus, E. Coli, S. Aureus, E fecalis, staphylococci, Haemophilus and Gardenerella are the main causes of Bartholinitis.” (two)

2. Trauma

The inflammation of these glands is not always due to a key infection, but also due to light or very severe trauma to the vaginal area , since the openings can allow the passage of bacteria.

They influence as the most relevant causes of Bartholinitis, which also generate obstruction in the uterine canal , where the Bartholin gland is located.

Note: Several factors related to injuries include the use of tight clothing, which can obstruct the vaginal area (including obstruction of the uterine canal) or accidents and sports injuries, which indirectly influence an infection.

3. Malignant tumor

Finally, Bartholinitis is caused by the expansion of a malignant tumor or cell mutation in the vaginal area , this is relevant in severe and chronic cases, because it means that the disease is in a very advanced state, being a tumor malignant, requires excision.

Note: Several studies agree that “In general, Bartholin gland cysts reach diameters of 1 to 4 cm. However, the case of a cyst that reached 10 cm in diameter is reported. (3)

What are the symptoms of Bartholinitis?

Bartholinitis is very easy to recognize, the symptoms are not easy to hideand sometimes they become painful. Therefore, we present the main symptoms that you should be aware of:

1. Sensitive bump

You can see a bump, mostly filled with fluid or pus, red in color and can be quite large, measuring almost 10 centimeters, unfortunately it is widely recognized because this cyst does not allow certain patients to walk.

2. Inflammation and pain

Continuing with the bump, it can become quite inflamed, obstructing the vaginal cavity and lips of it, there may be outbreaks of blood and feel a noticeable pain, even in basic activities such as walking, which becomes difficult.

3. Fever

Due to pain and the increase in disease or bacteria, the immune system can be quite affected, making it very weak and allowing external diseases to pass, causing very high and unsatisfactory fevers.

How is Bartholinitis cured?

1. Antibiotics and pain relievers

Antibiotics and analgesics are required for the first appearances (especially acute cases), in order to prevent the spread of the disease and become large cysts, these are prescribed after a medical examination.

Note: According to a medical study “After surgeries, a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic should be prescribed for one week. The patient must be checked in consultation after eight days and after a month. (4)

2. Drainage or removal surgery

Sometimes with drugs the cyst drains spontaneously, if this is not the case, a specialist doctor can perform drainage surgery through slight incisions, one can even opt for removal either in an acute state or one that is very advanced as the form of a tumor.

3. Sitz baths with warm water

Sitz baths help other cases such as hemorrhoids, simply the woman or the patient only needs to take this type of bath for curative cleaning purposes , you need a base full of hot water where you can sit for several minutes, the heat will undo the inflammation and relieving pain.

4. Application of heat to the area

If you do not want a sitz bath, you can also opt for a press or cloths with hot water , in order to be applied to the affected area, a clean and disinfected cloth must first be used, the water must be hot to a tolerable degree and applied by the minutes.

Key Findings

• Bartholinitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the Bartholin glands .
• It is caused by bacteria transmitted by sexual contact mostly.
• Its symptoms include swelling, fluid-filled lumps, and Excruciating pain.
• There are various treatments that include the use of drugs or surgery and removal.