Bartholinitis is a disease characterized by the development of an inflammatory process in the Bartholin gland. Most often, the pathology is unilateral - that is, only one of the paired glands suffers. If the doctor has diagnosed bartholinitis, treatment is carried out with mandatory use antibiotics and local procedures. In the advanced stage of the disease, the formed abscess contains pus, which requires urgent surgical intervention with washing the cavity of the affected gland.
What kind of disease is this, what symptoms a woman should pay attention to, as well as treatment methods - we will look in more detail in this article.
Bartholinitis is infectious inflammation large (Bartholin's) glands located in the vestibule of the vagina, often unilateral in nature (see photo below). The disease can occur in women of any age, but it most often occurs between the ages of 20 and 35 years. Its prevalence is quite high: 1 case in 50 women.
Bartholin's gland is a paired organ and is located deep in the subcutaneous fat at the base of the labia majora. The main function of the Bartholin glands is the production of a viscous secretion, which is released during sexual intercourse through the excretory ducts of the glands and lubricates the entrance to the vagina.
Penetration into the excretory duct of the gland viral infection leads to blockage of its lumen. The secretion produced by the gland accumulates and a Bartholin gland cyst is formed. In this case, the pathogen that provoked the inflammation actively develops in the gland duct, thereby causing an abscess.
Inflammation large gland The vestibule of the vagina develops after the penetration of representatives of opportunistic microbial microflora (streptococcus, and others) or pathogens of specific sexually transmitted infections (gonococcus and trichomonas) into it.
But when diagnosing a disease, not one, but several infectious agents are often isolated, that is, bartholinitis arose as a result of an attack by an association of microorganisms. However, not all women suffering from gonorrhea, or, for example, trichomoniasis, develop bartholinitis.
As a rule, pathogens enter the Bartholin gland duct from the urethra or vagina during urethritis and/or. However, sometimes it is possible for infection to enter directly into the gland itself through the flow of blood or lymph.
There are other risk factors for developing bartholinitis:
The likelihood of developing the disease increases many times under the following circumstances:
Bartholinitis, depending on the nature of the course, manifests itself in the following forms:
Based on the location of the lesion, there are:
Acute bartholinitis in most cases develops on one side. The labia majora at the site of the gland swells, increases in size, and its skin turns red. It is felt in the thickness of the lip painful lump ranging in size from one to several centimeters - the gland itself.
IN acute stage diseases, intimate contacts are very difficult or completely impossible, since any touch to the affected labia causes excruciating pain.
Canaliculitis is a unilateral (with gonorrhea often bilateral) inflammation of the excretory duct of the Bartholin gland. Initial symptoms bartholinitis: redness limited to the area where the duct exits inner surface labia majora; soreness; upon palpation, the excretory duct can be clearly felt; When pressed, a certain amount of pus appears.
The disease proceeds for a long time with periods of subsidence and exacerbation (relapses) of the symptoms of the disease, which can be triggered by various reasons: hypothermia, menstruation and others. Outside of an exacerbation, the woman feels well, but may complain of slight pain on the affected side and painful sensations during sexual intercourse.
When pathogenic microorganisms invade the gland tissue, as well as the tissue that surrounds it, pyogenic (purulent) melting of the gland parenchyma occurs with the formation of a capsule in which pus is localized. Both the labia minora and the labia swell, and on the unaffected side too, they turn red and become sharply painful when walking, at rest, and when touched.
General symptoms:
The main principles of treatment for bartholinitis are antibacterial therapy and pain relief. If a Bartholin gland cyst or abscess develops, surgical treatment is often necessary. During the entire treatment period, the woman is advised to abstain from sexual activity.
The disease begins with infiltration of the excretory duct of the Bartholin gland. Its lumen sharply narrows (and then disappears completely), the outflow of the contents of the gland is disrupted, and it accumulates in the gland. In response to these changes, the size of the gland begins to gradually increase; a rounded protrusion appears on the surface of the affected labia majora, surrounded by a zone of hyperemia and edema.
Bartholinitis is manifested by the following symptoms:
During sexual intercourse, itching and burning may be felt at the entrance to the vagina. When pressing on the gland, purulent discharge. In subsequent stages of bartholinitis inflammatory process spreads deep into the organ to form an abscess or cyst.
This is what bartholinitis in women looks like in the photo
In the later stages, when the abscess has already formed, the woman will feel quite strong, throbbing pain in the area of the vaginal opening, her health will worsen, chills are possible, an increase in body temperature to 39 degrees or more, general weakness and malaise, and headache. Movement will be accompanied by discomfort or even pain in the perineum, a burning sensation.
Symptoms of acute bartholinitis:
Signs of chronic bartholinitis:
The rest of the time, the chronic form may not appear special features. Sometimes there may only be slight pain during movement and sexual intercourse. Also, chronic bartholinitis can provoke the appearance of a large gland cyst at the entrance to the vagina.
If there is any hint of inflammatory processes in the Bartholin gland, women carrying a child need to short time consult a doctor. A disease such as bartholinitis has the same symptoms during pregnancy as in the normal state, so it will not be difficult to recognize the disease.
It is very important to do this, since this disease, which developed between the fifth day from the moment of conception and the thirteenth week, can lead to fetal death.
When planning a pregnancy, you should definitely completely cure bartholinitis before it occurs. If the disease first arose during the period of bearing a child - with full responsibility and obligatory medical care we need to approach minimizing harm to the fetus and mother.
Without timely treatment, suppuration in the vestibule of the vagina can lead to the spread of infection to other organs of the reproductive system.
There is a risk of spontaneous opening of the abscess inside with the subsequent spread of purulent inflammation to other tissues and organs, up to.
When the abscess is opened, relief comes out, but the disease without appropriate treatment becomes chronic; in some cases, a fistula forms at the site of the abscess breakthrough.
The following complications are possible with bartholinitis:
Bartholinitis - which doctor will help? If you have or suspect the development of bartholinitis, you should immediately consult a doctor such as a gynecologist! Laboratory diagnostics is necessary, but its task is to clarify the pathogen after opening the abscess and to exclude sexually transmitted infections. After all, if the problem was initially caused by gonococci or chlamydia that got into the gland, then these infections need to be treated independently and first of all.
To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory tests are performed, which include:
If bartholinitis is detected, treatment must begin immediately. The earlier treatment is started, the better the prognosis of the disease. The easiest way to treat bartholinitis is in the canaliculitis stage, the therapy of which can be carried out at home.
Before prescribing the drug, material for laboratory research to determine the type of pathogen and clarify its sensitivity to antibiotics. This method significantly increases the effectiveness of subsequent therapy.
Treatment of symptoms of bartholinitis in women has the following goals:
The course of treatment consists of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs, and physiotherapy.
Additionally, to alleviate the condition, symptomatic treatment is prescribed:
After discharge from the hospital, to prevent and prevent the onset of symptoms of bartholinitis, on the other hand, a woman must strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene. As an independent measure, we can advise periodically taking sitz baths with a diluted (weak pink) solution of potassium permanganate or chamomile decoction. The time for taking such a bath is about twenty minutes.
The main goal of treatment during the acute stage is to prevent the formation of an abscess, cyst and chronic recurrent form of bartholinitis. It is important to strictly adhere to the regimen and duration of taking medications, since there is a high probability of resistance developing in the microflora.
Treatment of bartholinitis with antibiotics is mandatory, since the pathology is caused by infectious agents. The course of antibiotic therapy is 7-10 days. To increase the effectiveness of treatment, it is important to identify the causative agent of the disease and its sensitivity to antibacterial agents.
To combat pathogenic microorganisms, antibiotic therapy is prescribed. Such drugs include:
In the case of an STD, both partners must be treated with antibiotics to prevent recurrence of the disease.
To restore the beneficial microflora of the vagina and relieve inflammation, it is necessary to consume a large number of fermented milk products(kefir, fermented baked milk, whey, sour cream), which are rich in live lacto- and bifidobacteria. These products promote the growth of beneficial microflora in the vagina, promote the synthesis and absorption of vitamins A and E, reduce inflammation and improve immunity.
Since chronic bartholinitis occurs with alternating periods of exacerbation and subsidence of symptoms, treatment of the pathology will be associated with the elimination clinical symptoms and relieving inflammatory processes.
Between periods of exacerbation chronic form the following procedures are prescribed:
Timely contact with a specialist will prevent the development of chronic bartholinitis and significantly reduce the time of therapy and the degree of radicality of treatment. In a chronic process, immunostimulation and rehabilitation of chronic lesions play an important role.
If conservative treatment bartholinitis did not bring the expected effect, an operation to open it is indicated purulent abscess or cysts.
Surgically treated:
For the operation, the patient must be in the hospital. The procedure is performed under intravenous anesthesia, because local anesthetic administration is difficult and painful.
Surgery for bartholinitis allows you to solve the problem in 2 ways:
The prognosis for bartholinitis is generally favorable if you seek treatment in a timely manner. medical assistance and follow all specialist recommendations.
Folk remedies for treating bartholinitis at home should be agreed with your doctor.
Before contacting folk recipes, it is important to visit a doctor and choose the appropriate course of treatment depending on how the disease progresses.
Naturally, like any disease, bartholinitis is easier to prevent than to treat for a long time. And the greatest value is simple preventive measures acquired during a woman's pregnancy.
Bartholinitis is a potentially dangerous but treatable disease. The main thing is to be responsible and attentive to your health.
Few women know where the Bartholin gland is located and what bartholinitis is until they encounter a similar problem. The disease is relatively rare and does not pose a serious threat to health or reproductive function. However, in Lately There is an increase in the number of cases. This is facilitated frequent change sexual partners, neglect of condoms, increasing prevalence of HIV infection.
Bartholinitis is an inflammatory pathology, usually associated with a decrease in immune defense or sexually transmitted diseases. The Bartholin glands, a paired formation located in the thickness of the woman’s labia majora, become inflamed. They got their name from the surname of the anatomist who described them, Caspor Bartolini, who studied the female reproductive system in the 17th century. Their function is auxiliary: they secrete a small amount of mucus into the vestibule of the vagina, which plays the role of natural lubrication during sexual intercourse. When inflamed, the Bartholin glands increase in size, become painful and cause significant discomfort to the woman.
Often, patients endure bartholinitis without any treatment, in the hope that the situation will resolve on its own. Such frivolity leads to a serious gynecological problem - chronic bartholinitis. It is much more difficult to cure than the acute form of the disease; the inflammation takes on a persistent, recurrent nature. How to recognize the disease on initial stage and how to treat bartholinitis, read on.
To better understand the principles of treating bartholinitis, it is worth learning a little about the structure of the gland itself. The Bartholin gland is a hollow, round formation the size of a pea, from which an excretory duct in the form of a thin tube extends to the surface of the skin. Interior The gland lies in the fatty tissue that fills the labia majora. Normally, it is soft, elastic and difficult to feel under the skin.
The gland is lined from the inside with secretory epithelium - cells that produce mucus. The secretion accumulates in the inner part and when it is completely filled or the woman becomes aroused, it is released through the duct to the outside. The mucus of the Bartholin gland has good lubricating properties. It facilitates the insertion of the penis into the vagina and protects the vestibule from damage during friction. Dysfunction of the Bartholin gland causes dryness and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
As mentioned above, the causes of bartholinitis are infections and decreased immunity. Both of these factors are combined in the following cases:
The main causative agents of bartholinitis are:
Can cause disease as true pathogenic bacteria, and opportunistic. The latter are activated only in conditions of decreased immunity. Microorganisms enter the gland from the surface of the skin, ascending the excretory duct, or are carried through the blood or lymph flow from other foci of infection.
Bartholinitis can occur:
Depending on which part of the gland is affected, there are:
Symptoms of bartholinitis can be expressed to varying degrees, depending on the type of inflammation and the extent of damage to the gland. Mild forms of the disease go unnoticed by the woman: she does not attach importance to minor discomfort in the area of the vaginal vestibule. However, even slight inflammation leads to an increase in the size of the gland and its compaction. It can be felt under the skin of the labia and may bulge slightly above the surface. If the inflammation is mild, the gland is moderately painful or does not hurt at all.
Acute bartholinitis with purulent inflammation proceeds differently. Its symptoms are clearly expressed:
As the disease becomes chronic, the Bartholin gland transforms into a cyst filled with pus or mucus. It gradually increases and can reach the size of a chicken egg. Since its function is impaired in this case, the main complaint, in addition to the tumor, is dryness and discomfort during sexual intercourse. The chronic form occurs with exacerbations: periodically the woman feels heat and pain in the labia, the gland increases in size.
An excessive or sudden increase in the size of the abscess often leads to it opening on its own. A similar situation can occur during sex, mechanical compression of the perineum when riding a bicycle, or horseback riding. In this case, the pus pours out in the form of a yellow-green thick mass with unpleasant smell. Under unfavorable circumstances, the abscess can open into the fatty tissue of the labia, which leads to its inflammation - cellulite. The pain in this condition increases sharply, the tissue around the gland swells.
Either one or both Bartholin glands can become inflamed. IN the latter case Complaints of discomfort during intercourse come first. The necessary lubrication for smooth insertion of the penis is completely absent and women experience an unpleasant sensation of friction during friction.
A gynecologist makes a diagnosis and for this he needs to examine the patient in a chair, collect anamnesis and study complaints. It is important for the doctor to find out how long ago the disease began and what it is associated with: a change in sexual partner, stress, hypothermia, abortion or surgery. He finds out whether the patient had symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases. As a rule, these measures are sufficient to establish a diagnosis. If the gynecologist has doubts about the nature of the pathology, then the diagnosis includes additional procedures:
Treatment of bartholinitis is carried out by a gynecologist in outpatient setting. Hospitalization and sick leave are usually not required. Therapeutic tactics depend on the form of the disease and its stage. If a sexually transmitted infection is detected, treatment of bartholinitis must be carried out in conjunction with STD therapy. To do this, suppositories with antiseptics (Hexicon, Polygynax, Betadine) and antibiotics (Clindamycin, Metromicon-neo) are prescribed vaginally. The patient’s sexual partner must also undergo treatment.
The main goal of therapy at this stage of the disease is to suppress the pathogen and prevent the infection from passing into chronic stage. The doctor first decides which antibiotics to take, based on his experience and presumptive pathogenic microflora in the patient. Subsequently, he makes the exact choice of the drug after receiving the culture results. If the patient’s condition does not improve for more than 3 days, then the initially prescribed antibiotic is changed to a more suitable one. Suitable for treating bartholinitis:
The doctor can combine two types of antibiotics to expand their spectrum of action. For example, Doxycycline is prescribed together with Metronidazole - together they have a detrimental effect on gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes. The listed drugs are prescribed for oral administration in tablet form.
Treatment of bartholinitis with antibiotics is also carried out in local form. The drug contained in the ointment is applied directly to the skin in the area of the inflamed gland. So antibiotics act more locally, creating high concentration in the tissues of the gland and the surrounding tissue. Their effect on the entire body is eliminated, thereby minimizing the risk of side effects.
Good for local treatment Levomekol ointment. It combines antimicrobial drug with healing, successfully copes with inflammation. The ointment is easy to apply and quickly penetrates the site of inflammation. Apply 1-2 times a day in a thin layer. Tetracycline ointment is also effective for the treatment of bartholinitis. It is applied to the skin of the labia in a thin layer 3-5 times a day.
Acute bartholinitis requires a woman to have sexual rest for the entire period of treatment. She should follow a diet limiting spicy foods, marinades, smoked foods, fatty and fried foods. It is necessary to completely eliminate alcohol - while taking antibiotics, it can cause a toxic reaction. Following all the doctor’s recommendations allows you to cure bartholinitis without surgery in most cases.
A formed abscess or cyst must be opened surgically. The procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis at an appointment with a gynecologist. He lays the woman down on an armchair and escorts her local anesthesia Lidocaine and makes an incision in the skin over the gland. Gradually, the doctor reaches the gland, opens its capsule and carefully removes the contents. Afterwards, he rinses the resulting cavity with antiseptics and loosely stitches the edges of the wound.
Further treatment largely determines the outcome of the operation. In case of inadequate management postoperative period relapses often occur: the gland is again gradually filled with mucus or pus. In such cases, opening of bartholinitis is carried out repeatedly until a good result is achieved.
Sterile gauze pads soaked in a healing and antimicrobial agent are applied to the incision site. Vishnevsky ointment is well suited - it stimulates the regeneration process, strengthens local immunity and has an antiseptic effect. Ichthyol ointment effectively draws fluid from inflamed tissues, wound exudate and pus, which contributes to the rapid cleansing of the wound and its healing.
Treatment of chronic bartholinitis is not an easy problem. The microbial factor at this stage already plays a secondary role, and violations come first local immunity. Therapy is carried out in the following ways:
Bartholinitis during pregnancy and after childbirth is treated with local anti-inflammatory drugs, sitz baths with antiseptic solutions (potassium permanganate, chlorhexidine). In this case, antibiotics are prescribed only when absolutely necessary - if a woman has developed acute purulent bartholinitis. Self-medication in pregnant and nursing mothers is unacceptable; only the doctor decides what to do for each patient individually.
Treatment of bartholinitis at home is allowed if the severity of inflammation is minimal and the woman is not bothered by anything other than a slight enlargement of the gland. However, in this case, there is a risk of bartholinitis becoming chronic. You cannot take antibiotics on your own - the wrong dose or choosing the wrong drug will lead to the development of resistance in microorganisms.
How to treat bartholinitis at home? You can take sitz baths with a decoction of herbs once a day: chamomile, calendula, oak bark, St. John's wort. At night you should apply compresses with ichthyol ointment, Vishnevsky ointment. It is necessary to limit sexual activity during treatment and be examined together with your partner for sexually transmitted infections. At positive result analysis, you must immediately consult a doctor.
Can bartholinitis go away on its own? Yes, but only in cases where the gland does not transform into a cyst or abscess. This is easy to understand by the persistent change in its size; moreover, it becomes dense and sometimes fuses with the underlying tissues.
Prevention of bartholinitis is a series of simple rules, compliance with which will reduce the risk of infection of the glands:
The consequences of the disease are the formation of a recurrent cyst, which can only be cured by complete removal of the gland.
BARTHOLIN'S GLANDS are complex paired sebaceous and sweat glands of the vestibule of the vagina, which are located in the posterior third of the base of the labia majora.
The Bartholin glands are located near the vaginal opening and open in a groove that runs between the labia minora and the hymen. They were named after Caspar Bartholin, the anatomist who discovered them.
For reference:
Thomas Bartholin (Danish: Thomas Bartholin October 20, 1616 - December 4, 1680, Copenhagen) - Danish physician, mathematician and theologian. Fame came to him after the discovery lymphatic system man and advances in the theory of anesthesia. Kaspar Bartholin, Thomas's father and his brother contributed to some key points modern medicine, with their discoveries of the most important anatomical structures and phenomena, in particular, described the location and significance normal operation large gland of the vestibule of the vagina in a woman.
At the moment of sexual arousal, the glands produce a mucous secretion, which is necessary to reduce the likelihood of vaginal injuries during intimacy. A small amount of it is released in a calm state, due to which women do not feel tightness, dryness in the vagina and other discomfort. By pressing on the gland and duct, you can get a small amount of secretion. Sebaceous glands the vulva secretes sebum that lubricates hairline, and sweat, in turn, is sweat, which gives the vulva a specific smell.
The functions of the Bartholin glands are controlled by the female hormones estrogens, so they are most active in reproductive period. During menopause, when the level of estrogen in the body drops sharply, the Bartholin glands practically do not secrete fluid.
The location of Bartholin's glands at the base of the labia majora under the posterior end of the vestibular bulb and bulbocavernosus muscle provides good surroundings muscle fibers. She has about round shape and the size of a large pea; it is yellowish-reddish in color. A single excretory duct of each large gland of the vaginal vestibule, up to 2 cm long, is directed anteriorly and opens with a small hole in the area of the vaginal entrance, on the inner surface labia minora, on the border between the posterior and middle thirds.
When pressed, they release a clear, viscous, grayish, protein-rich liquid. A similar thing happens during sexual arousal and intercourse (coitus). The liquid maintains normal moisture in the mucous membrane of the vaginal opening, which contributes to the favorable course of sexual intercourse. When the excretory duct of the Bartholin gland is blocked, it becomes inflamed, then retention cysts may appear, which, when infected, form an abscess (see “Bartholinitis”), requiring special surgical treatment.
In gynecology, inflammation of the large (Bartholin's) gland at the vestibule of the vagina is called bartholinitis. The disease can occur in women of any age, but it is most common in the age group of 20 to 35 years. Its prevalence is quite high: 1 case per 48-50 women/year.
As you know, the main function of the secreted secretion of the Bartholin glands is to constantly moisturize the vaginal mucosa and produce lubrication during arousal. Since the excretory duct of the iron comes into contact with the external environment, namely the vaginal area at its entrance, there is a possibility of infection. Thus, the inflammatory process occurs when infectious agents enter the Bartholin gland. The most common STIs in women are: gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia. Other pathogens can also be pathogens: staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli, candida and others. As a rule, they enter the duct of the Bartholin gland from the urethra or vagina during urethritis and/or colpitis. However, sometimes it is possible for infection to enter directly into the gland itself through the blood or lymph flow.
Causes of inflammation of the Bartholin gland and risk factors:
HOW INFLAMMATION DEVELOPES IN BARTHOLIN'S GLAND
Stage 1. First, canaliculitis is noted - an inflammatory process of the excretory duct. At the same time, the woman’s general condition remains virtually unchanged. At gynecological examination there is a slight redness of the skin around the exit site of the gland duct, caused by secretion from it. The excretory duct of the gland is palpated, and when pressed, a small drop of pus is released. Soon, due to increasing swelling, the duct closes and the outflow of secretions is disrupted. This leads to the rapid spread of the inflammatory process to the gland itself and the development of bartholinitis itself.
Stage 2. Further, the inflammatory secretion accumulates in the lobules of the gland, acquiring a purulent character, which leads to the development of a false abscess of the Bartholin gland. According to the course of the disease, acute, chronic, subacute and recurrent (recurrent) bartholinitis are distinguished.
Clinical symptoms of acute inflammation of the Bartholin glands.
The disease begins acutely: severe pain occurs in the area of the labia majora, in which an abscess has developed. The pain intensifies when walking, sitting, during sexual intercourse and going to the toilet. Body temperature rises to 38-39°C, fatigue, weakness and chills appear. There is swelling of the labia majora on the affected side to varying degrees of severity. Moreover, sometimes it is so pronounced that it closes the entrance to the vagina. The skin over the inflamed Bartholin gland is reddened, but its mobility is preserved. Palpation of the labia majora is sharply painful. The appearance of fluctuations (softening of the tumor) indicates that a true abscess of the gland has developed, and a purulent capsule has formed in its cavity. Sometimes this abscess can open on its own. At the same time, the woman’s general condition improves: body temperature drops, swelling and pain decrease. But this in no way speaks of recovery, this is just a small respite that gives a little time to accept active action and a visit to . After all, an abscess can open not outward through the excretory duct, but inward and melt the tissue. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a specialist for treatment as soon as possible!
Sometimes acute inflammation Bartholin gland (right, left or bilateral) occurs with erased common and local signs: the pain is not pronounced and, as a rule, the body temperature does not increase, and the general condition may not change. In this case, they talk about a subacute process. The most common result in this case is the transition of the disease to a chronic form or the formation of a cyst of the large gland of the vestibule of the vagina.
Antibiotics are the basis for the treatment of acute inflammatory process without surgery; preference is given to drugs wide range actions. In many cases antibacterial treatment your sexual partner may also need it, especially if the infection that caused the inflammation is sexually transmitted. Useful in the treatment of minor forms, treatment of the area of the Bartholin gland or vaginal suppositories with antiseptics (Chlorhexidine and others); Levomekol ointment. In the presence of common symptoms(fever, weakness and other manifestations of intoxication) - symptomatic therapy.
If inflammation of the Bartholin gland has already progressed to the stage of abscess formation, then an immediate visit to a gynecological surgeon is necessary for surgical treatment- opening the abscess, draining the pus, installing a drainage tube with the prescription of drug therapy.
Photo of Bartholin's glands
To prevent the occurrence of infection of this intimate organ, it is enough to avoid swimming in dirty ponds, monitor hygiene and avoid casual sexual intercourse without using condoms, and maintain immunity. Don't forget about a scheduled visit to the gynecologist. Such simple measures can prevent not only inflammation of the Bartholin glands, but also other, although not dangerous, but very unpleasant gynecological problems. The main way to avoid diseases and keep the Bartholin gland healthy is personal hygiene, avoiding injury to the labia minora area and timely treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
If you have a problem or complaint about your health, visit a gynecologist today!
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Every woman wants to be healthy and happy. Knowledge about possible women's diseases and their manifestations, and most importantly, timely contact with a gynecologist plays a decisive role in this. Bartholin gland with proper operation provides big influence on the sexual life and health of not only the woman, but also her partner. Let's figure out what Bartholinitis is, how it forms, consider its symptoms, causes and methods of therapy to combat inflammation of the Bartholin gland in the vestibule of the vagina.
The discoverer of the gland was the Danish professor and anatomist Caspar Bartholin. It was described as a large paired gland located near the entrance to the female genital organs, in the thickness of the labia majora and at their base. The size of this gland can reach two centimeters. The glands produce a gray, protein-rich fluid that maintains normal moisture in the vaginal lining. The secreted secretion promotes free penetration of the male genital organ, reduces friction during reciprocating movements, thereby improving the quality of sexual life.
The amount of secretions produced depends on the period of a woman’s cycle. IN menopause, after surgical interventions on the genitals, as well as in the middle of the cycle, less secretion is released than usual. Its greatest amount is produced at the end of the cycle, especially at a young, childbearing age.
According to statistics, bartholinitis affects approximately five percent of women of reproductive age. The disease occurs as a result of inflammation of the excretory ducts of the Bartholin glands, located at the beginning of the vagina. Infection occurs due to the penetration of various disease-causing microorganisms, such as gonococci, staphylococci, E. coli, and Trichomonas vaginalis. Causing disease flora penetrates into the excretory duct of the gland with inflammatory fluid from the vagina and urethra. In some cases, for bartholinitis to occur, it is enough to have hemorrhoids, cracks anus, intestinal fistulas. With gonorrhea, the risk of inflammation of the Bartholin glands increases by 30 percent.
Bartholinitis contributes to blockage of the gland ducts, resulting in significant swelling at the entrance to the vagina. This leads to painful sensations in the perineum, increased body temperature, and prolonged inflammation.
Reasons contributing to the appearance of bartholinitis:
Bartholinitis entails lethargy, apathy, the temperature rises to 40 ° C, obvious pain appears in the area of the external genitalia, increasing with movement or in a sitting position. The labia majora, located above the Bartholin gland, becomes red and swollen. After purulent inflammation removed, almost immediately a state of relief comes, the pain recedes, the temperature returns to normal.
Bartholinitis in chronic form lasts quite a long time, periodically exacerbating in menstrual period, after hypothermia or due to concomitant chronic diseases. If there are no exacerbations, chronic bartholinitis can be asymptomatic, sometimes causing discomfort in the area of the inflamed gland and pain during genital contact with a sexual partner. Often, in the chronic form, a large gland cyst forms at the entrance to the vagina.
Bartholinitis is divided into several types:
After examining the patient by a gynecologist, you will need additional tests to identify the source of pathogenic flora that provoked inflammation. To do this, using a colposcope, samples of the mucous membrane from the diseased gland, cervix and urethra are taken from a sick woman for study. For a more detailed diagnosis, a bacteriological research method or PCR diagnostics may be required. Anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving medications and antibiotics will also be prescribed. The course of treatment lasts ten days.
If the patient purulent formation, then it is opened and the inflamed tissues are disinfected with appropriate means. Cysts are removed surgically, restoring the patency of the ducts.
The rehabilitation period lasts up to two months. To prevent relapse of the disease, treatment for colpitis and urethritis is prescribed. In the chronic form, the patient is recommended to sit in a filled bath with a diluted solution of potassium permanganate or infusion of chamomile. hot water. At the same time, a course of treatment with ultrasound or high-frequency radiation is prescribed, as well as strict adherence to the rules for caring for the genitals. Elderly women are prescribed a biopsy for timely detection of cancer.
Inflammation of the vulvo-vaginal Bartholin glands can be avoided by regularly visiting a gynecologist and adhering to simple rules personal hygiene:
The Bartholin gland is located in the area of the labia majora, or more precisely, in the subcutaneous fat.
Its functions: maintaining optimal humidity in the vagina through the production of a special secretion, without which the appearance of discomfort during sexual intercourse, pain in the perineal area.
Bartholinitis is, as the name implies, an inflammatory process that occurs in the Bartholin gland. Harmful microorganisms affect not only the excretory duct of the Bartholin gland, but also the gland itself.
Why do women experience bartholinitis, and what is it? The causative agent of bartholinitis is Escherichia coli, staphylococci, streptococci, chlamydia, gonococci, trichomonas. Often the cause of the development of the disease is a mixed infection - a combination of several pathogenic microbes.
The most common causes of bartholinitis are the presence pathogenic bacteria in vaginal discharge. This is why inflammation is considered secondary disease: It almost always results from a primary infection. In order to eliminate the causes of bartholinitis, it is necessary to first eliminate the source of infection that causes painful symptoms: Bartholinitis causes very serious discomfort to a woman.
Often the reason for the appearance of bartholinitis lies in the uncleanliness of a woman. If you do not follow the rules of personal hygiene, you can easily introduce an infection into the excretory duct of the gland, the source of which can lie not only in the vagina, but also in the urethra or intestines.
If left untreated, a painful abscess will form. After some time, it may spontaneously open. The purulent contents flow out. The condition of a woman suffering from bartholinitis is improving, but this does not mean that there is no need to visit a doctor. The disease can become chronic.
According to the course of bartholinitis, acute and chronic forms are distinguished. Acute bartholinitis manifests itself as:
When bartholinitis occurs, the main symptoms manifest themselves in the form of redness of the labia and the Bartholin gland area, and dense neoplasms appear. Upon palpation, you can detect its enlarged duct; pressing on the gland causes pain. Inflammation of the gland may be accompanied by the formation of a purulent sac.
In acute bartholinitis, a false abscess and acute pain usually appear, making it difficult to walk, and the temperature reaches 39°C. Over time, the abscess breaks out (or it is opened in the hospital). If you open this abscess at home yourself, there is a high risk that not all of the pus will be extracted. In this case, the symptoms of bartholinitis soften, but do not disappear completely - this is how the chronic form of the disease begins.
Bartholinitis often occurs simultaneously with sexually transmitted diseases, so the symptoms of these infections are also present - burning, discharge, red spots, etc.)
The main signs of chronic bartholinitis include:
The symptoms of chronic bartholinitis are almost the same, except that the pain is not so acute and the temperature does not always rise. They usually occur during menstruation, hypothermia, weak immunity, seasonal exacerbations are possible.
What does bartholinitis look like, photo clinical manifestations presented below.
To figure out how to treat bartholinitis, it is necessary not only to diagnose the symptom, but also to determine the cause of its development. Therefore, when signs of bartholinitis are detected, a woman is prescribed the following tests:
Modern gynecology has a whole list effective methods treatment of bartholinitis, both conservative and surgical. The chosen treatment tactics depends on the stage of inflammation. When found severe forms acute bartholinitis, treatment of a woman is carried out in inpatient conditions. For mild forms of bartholinitis, treatment can be carried out at home.
Conservative therapy for acute bartholinitis is aimed at relieving pain, eliminating symptoms of intoxication and preventing the development of a true gland abscess. For this purpose, local and general therapy is prescribed.
The following means are used:
It should be noted that chronic bartholinitis requires long-term and complex treatment. This is due to the fact that the dense capsule of the large gland of the vestibule of the vagina prevents penetration medicines to the site of inflammation.
Naturally, like any disease, bartholinitis is easier to prevent than to treat for a long time. So, prevention of bartholinitis includes the following measures:
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