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.

Abscess - Bartholin; Infected Bartholin gland; Bartholin's cyst or abscess

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 warm and swollen. Activity that puts pressure on the vulva, and walking and sitting, may cause severe pain.

Symptoms may include:

• A tender lump on either side of the vaginal opening
• Swelling and redness
• Pain with sitting or walking
• Fever, in people with low immunity
• Pain with sexual intercourse
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal pressure

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 1 to 2 cm cut is made at the site of abscess. The cavity is irrigated with normal saline. A catheter (tube) may be inserted and left in place for 4 to 6 weeks. This allows continuous drainage while the area heals. Sutures are not required.
• You should begin soaking in warm water 1 to 2 days afterward. You cannot have sexual intercourse until the catheter is removed.

You may be asked to take antibiotics if there is pus or other signs of infection.

MARSUPIALIZATION

Women can also be treated with a minor surgery called marsupialization.

• The procedure involves creating an elliptical opening along the cyst to help the gland drain. The abscess is removed. The provider places stitches at the edges of the cyst.
• 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.

EXCISION

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

• The procedure involves surgical removal of the entire cyst wall.
• Generally performed in the hospital under general anesthesia.
• You cannot have sexual intercourse for 4 weeks after surgery.

The chance of a full recovery is excellent. The abscesses may return in a few cases.

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

Contact 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).

Published Date: April 16, 2024
Published By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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