Bartholinitis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Bartholinitis is inflammation of the Bartholin glands that can result in the formation of a small abscess and cause symptoms such as discomfort when walking, sitting or during sexual intercourse, fever or redness and swelling at the site.

In most cases, bartholinitis is caused by infection of the Bartholin glands by bacteria that are naturally found in the genital region and, normally, occurs when there is already a cyst in these glands. Understand better what Bartholin’s cyst is and the symptoms.

If bartholinitis is suspected, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist. Treatment can range from the use of medications, such as antibiotics and/or painkillers, to surgery, especially in cases where the accumulated pus does not come out spontaneously.

Photo of bartholinite (Bartholin cistus)

Bartholinitis symptoms

The main symptoms of bartholinitis are:

• Exit of pus from the site;
• Increased sensitivity in the genital region;
• Swelling and/or redness of the vulva;
• Pain during sexual intercourse, when sitting or walking;
• Fever.

In the presence of these signs and symptoms, it is important that the gynecologist is consulted so that an assessment of the genital region can be carried out and the most appropriate treatment can be indicated.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of bartholinitis is made by the gynecologist based on the symptoms presented and changes observed during the gynecological examination, such as the presence of pus, increased sensitivity, redness and swelling, at the location of the Bartholin glands.

If you want to make an appointment, find a gynecologist closest to you using the tool below:

Although bartholinitis is not an STD (or STI), sometimes your doctor may recommend tests to evaluate the presence of associated sexually transmitted infections.

Main causes

Bartholinitis is normally caused by infection of the fluid retained in a cyst of the Bartholin glands by bacteria that are part of the vaginal flora, such as Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureusresulting in the formation of an abscess.

Furthermore, inflammation of the Bartholin glands is more common in women with a history of bartholinitis, Bartholin gland cysts and/or sexually transmitted infections.

How the treatment is carried out

The main treatment options for bartholinitis are:

1. Medications

The most recommended medications for bartholinitis are analgesics and anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to relieve pain and reduce inflammation of the Bartholin glands.

The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics for bartholinitis, especially when sexually transmitted infections are suspected or to complement the drainage of an abscess.

2. Drainage by surgery

Drainage by surgery is the main form of treatment for the accumulation of pus caused by bartholinitis, and is performed with local anesthesia through a small incision in the region to remove the pus accumulated in the glands.

When surgical drainage is indicated, recovery from bartholinitis can last 4 to 6 weeks in some cases.

3. Marsupialization

Marsupialization is a surgery that may be indicated mainly in cases of recurrent bartholinitis and involves creating a small hole between the Bartholin glands and the skin, preventing them from accumulating fluids again.

4. Bartolinectomia

Bartholinectomy is surgery to completely remove the Bartholin glands and is the last treatment option when none of the other treatments have had any effect or when inflammation of these glands is frequent. Understand how bartholinectomy is performed and what recovery is like.

5. Self-care for bartolinite

Self-care recommended for bartholinitis is taking sitz baths with warm water to reduce inflammation of the Bartholin glands. It is recommended especially for cases in which the pus accumulated in the gland has come out without the need for surgical drainage.

Read too: Sitz bath: what it is, what it’s for (and how to do it)

When the pus comes out spontaneously, recovery from bartholinitis tends to last a few days, with only treatment with analgesics and/or a sitz bath usually being indicated.