Bartholinitis: what is it, what are the symptoms and indicated treatments

Bartholinitis usually has no symptoms and can be treated easily. However, there are cases where it causes pain, discomfort or even surgery to remove it. Gynecologist and obstetrician Ana Flávia Araújo Litwinczuk (CRM-SP 128883) spoke more about the disease, symptoms and possible treatments. Follow the article!

What is bartholinitis?

According to the gynecologist, “Bartholin’s glands are responsible for the production of lubricating mucus from the vulva and vagina, especially during sexual intercourse. When these glands change, the formation of a vaginal cyst and abscesses (infected cysts), also called bartholinitis, occurs.”

Causes of Bartholinitis

There may be obstruction of the ductal orifice of Bartholin’s glands and, consequently, dilation by the gland’s mucous production. “This obstruction can be caused by inflammation, trauma or changes in the mucus consistency itself. They are usually asymptomatic, however, when they present a large volume, they can cause pain and dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse)”, explains Ana Flávia.

Is bartholinitis transmissible?

The gynecologist informs that, “when there is an associated infectious condition, that is, the cyst presents purulent mucus, the causal agents are usually opportunistic bacteria, such as species of staphylococcus, streptococcus and, mainly, E. coli. Therefore, we do not consider the condition of transmissible bartholinitis, but we do not exclude bacteria, such as chlamydia trachomatis and neisseria gonorrhoeae, as possible causes, which are sexually transmitted.”

Symptoms of Bartholinitis

According to the information provided by the gynecologist, the disease is usually asymptomatic. However, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
• Discomfort to sit and walk
• Redness
• burning
• Swelling of the labia majora
• purulent mucus

It is important to be aware of changes and always consult a gynecologist to indicate the best treatment.

Bartholinitis treatment

“Usually, the disease can be treated with a hot compress on the spot, 3 times a day, for a long period, which leads to spontaneous drainage. In abscesses, we need to associate drainage with the use of antibiotics to fight the infection, in addition to the use of analgesics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain. In both cases, the disease regresses in an average of 14 days”, guides the gynecologist.

In recurrent cases, surgical treatment is suggested, in order to avoid a new condition. “In this case, marsupialization (performing a permanent drainage point that prevents a new local obstruction) or excision of the Bartholin’s gland can be performed. Such procedures cannot be performed while the infection is active, and are performed in an elective condition to reduce intercurrences”, adds Ana Flávia.

The disease can be avoided with simple measures, such as using condoms during sexual intercourse, good hygiene of the intimate region and care when shaving with razors to prevent microtrauma, in addition to avoiding wearing very tight clothes and underwear made of synthetic material. To learn more about how to take care of the intimate region, get to know the vaginal moisturizer and its indications.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.