Treatment for Bartholins Abscess

Bartholins Gland Marsupialisation would be recommended if it is found that there is a formation of a Bartholin’s Abscess.

Causes

Bartholins Gland is a mucous secreting gland and is found on the posterior of the vagina. The main function of this gland is to create mucous that helps lubricate the vagina during a sexual intercourse. The mucous enters the vagina by means of tiny openings. For some reason, if these openings get blocked, the liquid builds up forming a cyst.

If the cyst gets infected, an abscess known as the Bartholin’s Abscess is formed. If cracked, the abscess would burst through the skin releasing pus.

Symptoms

The most common symptom that is seen is swelling near the back/opening of the vagina. This could be a cyst or it could be the Bartholin’s Abscess which is filled with pus. Other symptoms that are seen include fever and pain with sexual intercourse.

The doctor would usually recommend a pelvic examination to be done. Older women may be advised to undergo a biopsy to rule out the possibility of a tumor. If there is any vaginal discharge, it would be sent to the lab for analysis.

Procedure

If the lump is not very huge, soaking in warm water provides relief to the patient. Repeating this practice for 3 or 4 times a day causes the abscess to open on its own and drains out the pus. However, since the openings are very small, the pores often close quickly even before all the liquid is drained out.

Hence a small surgical cut would be recommended to help drain out all the fluid. This is done as an out-patient procedure and provides fast relief with a quick recovery.

The patient is administered with local anesthesia, after which the doctor makes a small surgical cut on the abscess. The fluid/pus is allowed to drain out. Sometimes, the doctor may insert a catheter / tube to aid in the draining of fluid while the area heals. Antibiotics may be prescribed, but will not be required if the drainage is done completely.

If a woman has repeated episodes of Bartholin’s Abscesses or large Bartholin’s Cysts, then, it would be recommended for her to consider a procedure called Marsupialization. The procedure is done under local anesthesia.

The doctor creates a small permanent opening to help the gland drain out the fluid/pus. If Bartholin’s abscesses tend to re-occur over and over again, the patient may be recommended to remove the glands.

Associated Risks

A chronic Bartholin’s duct cyst may develop if the fluid of the abscess is scraped off from the surrounding tissues. It has to also be noted that in older women (above the age of 40) a swollen Bartholin’s gland could be signs of a cancerous tumor, although this is very rare.

Recovery

Having the operation helps relieve a lot of pain and helps get rid of the swelling. If a Marsupialization is done, the new opening allows mucous from the gland to reach your vagina.

Antbiotics may be prescribed after the procedure.