The Bartholin's glands are found on the external female genitalia (Glandulae vestibulares majores), also known as the large atrial glands. They are about the size of a bean and are located below the labia majora. The ducts of the glands are about 2 cm long and end in a small space that is located between the labia minora (Vestibulum vaginae).
The secretion that the Bartholin glands produce is released to the skin of the vagina and is used for moistening. The secretion is produced when the patient is excited to moisten the vagina.
The Bartholin's glands and their ducts are located near the urethra, vagina and anus. As a result, the tunnels can easily be colonized by bacteria that migrate from other areas. The bacterial colonization leads to Development of inflammation of the execution course (Bartholinitis). These are mostly bacteria: Staphylococci, Escherichia coli, streptococci, but also gonococci. The Bartholin gland itself is not affected in Bartholinitis.
Inflammation can form a cyst or also favor an accumulation of pus in this area. The inflammatory processes lead to swelling of the tissue that surrounds the inflammation. Of the Execution process becomes so through that swollen tissue closed and it can become a Form cyst. An accumulation of pus due to inflammation can also obstruct the ducts. In both cases, the secreted secretion can no longer flow away and is therefore backed up in the duct.
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However, the duct can also be relocated or closed independently of an infection, for example by becoming a Gluing the execution aisles comes.
The secretion that has formed can then no longer run off, a cyst forms inside of which the accumulated secretion of the gland collects. Usually the cyst only develops on one side, bilateral development is rare.
In the context of non-infectious cyst formation, however, secondary inflammation of the cyst can occur. The accumulated secretion in the cyst provides a good breeding ground for bacteria, which multiply there and can ultimately lead to inflammation of the duct. This can lead to the formation of a collection of pus and a Abscess come.
The pent-up secretion initially leads to a painless, visible swelling in the area of the labia. Whether the cyst is painful depends on its size and whether the cyst is infected. Large and above all infected cysts, i.e. Bartholinitis cysts, are usually painful, although the pain can be so severe that even walking causes problems. Small cysts, on the other hand, are usually painless and hardly bothersome. As the secretion continues to build up in the excretory duct, the cyst gradually increases in size and slowly leads to impairment due to the increase in size.
$config[ads_text2] not foundRead more on our main page: Bartholinitis symptoms and Swelling in the vaginal entrance
If the cyst is left untreated or surgically removed, it can be removed spontaneous, so without external influence burst and the secretion so leak. In this case there is still one Treatment makes senseto clean the ruptured cyst and keep it open to prevent secretion from running down.
The Cyst formation can also be used during the pregnancy occur. However, if the size of the cyst is uncomfortable or if the cyst is inflamed, you should also use one during pregnancy Gynecologist talk about treatment for the cyst. For small cysts, vaginal delivery shouldn't be a problem as they won't interfere with the baby's passage. However, if the cyst is so large that the passage is disturbed, further action must be discussed with the doctor.
The diagnosis can be made by a gynecological check be asked. In addition to one swelling, the labia also shows other swelling Signs of inflammation, such as overheating, redness, and painfulness. A Smear for determination of the causal Bacterium then makes sense to be able to give the right antibiotic therapy.
It is important to distinguish it from Bartholin's abscess. Here, as part of an inflammation, a purulent accumulation forms in the excretory duct, which also leads to a swelling in this region.
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In the early stages of a Bartholinitis cyst, a anti-inflammatory therapy as well as the gift of light pain relievers help to alleviate the symptoms. Also Hip baths can help. Should the inflammation already be severe or even develop abscess When the cyst has formed, the treatment of choice is the peeling or opening of the cyst. Antibiotics may also be necessary as an additional medication. If an inflammatory cyst develops repeatedly, it may be necessary to remove the Bartholin gland.
$config[ads_text2] not foundIf an abscess has already formed, a procedure is used which is Marsupialization is called. The cyst is opened in an operating theater and the inner skin of the cyst is sewn to the outer skin to ensure that the secretion drains off. Chamomile baths are recommended after the procedure to keep the opened cyst clean.
If the cyst occurs as part of an inflammation or becomes infected secondarily, the existing inflammation can also homeopathic be treated. Are recommended for this Mercurius solubilis, Hepar sulfurius, Acidum silicicum or Thuja. The funds are dosed and used differently depending on the stage of inflammation. The cyst itself can such as warm hip baths with natural additions chamomile, Witch hazel or oak bark.
