Synonyms in a broader sense
Inflammation of the Bartholin glands English : bartholinitis
Definition
Bartholinitis is a unilateral inflammation of the Bartholin glands (Glandula vestibularis major) of the labia majora. Bartholin glands are responsible for secreting secretions into the vagina for moistening the entrance to the vagina and for moistening during sexual intercourse. If the secretion of the Bartholin gland is prevented by a closure of the gland outlet, the secretion accumulates and a Bartholinitis cyst develops. The cyst can reach the size of a tennis ball.
Introduction
Bartholinitis is a usually very painful bacterial inflammation of the bartholin glands (Glandulae vestibularis majores) or their excretory ducts. These are small glands in the posterior third of the labia majora, whose excretory ducts open into the vaginal vestibule on the inside of the labia minora. Their task is to form a secretion that moistens the vagina during sexual intercourse.
In the case of bartholinitis, one of its excretory ducts is usually blocked, which prevents the secretion from flowing away efficiently. The result is a congestion of secretion and an inflammation of the gland. This is usually caused by intestinal bacteria (E. coli), in rare cases also gonococci (gonorrhoea, gonorrhea) or staphylococci.
If the inflammation spreads to surrounding tissue, abscess formation (also known as Bartholin’s empyema) occurs and, if no treatment is given, chronic cysts develop. Therapeutically, the abscess can be split and sutured open. Alternatively, sitz baths, compresses and antibiotics have a supportive effect.
Epidemiology
Only women who have reached sexual maturity are affected, but mostly between the ages of 20 and 30.
Is bartholinitis contagious?
Bartholinitis is rarely contagious, as it is usually harmless bacteria that cause the inflammation. As long as the abscess is closed, no pathogens can be transmitted to the partner. Nevertheless, it is advisable to refrain from intercourse for a few days to improve intimate hygiene and the healing process.
If, however, gonococcus or a chlamydial infection is the cause of bartholinitis, drug therapy should be started as a matter of urgency and intercourse should be avoided during this time. Since both gonococci and chlamydia are highly infectious and are transmitted through sexual intercourse, in these cases, the partner should definitely be treated with medication. This can prevent complications of disease and repeated mutual infection (“ping-pong effect”) between the partners.
Cause
The most common cause of bartholinitis is bacteria. They enter the Bartholin gland via the vaginal entrance and can cause an inflammation there. This inflammation can cause the Bartholin gland entrance to become blocked and the secretion to accumulate in the Bartholin gland, leading to cyst formation.
All types of bacteria that can enter the body can cause Bartholinitis. The human body is colonized with bacteria in some parts of the body, which are present there but do not cause illness. If, for example, due to a lack of hygiene, these bacteria get into places – in this case into the Bartholin gland – where they do not belong, they can possibly cause a disease there.
Pathogens of this kind would be Escherichia coli (E. coli – in the intestine) and Staphylococcus areus (on the skin and respiratory tract). Likewise, a pathogen can be transmitted through traffic, reach the Bartholin glands and cause Bartholinitis. One such bacterium is for example Neisseria gonorrhoeae (synonym: gonococcus; cause of gonorrhoeae).
Excessive hygiene can also lead to bartholinitis. The continuous use of non-ph-neutral care materials in the intimate area can disturb or even destroy the acidic environment of the vagina. And if bacteria enter the Bartholin gland at the same time, it could also cause bartholinitis.
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