Cyst of the bartholin gland
The cyst of the bartholin gland is a rounded formation, inside which a secret accumulates. In this case, it is not possible to get rid of the accumulated mucus in the vestibule of the vagina. The secret accumulates, forming a circular cavity, namely a cyst. Externally, the bartolin cyst is closed, it can only be felt by pressing on the protruding part of the woman’s labia. The pouch covering the glands is edematous and swollen. The occurrence of a bartholin cyst threatens the normal functioning of a woman. Pain syndrome increases when walking, after intimacy, in the presence of infectious diseases.
The content of the article:
Causes of bartholin gland cyst
Symptoms of a bartholin gland cyst
Diagnosis of bartholin cyst
Treatment of bartholin gland cyst
Preventive measures
Cyst of the bartholin gland
Diagnosis and treatment of the bartholin gland cyst is carried out by means of a gynecological examination with subsequent recommendations for the elimination of the cyst:
installing a word catheter;
treatment by opening and removing the abscess;
treatment by opening and further sewing of the gland tissues.
The bartholin glands serve in the female body as a kind of indicator of sexual arousal. The glands secrete a substance (secret), thanks to which the vagina becomes moistened. The secret penetrates there through the excretory ducts. When a cyst of the gland is formed, the secreted fluid does not pass through the ducts, accumulates in the middle, which causes the appearance of a cyst of the bartholin gland.
Causes of bartholin gland cyst
The appearance of a bartholin cyst is due to the presence of the disease bartholinitis, which is an inflammatory focus in the vestibule of the vagina, then there is a subsequent spread of infection to the ducts. Infection of the bartholin glands has a favorable soil for development, provided that:
diseases of the genital and genitourinary system — candidiasis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, ureaplasmosis;
vaginal dysbiosis — a significant increase in pathogenic microorganisms in the internal environment: staphylococcus, streptococcus, E. coli;
in the presence of internal diseases of the body that have a chronic form of development with subsequent relapse: caries, tonsillitis, pyelonephritis, sinusitis, etc;
with a decrease in the protective functions of the immune system.
In addition, the causes of the development of a bartholin cyst can also be daily activities, where there is a deformation of the outer lips, as well as the glands inside. Such actions include:
the use of coarse underwear;
the use of clothing not in size, which leads to stiffness of body movements;
lack of quality hygiene behind the vaginal cavity;
deformation of the glands during cosmetic procedures — epilation;
infection on the outer lip area through the hands;
infection of the bartholin gland during masturbation.
A bartholin cyst may also occur after the operation. Surgical intervention followed by the use of medical instruments in the vaginal cavity is a favorable condition for the appearance of a cyst of the bartholin glands with the further occurrence of an abscess.
Symptoms of a bartholin gland cyst
The symptoms of a cyst of the bartholin gland may not manifest itself in any way with painful sensations. The formation of a cyst occurs on the labia, affecting the lower part. The size of the formation varies from a few millimeters to 12 cm in diameter.
In the event that the cyst is small and does not have an internal abscess, the formation can be identified during a gynecological examination by a specialist. At the same time, the general condition of the woman remains unchanged and satisfactory.
The cyst of the bartholin gland, which is accompanied by an infection, has the following symptoms:
increase in body temperature to 39C;
poisoning of the body, accompanied by vomiting, upset stomach;
throbbing pain in the vagina, perineum;
cutting pain when moving.
In a severe case, the formation is accompanied by an internal infection with a subsequent increase in cyst size. An abscess of a bartholin cyst can spontaneously burst. The contents of the gland in this case will come out.
Diagnosis of bartholin cyst
The diagnosis of the bartholin gland takes place under the condition of a gynecological examination by a specialist. The presence of an abscess – free formation is characterized by the following signs:
swelling of the lip, where the cyst is located;
natural lip skin tone;
asymmetry of the genital perineum.
The presence of an education with the development of infection inside the cyst is diagnosed by other signs on examination:
severe swelling of the lip;
severe pain when pressing on the lip epithelium;
isolation of pus residues when pressed;
sometimes the rupture of the external tissues of the vestibule of the lip.
After completing the initial examination by a gynecologist, the doctor will conduct several diagnostic measures, the results of which will be able to provide a complete picture of what pathogenic conditions affected the formation of the bartholin gland cyst. Diagnostic methods include:
bacteriological sowing;
examination of a smear under a microscope;
PCR;
ELISA.
Treatment of bartholin gland cyst
Treatment of the internal formation of the labia is carried out according to clinical indications, as well as in the case of an individual wish of a woman. Provided that the cyst of the gland does not cause discomfort in everyday life, does not cause a general deterioration of well-being, it can not be treated.
With negative indicators, the bartholin gland, the treatment of which consists in improving the internal outflow of secretions from the gland cavity, will be able to function, although certain measures will be required for this.
Opening the contents with further cleansing of the gland cavity gives a short-term result. Provided that the cyst of the gland has already appeared in the body, after some time a relapse may occur after surgery, then it may reappear. That is why today the treatment of a cyst of the bartholin gland is to create a new duct through which the secret will be excreted. Outflow with the help of modern methods will help to avoid the formation of a new cyst of the gland in the future.
Using a word catheter: this technique allows not only to free the gland cavity from the contents of the cyst pus, but also creates an outflow.
The installation of the word catheter takes place inside the cyst itself, where a thin silicone vessel is placed for 1-1.2 months. After this time, a new duct forms inside the cyst. After removing the word catheter, the excretory canal already passes through the secreted iron.
Marsupialization is an operation during which the formation is opened, the internal pus is removed. Then the cyst tissues are sewn to the resulting wound, forming a channel inside for excretion of the secret.
Extirpation is the complete removal of the bartholin gland, including the ducts. This method is used in the case when there is no positive dynamics when using modern methods of treatment of bartholin cyst. After extirpation, additional treatment with physiotherapy procedures is recommended for patients.
Preventive measures
Prevention of the occurrence of a cyst of the bartholin gland consists in carrying out complex measures aimed at maintaining the immune system of the body, as well as timely treatment of various diseases.
What is necessary?
Eliminate promiscuous sex life.
Perform daily vaginal hygiene procedures.
Use a special soap/gel for intimate hygiene.
Give up tight, uncomfortable underwear.
Create permanent conditions of contact of the vagina with air.
Include the use of fermented milk products in the daily diet.
At least once every 6 months, undergo a routine examination by a gynecologist.
In the presence of diseases of the genital and genitourinary systems, do not postpone the treatment of such.
To be in the fresh air more often.
The implementation of recommendations for the prevention of cysts of the bartholin gland will help protect yourself from the disease.
