Bartholin's abscess

Alternative names:

abscess - Bartholin's

Treatment:

Warm sitz baths 4 times a day for several days usually provides some relief. This may help localize infection and precipitate spontaneous drainage. However, it does not always solve the problem because the site of rupture is usually very small and closes quickly so drainage isn't complete.

Surgical incision which results in complete drainage of the abscess provides the greatest relief and the fastest recovery. This procedure can be done under local anesthesia in a doctor's office. Placement of an iodoform gauze wick during surgery allows the abscess to continue draining while facilitating healing. Antibiotics may be prescribed to combat the infection, but they are not usually needed if the abscess is drained properly.

Women who have recurrent abscesses may consider the marsupialization procedure. A small, permanent opening is surgically created to facilitate drainage.

Expectations (prognosis):

The chance of full recovery is excellent. It is important to treat gonorrhea if it is the cause.

Complications:

A Bartholin's duct cyst may develop if the purulent fluid of the abscess is "walled off" from the surrounding tissue. Other complications are rare.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a painful, swollen lump is noted on the labia near the vaginal opening, and it does not improve with 2-to-3 days of home treatment, or if pain is severe and interferes with normal activity.

Call the health care provider if a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit develops.