The lump on her private parts was "as big as a dragon's eye" and she was in so much pain that she could hardly walk! What is a "Bartholin's gland cyst"?
Her private parts were “swollen like a dragon’s eye” and it was difficult to walk. After examination, she found out that she had a “Bartholin’s gland cyst”
When women develop lumps of different sizes in their private parts, beware that it may not be an angry “acne”, but a “Bartholin’s gland cyst” leading to a bacterial infection! Dr. Zhang Yuqi from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital said that a female patient walked into the clinic with a troubled expression and limped a few days ago. After consultation, she learned that she was unable to walk due to swelling and pain in her vagina. During the examination, she discovered her labia minora. There was a lump as big as a dragon’s eye on the inside, which was diagnosed as a Bartholin’s gland cyst.
Dr. Zhang Yuqi explained that the Bartholin glands are small glands in the labia majora on both sides of the vaginal opening. Their main function is to secrete lubricating secretions needed in the vagina. If a Bartholin’s gland cyst is caused by a bacterial infection, the discharge will be earth-colored and have a foul odor. When the glands are blocked and the secreted fluid cannot flow out, the original glands accumulate and swell, or are infected by bacteria, a Bartholin’s gland cyst will form. There are three common causes: blockage due to excessive secretion of mucus in the private area, and inflammation. Impact trauma causes hematoma, and eventually bacterial infection. Common bacteria such as E. coli, chlamydia, etc.
After initial secretion aspiration and surgical treatment, the patient can now walk normally without pain. Dr. Zhang Yuqi said that when women feel that their labia are swollen, have obvious pain during intercourse, perineal discomfort, strong discomfort when walking or sitting for a long time, or even produce earth-colored discharge, they should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Can Bartholin gland cysts be treated? What behaviors may make symptoms worse?
The above-mentioned patient examined the pus in the cyst at the outpatient clinic and found that it contained “E. coli”. After consultation, it was learned that the patient had the habit of using a disposable toilet. Dr. Zhang Yuqi pointed out that the cause of the disease should be that the water column flushes from back to front, flushing the bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Therefore, when there are small wounds or inflammation of hair follicles in the vulva, bacteria can easily enter and form cysts. Especially when the temperature is muggy, wearing non-breathable clothes, and improper cleaning of private parts are breeding grounds for bacteria.
Dr. Zhang Yuqi said that most Bartholin gland cysts can be relieved by aspirating secretions and taking medicine. However, when the Bartholin glands are repeatedly infected or the mass is too large, artificial bag surgery will be used to incise and drain the cyst. Performing an ostomy to create a new line on the inner side of the gland is an effective way to prevent the Bartholin glands from becoming inflamed and swollen again.
Dr. Zhang Yuqi explained that patients sometimes mistake Bartholin’s gland cysts for acne, and because the location of the cyst is embarrassing, they often delay seeking medical treatment until the cyst affects their daily lives. Dr. Zhang Yuqi reminds you to maintain a good attitude. Cleaning habits are the key to preventing bacteria from invading the Bartholin glands. When a lump appears in the vagina accompanied by pain and restlessness, you should seek outpatient treatment as soon as possible.
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