Bartholin Abscess
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Basics
Description
- The Bartholin glands are located inferiorly on either side of vaginal opening at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions
- These glands play an important role in the female reproductive system
- Main function is to secrete mucus and provide lubrication
- Ducts open on sides of labial vestibule
- Obstruction of duct usually produces a cyst presenting as a painless lump:
- Infection of these cysts result in abscess formation
Epidemiology
Prevalence
Most common in women aged 20–30 yr of age
Etiology
- Polymicrobial including anaerobic and aerobic microflora normally found in vagina:
- Escherichia coli – most common
- Bacteroides species
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Group B strep
- Enterococcus species
- Occasionally Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis
Risk Factors
- Previous history of Bartholin cyst
- Multiple sexual partners
- Sexually transmitted infection
- Vulva trauma
-- To view the remaining sections of this topic, please log in or purchase a subscription --
Basics
Description
- The Bartholin glands are located inferiorly on either side of vaginal opening at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions
- These glands play an important role in the female reproductive system
- Main function is to secrete mucus and provide lubrication
- Ducts open on sides of labial vestibule
- Obstruction of duct usually produces a cyst presenting as a painless lump:
- Infection of these cysts result in abscess formation
Epidemiology
Prevalence
Most common in women aged 20–30 yr of age
Etiology
- Polymicrobial including anaerobic and aerobic microflora normally found in vagina:
- Escherichia coli – most common
- Bacteroides species
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Group B strep
- Enterococcus species
- Occasionally Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis
Risk Factors
- Previous history of Bartholin cyst
- Multiple sexual partners
- Sexually transmitted infection
- Vulva trauma
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