Bartholin's Abscess
Patient information leaflets
NHS Borders
Borders General Hospital
Huntlyburn Terrace
Melrose
TD6 9BS
"Information given on this site is not meant to take the place of a talk with your doctor or health worker."
Please contact the service should you need this information in another format.
What is Bartholin's Abscess?
It is a build up of pus in one of the Bartholin's glands which produce mucous. These glands are found on each side of the opening of the vagina at the inner most part of the labia.
An abscess may grow fully within two or three days.
Symptoms
- swelling that is hot, sensitive and painful to touch
- pain when walking or sitting
- fever
Treatment
A warm bath two times a day will help and may stop the infection from spreading. However, it may not drain it completely. This is because the spot where it drains from is usually very small and closes quickly. This traps fluid inside.
Sometimes the abscess needs to be drained. This is normally done by inserting a small drainage tube into the abscess using local anaesthetic to numb the area. This lets the abscess carry on draining and will help it to heal. You will be given painkillers to help the pain and some antibiotics to fight infection. The course of antibiotics must be finished.
Complications are rare. It is normal to make a full recovery.
If you get any further signs of a new abscess, contact your own Doctor straight away.