NOT STRICTLY INFECTIONS
Bartholin’s gland cysts. There are a couple of glands which make lubricating fluid for the vagina, with two little outlets in the vaginal walls, one on each side, not far from the entrance to the vagina. Sometimes these outlets get blocked. The fluid cannot get out, and forms a swelling in the wall of the lower vagina, and out on to the vulval area next to the vagina. Sometimes the fluid in the cysts gets bugs in it, and the cysts become infected, and therefore red, swollen, hot and sore. When all these things happen, a woman has an infected Bartholin’s cyst, or Bartholin’s abscess, which can be very uncomfortable indeed.
To treat an infected Bartholin’s gland cyst effectively, so that it is not likely to recur, a gynaecologist will usually perform a little operation, under a short general anaesthetic, to open out the cyst, and allow the gland to drain into the vagina again. Antibiotics are prescribed to help kill the bugs.
If a cyst is present but painless (not infected), and causing no discomfort during intercourse or at other times, many women do not bother having them treated. Gynaecologists will sometimes recommend having the cyst operated on even if it is not infected, because they all have the potential to become infected. The procedure is usually easier if the cyst is not infected, and may prevent significant pain and discomfort.
Skin conditions. The skin around the vagina can get most of the ‘normal’ skin conditions which can occur elsewhere, like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Affected skin may swell locally, and cause a lump or become moist and weeping. The area may be sore. The treatment depends on making a diagnosis, and treating the cause.
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