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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Random Swelling Of Bartholin Glands?

I sometimes have random swelling of my bartholins gland, normally the left side. I dont know the exact onset but I have been getting them for a while. Usually it happens during my period, however sometimes it doesn't and it goes away on its own in able 3-4 days. Im in nursing school and found out this could be secondary to gonorrhea and I'm freaking out because the only time Ive had unprotected sex was 2 1/2 years ago. What do you think it is? A cyst or an STD?
Thu, 29 Jan 2015
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hello. Thank you for writing to us healthcaremagic

Bartholin glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening and secrete fluid that lubricate the vagina.
Sometimes the openings of these glands become obstructed, causing fluid to back up into the gland.
Most of the times, there is no underlying cause for an enlarged bartholin gland.
Enlarged bartholin gland's is a complication of acute gonorrhea but in that case it is usually painful. Therefore I don't think gonorrhea is causing it to enlarge in your case.
Moreover, a self resolving enlarged gland is unlikely to be because of gonorrhea.
Usually it presents as a painless lump, which may come and go. Sitz bath help resolve an enlarged gland.
At times, the fluid within the cyst may become infected, resulting in pus surrounded by inflamed tissue (abscess).
Treatment of a greatly enlarged and painful bartholin gland is usually draining them away Or marsupialization, after treatment with a course of an oral antibiotics
I suggest you to visit a specialist for a confirmatory diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Regards
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What Causes Random Swelling Of Bartholin Glands?

Hello. Thank you for writing to us healthcaremagic Bartholin glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening and secrete fluid that lubricate the vagina. Sometimes the openings of these glands become obstructed, causing fluid to back up into the gland. Most of the times, there is no underlying cause for an enlarged bartholin gland. Enlarged bartholin gland s is a complication of acute gonorrhea but in that case it is usually painful. Therefore I don t think gonorrhea is causing it to enlarge in your case. Moreover, a self resolving enlarged gland is unlikely to be because of gonorrhea. Usually it presents as a painless lump, which may come and go. Sitz bath help resolve an enlarged gland. At times, the fluid within the cyst may become infected, resulting in pus surrounded by inflamed tissue (abscess). Treatment of a greatly enlarged and painful bartholin gland is usually draining them away Or marsupialization, after treatment with a course of an oral antibiotics I suggest you to visit a specialist for a confirmatory diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Regards