Bartholinitis

Bartholinitis refers to inflammation involving a Bartholin gland or its duct. The Bartholin glands are paired mucus-secreting glands located at approximately the 4- and 8-o’clock positions of the vulvar vestibule. Their ducts normally allow secretions to reach the vestibule. When a duct becomes blocked, mucus accumulates behind the obstruction and forms a cyst. A cyst is usually a painless, fluctuant lump. If bacteria infect the trapped contents, the inflammation intensifies and an abscess develops. The result is typically focal pain, tenderness, warmth, erythema, and swelling; sitting and walking may become difficult because the lesion is near the vaginal opening. The distinction matters because a small, noninfected cyst may settle with conservative care, whereas an abscess usually requires drainage to release the collection. Antibiotics alone do not restore the blocked drainage pathway. Pregnancy does not make every Bartholin mass an emergency, but it does change medication safety and treatment planning. Pregnancy status should be confirmed before an antimicrobial is administered, and the prescriber must select a regimen appropriate to the patient’s gestational circumstances. An RPN works within provincial scope, employer policy,...