Bartholin's abscess : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests

Symptoms & Signs

• A tender lump on either side of the vaginal opening
• Fever
• Pain with sexual intercourse

Diagnosis & Tests

A pelvic examination reveals an enlarged and tender Bartholin’s gland. A biopsy may be recommended in older women to rule out a tumor.

Any vaginal discharge or fluid drainage will be sent to a lab for analysis.

• Bartholin’s abscess : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

• Bartholin’s abscess : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests

• Bartholin’s abscess : Treatment

Review Date : 8/1/2008
Reviewed By : Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Maternal & Child Health Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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