What should you know about bartholin antibiotics?

The Bartholin glands sit beside the vaginal opening and release fluid that helps with lubrication. If their opening becomes blocked, a cyst can form. Bacteria may then infect the area, causing an abscess with swelling, warmth, redness and marked tenderness. Fever or feeling unwell can also occur.

A clinician chooses treatment after checking the lump, surrounding skin and your general health. Antibiotics may be considered when there is spreading skin infection, systemic illness, a higher risk of complications or concern about a sexually transmitted infection. A painful, tense abscess often needs a procedure to let the fluid out; medicine does not reliably reach the centre of a closed pocket.

Arrange a medical assessment for a new painful lump near the vaginal opening, especially if walking or sitting is difficult. Do not squeeze, pierce or drain it yourself. Until reviewed, keep the area clean, wear loose clothing and consider a warm sitz bath for comfort if it does not worsen pain.

If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed and complete the course unless the prescriber tells you to stop. Mention allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding and other medicines before starting. Avoid sexual contact if it is painful or an infection may be sexually transmitted, and follow testing advice for you and a partner.

Seek urgent medical help if swelling or pain is rapidly increasing, redness is spreading, you have fever with chills, feel faint or very unwell, or cannot pass urine. Arrange prompt review if symptoms do not begin improving after treatment, return repeatedly or the lump persists after the infection settles. A new Bartholin-area lump later in adulthood also deserves clinical assessment.

Ask whether this is a cyst, abscess or spreading skin infection; whether drainage is needed; how to take the prescribed medicine; whether testing for sexually transmitted infections is appropriate; and what symptoms should trigger reassessment.