Types
Depending on the characteristics of the course, the disease can be: acute, subacute, chronic.
It is also classified by the localization of inflammation: canaliculitis - suppuration of the excretory ducts; abscess (true and false); cyst - a neoplasm with liquid contents.
The acute form of the disease is characterized by two options for presentation: false abscess (begins with canaliculitis - inflammation of the excretory duct of the organ, at its external exit, redness with a ridge of inflammation around it appears); true abscess (appears when infection penetrates into the tissues of the organ itself; the parenchyma melts, the skin over the tumor becomes immobile).
The acute form can become chronic, which is characterized by alternating complications and temporary improvements. The former can appear during menstruation, reduced immunity, the presence of other infections. With a protracted form, they talk about minor pain in the area of the ongoing process, discomfort when moving, compaction of the organ.
Causes
The disease is related to sexually transmitted infections. It can be provoked by pathogenic microorganisms: chlamydia, staphylococci, trichomonas and others. The formation can be facilitated by such factors as the body's reduced ability to resist viruses, inflammation of the genital area, any local microtrauma, surgical intervention in the genitourinary system, promiscuous sex life, wearing tight underwear made of synthetic materials, failure to observe intimate hygiene, etc.
Most often, the development of the disease is unilateral - only one gland becomes inflamed.
Symptoms
The main sign of the onset of decay is redness of the labia minora.
During palpation, it can be noted that the excretory duct is thickened and sensitive to pressure. As a result of its closure and an increase in the density of the accumulating secretion, pus is formed, and the patient develops a false abscess. Later, the following symptoms may be observed:
- periodically occurring painful sensations in the vagina, which intensify in a sitting position;
- increased body temperature;
- general weakness and poor health;
- inflammation and redness of the labia majora.
The protracted type, which has a long-term nature of development, is especially dangerous. The condition may worsen during menstruation, after infectious diseases, or when the body is overcooled.
With a long course, a cyst develops near the entrance to the vagina.
Diagnostics
A gynecologist can diagnose the deviation based on the results of certain studies. Among them:
- gynecological examination of the patient;
- careful collection of anamnesis;
- bacterioscopic examination;
- colposcopy;
- bacterial culture of vaginal discharge to identify a specific infectious agent and its resistance to various groups of antibacterial drugs;
- PCR diagnostics.
Treatment
At the initial stage, when canaliculitis develops, conservative treatment will be effective. It may include:
- applying cold to the sore spot;
- bed rest;
- using local anti-inflammatory drugs (baths with medicinal solutions);
- taking antibiotics and painkillers;
- when the severity of the inflammatory process subsides, physiotherapy procedures can be prescribed (UHF, magnetic therapy, etc.);
- prescribing general tonic medications - vitamin complexes, immunomodulators, etc.
If suppuration could not be stopped at the initial stage, and a tumor has formed, its treatment can only be surgical. The surgeon performs an autopsy, disinfects and drains it. At the same time, an antibacterial complex and physiotherapeutic methods are prescribed.
The cyst is also subject to removal. The operation should be performed when the moment of exacerbation has already subsided. It is done by means of the method of extirpation (complete removal) or marsupialization (creation of an artificial duct that prevents the accumulation of discharge).
Prevention
Prevention of the disease is based on careful hygiene. Without appropriate medical recommendations, you should not wash the vagina with disinfectant solutions. It is also extremely important to promptly treat any foci of chronic infection - colpitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis, etc. For the purpose of prevention, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist every six months.
