Is it worth draining a bartholin gland abscess?

Question

I have had symptoms of a bladder infection for the past 2 weeks (blood and pain when passing urine) but the doctor actually thinks that I have a bartholin gland abscess because the urine test showed no bacteria growth. I have been on antibiotics for a week now, the blood has stopped and there is less pain. The doctor thinks that I should wait before draining it because it is quite small now but it is very frustrating for me to wait. Is it likely to go by itself and I am supposed to see puss coming out?

Answer 1

i would wait before draining simply because of the type of skin a woman has surrounding her genitalia...plus, the skin will take much longer to heal because the area stays moist.
most doctors will wait. if you have a clotting issue, you will even take much longer to heal.
cysts of this nature are harmless-especially when small, however, once the cyst begins to swell and it makes it uncomfortable, it would be wise to have them lance it open and let it drain. if this is the case, be prepared to allow the wound to heal by exsposure to air-when ever you can. the longer this is exposed to air, the quicker the healing time.

Answer 2

If you truly have a bartholins gland infection the area of the vulva will be swollen and soft on the inside edge of the vulva at the 4 or 6 oclock position. The frightening issue here is your Dr should be able to differentiate between a UTI and a Bartholins gland abscess. I would recommend finding another Dr. Painful urination and symptoms of UTI are no way similiar to those of a bartholins gland infection. Stay on the antibiiotics and get another opinion.

Answer 3

I had this same thing once (but not the UTI symptoms). My doctor put me on antibiotics and encouraged me to place warm moist compresses on it for 20 minutes 3 times a day. Within a few days it went away. I did not see any pus coming out of it. Your body absorbs the yucky stuff. That is why you use the warm compresses--they promote blood flow to the area so that the white blood cells can do their job of attacking the infection. Mine went away completely. Whatever you do--no matter how tempting it is--do not try to pop it.

Answer 4

Ya, draining it is really painful. The doc would have to poke it, lance it, and then squeeze. ouch! Just let the antibiotics do their job. Make sure you FINISH all of them. Most people stop taking them once they feel better...a big mistake.. So just see how you feel when the medication is complete.