A Case of Recurrent Bartholin Gland Abscess in Pregnancy

Abstract

Bartholin’s gland cysts and abscesses are the most common cystic swelling of the vulva in women of reproductive age. These are usually small in size but the discomfort associated with it necessitates early consultations. Huge Bartholin’s abscesses are uncommon. Fewer cases have been reported among non-pregnant women. This case involved a 29-year old second gravida, who presented at a gestational age of 34 weeks with a vulval swelling measuring 8 x 8 cm, following failure of its resolution from self-medicated antibiotics. She had experienced similar but smaller vulvar enlargement in her previous pregnancy that had resolved following similar medical treatment. She was treated successfully with marsupialization, without any adverse effect on the pregnancy. This case shows the likelihood of huge Bartholin’s abscess complicating pregnancy and that there should be no hesitation to apply marsupialization in its treatment. The recurrence of the abscess in successive pregnancy in this woman, who kept using self-prescribed antibiotics, is a worrying trend and it requires educating women at various reproductive health care clinics about vulvar swellings and warns against antibiotics abuse. Key words: Bartholin’s abscess; marsupialization; pregnancy.