A vulvar abscess is a buildup of bacteria and pus beneath the skin of the vulva. The vulva consists of the external genitals of a woman. It includes the mons pubis, labia major and minor, clitoris, and the urethral and vaginal openings.
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This problem is caused by a bacterial infection.
The infection may happen from:
Things that may the risk of this problem are:
Problems may be:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Fluids from the abscess may be tested.
Smaller abscesses may get better or drain on their own. Treatment may include:
Some people may need surgery to open and drain a large abscess.
To lower the risk of this problem:
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://www.familydoctor.org
http://www.familydoctor.org
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://sogc.org
Abscess. NHS Choices website. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Abscess/Pages/Introduction.aspx. Accessed October 28, 2020.
Abscesses. The Royal Women’s Hospital website. Available at: https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/vulva-vagina/vulva-vagina-problems/abscesses. Accessed October 28, 2020.
Bartholin gland cyst. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/bartholin-gland-cyst-and-abscess. Accessed October 28, 2020.
Lee MY, Dalpiaz A, et al. Clinical Pathology of Bartholin's Glands: A Review of the Literature. Curr Urol. 2015 May;8(1):22-25.
Managing common vulvar skin conditions. Harvard Health Publications website. Available at: http://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/managing_common_vulvar_skin_conditions. Accessed October 28, 2020.
Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD