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Causes of Bartholin's abscess

List of causes of Bartholin's abscess

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Bartholin's abscess) that could possibly cause Bartholin's abscess includes:

Bartholin's abscess Causes: Book Excerpts

Bartholin's abscess as a complication of other conditions:

Other conditions that might have Bartholin's abscess as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Bartholin's abscess. Our database lists the following as having Bartholin's abscess as a complication of that condition:

Related information on causes of Bartholin's abscess:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Bartholin's abscess may be found in:

Causes of Bartholin's abscess: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Bartholin's abscess.

Vaginal Discharge: Differential Diagnosis
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Physiologic
    –Many women will have a consistent, slightly clear, non-odor-producing discharge, either midcycle or premenstrually, particularly if they are on oral contraceptives
    –A change in odor, consistency, or color of discharge may signify that evaluation is necessary
    –Increased discharge is associated with pregnancy
  • Sexually transmitted disease
    Trichomonas vaginalis: “Strawberry cervix” with punctate erythema, flagellated oval organisms on wet mount
    –Gonorrhea/Chlamydia may be associated with pelvic pain/dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia
  • Bacterial vaginosis
    –Various organisms and changes in normal flora with a characteristic fishy odor
    –Not considered an STD
    –Increases the risk of preterm delivery in pregnant women
  • Alteration of normal vaginal flora and/or inflammatory response
    Candida albicans overgrowth is more common with recent antibiotic use, poorly controlled diabetes, and/or pregnancy; presents with intensely pruritic, inflamed, and erythematous introitus
    –Doderlein's cytolysis (caused by an overgrowth of lactobacilli)
  • Atrophic vaginitis
    –Common in postmenopausal women, especially those not on HRT
    –Poor coital lubrication, dyspareunia
    –Dysuria due to atrophic urethral tissue
  • Foreign body vaginitis (e.g., retained tampon)
  • Noninfectious irritant/allergic contact vaginitis (e.g., soaps, feminine pads, perfumes)
  • Cervicitis (usually due to gonorrhea or Chlamydia)
  • Cervical dysplasia, cancer, or polyps
  • Vaginal or vulvar trauma or cancer

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Vaginal Discharge: Differential Diagnosis
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

  • Physiologic leukorrhea
    –In newborns for 2–3 weeks, due to maternal estrogen effect, and in pubertal girls
    –Discharge typically clear to white, sticky, and nonirritating
    –Newborns may have withdrawal bleeding
  • Infections
    –Bacterial vaginosis: Previously known as nonspecific vaginitis; polymicrobial in etiology (coliforms, streptococci, Gardnerella); discharge may be gray and malodorous (fishy smell) but generally nonirritating
    Candida: Discharge may be cheesy and white with erythematous, pruritic, irritated vulva; typical discharge is rarely seen in prepubertal children; discharge typically has no odor
    Trichomonas: Discharge may be frothy, malodorous, creamy, green, bloody, or pruritic (or asymptomatic)
    Chlamydia: Commonly asymptomatic or a nonspecific discharge
    –Gonorrhea: Infection is commonly asymptomatic or has a gray-white, thick, purulent discharge
    –Group A β-hemolytic streptococci: Discharge may be bloody
    Shigella: Discharge may be bloody
    • Irritation/hygiene
      –Due to bubble baths and other chemical irritants, tight clothing, obesity, poor wiping
    • Foreign body
      –Commonly includes toilet paper, forgotten tampon
      –Discharge is often bloody and malodorous
  • Anatomic
    –Ectopic urethra
    –Rectovaginal fistula
    –Urethral prolapse
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Masturbation
  • Sarcoma botyroides
  • Oral contraceptives (estrogen effect)

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Vaginal discharge: Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

Atrophic vaginitis

With atrophic vaginitis, a thin, scant, watery white vaginal discharge may be accompanied by pruritus, burning, tenderness, and bloody spotting after coitus or douching. Sparse pubic hair, a pale vagina with decreased rugae and small hemorrhagic spots, clitoral atrophy, and shrinking of the labia minora may also occur.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (formerly called Gardnerella vaginalis and Haemophilus vaginalis) results from an ecozogic disturbance of the vaginal flora. Causing a thin, foul-smelling, green or gray-white discharge, it adheres to the vaginal walls and can be easily wiped away, leaving healthy-looking tissue. Pruritus, redness, and other signs of vaginal irritation may occur but are usually minimal.

Candidiasis

Infection with Candida albicans causes a profuse, white, curdlike discharge with a yeasty, sweet odor. Onset is abrupt, usually just before menses or during a course of antibiotics. Exudate may be lightly attached to the labia and vaginal walls and is commonly accompanied by vulvar redness and edema. The inner thighs may be covered with a fine, red dermatitis and weeping erosions. Intense labial itching and burning may also occur. Some patients experience external dysuria.

Chancroid

Chancroid — a rare but highly contagious sexually transmitted disease — produces a mucopurulent, foul-smelling discharge and vulvar lesions that are initially erythematous and later ulcerated. Within 2 to 3 weeks, inguinal lymph nodes (usually unilateral) may become tender and enlarged, with pruritus, suppuration, and spontaneous drainage of nodes. Headache, malaise, and fever to 102.2° F (39° C) are common.

Chlamydial infection

Chlamydial infection causes a yellow, mucopurulent, odorless, or acrid vaginal discharge. Other findings include dysuria, dyspareunia, and vaginal bleeding after douching or coitus, especially following menses. Many women remain asymptomatic.

Endometritis

A scant, serosanguineous discharge with a foul odor can result from bacterial invasion of the endometrium. Associated findings include fever, lower back and abdominal pain, abdominal muscle spasm, malaise, dysmenorrhea, and an enlarged uterus.

Genital warts

Genital warts are mosaic, papular vulvar lesions that can cause a profuse, mucopurulent vaginal discharge, which may be foul-smelling if the warts are infected. Patients frequently complain of burning or paresthesia in the vaginal introitus.

Gonorrhea

Although 80% of women with gonorrhea are asymptomatic, others have a yellow or green, foul-smelling discharge that can be expressed from Bartholin’s or Skene’s ducts. Other findings include dysuria, urinary frequency and incontinence, bleeding, and vaginal redness and swelling. Severe pelvic and lower abdominal pain and fever may develop.

Gynecologic cancer

Endometrial or cervical cancer produces a chronic, watery, bloody or purulent vaginal discharge that may be foul-smelling. Other findings include abnormal vaginal bleeding and, later, weight loss; pelvic, back, and leg pain; fatigue; urinary frequency; and abdominal distention.

Herpes simplex (genital)

A copious mucoid discharge results from herpes simplex, but the initial complaint is painful, indurated vesicles and ulcerations on the labia, vagina, cervix, anus, thighs, or mouth. Erythema, marked edema, and tender inguinal lymph nodes may occur with fever, malaise, and dysuria.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling discharge, which may be frothy, green-yellow, and profuse or thin, white, and scant. Other findings include pruritus; a red, inflamed vagina with tiny petechiae; dysuria and urinary frequency; and dyspareunia, postcoital spotting, menorrhagia, or dysmenorrhea. About 70% of patients are asymptomatic.

Other causes

Contraceptive creams and jellies

Contraceptive creams and jellies can increase vaginal secretions.

Drugs

Drugs that contain estrogen, including hormonal contraceptives, can cause increased mucoid vaginal discharge. Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, may increase the risk of a candidal vaginal infection and discharge.

Radiation therapy

Irradiation of the reproductive tract can cause a watery, odorless vaginal discharge.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Throat abscesses: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Peritonsillar abscess is a complication of acute tonsillitis, usually after streptococcal or staphylococcal infection. It occurs more commonly in adolescents and young adults than in children.

Acute retropharyngeal abscess results from infection in the retropharyngeal lymph glands, which may follow an upper respiratory tract bacterial infection. Most common pathogens are beta-hemolytic Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. These lymph glands begin to atrophy after age 2. Acute retropharyngeal abscess most commonly affects infants and children younger than age 2.

Chronic retropharyngeal abscess may result from tuberculosis of the cervical spine (Pott’s disease) and may occur at any age.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Vaginal discharge: Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Atrophic vaginitis

In this disorder, a scant, watery white vaginal discharge may be accompanied by pruritus, burning, tenderness, and bloody spotting after coitus or douching. Sparse pubic hair, a pale vagina with decreased rugae and small hemorrhagic spots, clitoral atrophy, and shrinking of the labia minora may also occur.

Bacterial Vaginosis

This infection, caused by Gardnerella vaginalis (formerly called Haemophilus vaginalis), results from an ecozogic disturbance of the vaginal flora. It produces a thin, foul-smelling, green or gray-white discharge that adheres to the vaginal walls and can be easily wiped away, leaving healthy-looking tissue. Pruritus, redness, and other mild signs of vaginal irritation may also occur.

Candidiasis

Infection with Candida albicans causes a profuse, white, curdlike discharge with a yeasty, sweet odor. Onset is abrupt, usually just before menses or during a course of antibiotics. Exudate may be lightly attached to the labia and vaginal walls and is commonly accompanied by vulvar redness and edema. The inner thighs may be covered with a fine red dermatitis and weeping erosions. Intense labial itching and burning may also occur. Some patients experience external dysuria.

Chancroid

This rare but highly contagious sexually transmitted disease produces a mucopurulent, foul-smelling discharge and vulvar lesions that are initially erythematous and later ulcerated. Within 2 to 3 weeks, inguinal lymph nodes (usually unilateral) may become tender and enlarged, with pruritus, suppuration, and spontaneous drainage of nodes. Headache, malaise, and a fever as high as 102.2° F (39° C) are common.

Chlamydial infection

This infection causes a yellow, mucopurulent, odorless or acrid vaginal discharge. Other findings include dysuria, dyspareunia, and vaginal bleeding after douching or coitus, especially after menses. Many women, however, remain asymptomatic.

Endometritis

A scant serosanguineous discharge with a foul odor can result from bacterial invasion of the endometrium. Associated findings include fever, low back and abdominal pain, abdominal muscle spasm, malaise, dysmenorrhea, and an enlarged uterus.

Genital warts

These mosaic, papular vulvar lesions can cause a profuse mucopurulent vaginal discharge, which may be foul smelling if the warts are infected. Patients commonly complain of burning or paresthesia in the vaginal introitus.

Gonorrhea

Although 80% of women with gonorrhea are asymptomatic, others have a foul-smelling yellow or green discharge that can be expressed from Bartholin’s or Skene’s ducts. Other findings include dysuria, urinary frequency and incontinence, bleeding, and vaginal redness and swelling. Severe pelvic and lower abdominal pain and fever may develop.

Gynecologic cancer

Endometrial or cervical cancer produces a chronic, watery, bloody or purulent vaginal discharge that may be foul smelling. Other findings include abnormal vaginal bleeding and, later, weight loss; pelvic, back, and leg pain; fatigue; urinary frequency; and abdominal distention.

Herpes simplex (genital)

A copious mucoid discharge results from this disorder, but the initial complaint is painful, indurated vesicles and ulcerations on the labia, vagina, cervix, anus, thighs, or mouth. Erythema, marked edema, and tender inguinal lymph nodes may occur with fever, malaise, and dysuria.

Trichomoniasis

This infection can cause a foul-smelling discharge, which may be frothy, green-yellow, and profuse or thin, white, and scant. Other findings include pruritus; an inflamed, erythematous vagina with tiny petechiae; dysuria and urinary frequency; dyspareunia; postcoital spotting; and menorrhagia or dysmenorrhea. About 70% of patients are asymptomatic.

Other causes

Contraceptive creams and jellies

These products can increase vaginal secretions.

Drugs

Drugs that contain estrogen, including hormonal contraceptives, can cause a mucoid vaginal discharge. Antibiotics such as tetracycline may increase the risk of a candidal vaginal infection and associated discharge.

Radiation therapy

Irradiation of the reproductive tract can cause a watery, odorless vaginal discharge.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Vaginal Discharge: Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)

❑ Physiologic discharge

❑ Candida vulvovaginitis

❑ Bacterial vaginosis

❑ Trichomonas vaginitis

❑ Atrophic vaginitis

❑ Irritant dermatitis

❑ Gonorrheal cervicitis

❑ Chlamydial cervicitis

❑ Herpes simplex

❑ Cervical cancer

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007

Perirectal abscess and fistula: Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)

The inflammatory process that leads to abscess may begin with an abrasion or tear in the lining of the anal canal, rectum, or perianal skin, and subsequent infection by Escherichia coli, staphylococci, or streptococci. Such trauma may result from injections for treatment of internal hemorrhoids, enema-tip abrasions, puncture wounds from ingested eggshells or fishbones, or insertion of foreign objects.

Other preexisting lesions include infected anal fissure, infections from the anal crypt through the anal gland, ruptured anal hematoma, prolapsed thrombotic internal hemorrhoids, and septic lesions in the pelvis, such as acute appendicitis, acute salpingitis, and diverticulitis. Systemic illnesses that may cause abscesses include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. However, many abscesses develop without preexisting lesions. Other causes include trauma, malignancy, radiation, infectious dermatitis, and an immunocompromised state.

As the abscess produces more pus, a fistula may form in the soft tissue beneath the muscle fibers of the sphincters (especially the external sphincter), usually extending into the perianal skin. The internal (primary) opening of the abscess or fistula is usually near the anal glands and crypts; the external (secondary) opening, in the perianal skin.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Vaginal discharge: Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Atrophic vaginitis

With atrophic vaginitis, a thin, scant, watery white vaginal discharge may be accompanied by pruritus, burning, tenderness, and bloody spotting after coitus or douching. Sparse pubic hair, a pale vagina with decreased rugae and small hemorrhagic spots, clitoral atrophy, and shrinking of the labia minora may also occur.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis results in a thin, foul-smelling, green or gray-white discharge that adheres to the vaginal walls and can be easily wiped away, leaving healthy-looking tissue. Pruritus, redness, and other signs of vaginal irritation may occur but are usually minimal.

Candidiasis

Infection with Candida albicans causes a profuse, white, curdlike discharge with a yeasty, sweet odor. Onset is abrupt, usually just before menses or during a course of antibiotics. Exudate may be lightly attached to the labia and vaginal walls and is commonly accompanied by vulvar redness and edema. The inner thighs may be covered with a fine, red dermatitis and weeping erosions. Intense labial itching and burning may also occur. Some patients experience external dysuria.

Chlamydial infection

A chlamydial infection causes a yellow, mucopurulent, odorless, or acrid vaginal discharge. Other findings include dysuria, dyspareunia, and vaginal bleeding after douching or coitus, especially following menses. Many women remain asymptomatic.

Endometritis

A scant, serosanguineous discharge with a foul odor can result from bacterial invasion of the endometrium. Associated findings include fever, lower back and abdominal pain, abdominal muscle spasm, malaise, dysmenorrhea, and an enlarged uterus.

Genital warts

Genital warts are mosaic, papular vulvar lesions that can cause a profuse, mucopurulent vaginal discharge, which may be foul-smelling if the warts are infected. Patients with genital warts frequently complain of burning or paresthesia in the vaginal introitus.

Gonorrhea

Although 80% of women with gonorrhea are asymptomatic, others have a yellow or green, foul-smelling discharge that can be expressed from Bartholin’s or Skene’s ducts. Other findings include dysuria, urinary frequency and incontinence, bleeding, and vaginal redness and swelling. Severe pelvic and lower abdominal pain and fever may develop.

Gynecologic cancer

Endometrial or cervical cancer produces a chronic, watery, bloody or purulent vaginal discharge that may be foul-smelling. Other findings include abnormal vaginal bleeding and, later, weight loss; pelvic, back, and leg pain; fatigue; urinary frequency; and abdominal distention.

Herpes simplex (genital)

A copious mucoid discharge results from genital herpes, but the initial complaint is painful, indurated vesicles and ulcerations on the labia, vagina, cervix, anus, thighs, or mouth. Erythema, marked edema, and tender inguinal lymph nodes may occur with fever, malaise, and dysuria.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling discharge, which may be frothy, green-yellow, and profuse or thin, white, and scant. Other findings include pruritus; a red, inflamed vagina with tiny petechiae; dysuria and urinary frequency; and dyspareunia, postcoital spotting, menorrhagia, or dysmenorrhea. About 70% of patients are asymptomatic.

Other causes

Contraceptive creams and jellies

These products can increase vaginal secretions.

Drugs

Drugs that contain estrogen, including hormonal contraceptives, can cause increased mucoid vaginal discharge. Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, may increase the risk of a candidal vaginal infection and discharge.

Radiation therapy

Irradiation of the reproductive tract can cause a watery, odorless vaginal discharge.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Vaginal Discharge: Principal Causes of Vaginal Discharge
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)

  1. Prepubertalonset
    1. Physiologicleukorrhea
    2. Vulvovaginitis
      1. Nonspecificcauses
      2. Specific infections
    3. Foreign body
  2. Pubertal and postpubertal onset
    1. Physiologicleukorrhea
    2. Vulvovaginitis
      1. Nonspecificcauses
      2. Specific infections
        1. Bacterialvaginosis
        2. Candida species
        3. Trichomonas vaginalis
        4. Herpes simplex virus
    3. Cervicitis
      1. Chlamydia trachomatis
      2. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
    4. Pelvic inflammatory disease
    5. Foreign body

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006

Vaginal discharge: Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

Atrophic vaginitis.With atrophic vaginitis, a thin, scant, watery white vaginal discharge may be accompanied by pruritus, burning, tenderness, and bloody spotting after coitus or douching. Sparse pubic hair, a pale vagina with decreased rugae and small hemorrhagic spots, clitoral atrophy, and shrinking of the labia minora may also occur.

Bacterial vaginosis.Bacterial vaginosis causes a thin, foul-smelling, green or gray-white discharge, it adheres to the vaginal walls and can be easily wiped away, leaving healthy-looking tissue. Pruritus, redness, and other signs of vaginal irritation may occur but are usually minimal.

Candidiasis.Infection with Candida albicans causes a profuse, white, curdlike discharge with a yeasty, sweet odor. Onset is abrupt, usually just before menses or during a course of antibiotics. Exudate may be lightly attached to the labia and vaginal walls and is commonly accompanied by vulvar redness and edema. The inner thighs may be covered with a fine, red dermatitis and weeping erosions. Intense labial itching and burning may also occur. Some patients experience external dysuria.

Chancroid.Chancroid produces a mucopurulent, foul-smelling discharge and vulvar lesions that are initially erythematous and later ulcerated. Within 2 to 3 weeks, inguinal lymph nodes (usually unilateral) may become tender and enlarged, with pruritus, suppuration, and spontaneous drainage of nodes. Headache, malaise, and fever to 102.2° F (39° C) are common.

Chlamydial infection.Chlamydial infection causes a yellow, mucopurulent, odorless, or acrid vaginal discharge. Other findings include dysuria, dyspareunia, and vaginal bleeding after douching or coitus, especially following menses. Many women remain asymptomatic.

Endometritis.A scant, serosanguineous discharge with a foul odor can result from bacterial invasion of the endometrium. Associated findings include fever, lower back and abdominal pain, abdominal muscle spasm, malaise, dysmenorrhea, and an enlarged uterus.

Genital warts.Genital warts are mosaic, papular vulvar lesions that can cause a profuse, mucopurulent vaginal discharge, which may be foul-smelling if the warts are infected. Patients frequently complain of burning or paresthesia in the vaginal introitus.

Gonorrhea.Although 80% of women with gonorrhea are asymptomatic, others have a yellow or green, foul-smelling discharge that can be expressed from Bartholin's or Skene's ducts. Other findings include dysuria, urinary frequency and incontinence, bleeding, and vaginal redness and swelling. Severe pelvic and lower abdominal pain and fever may develop.

Gynecologic cancer.Endometrial or cervical cancer produces a chronic, watery, bloody or purulent vaginal discharge that may be foul-smelling. Other findings include abnormal vaginal bleeding and, later, weight loss; pelvic, back, and leg pain; fatigue; urinary frequency; and abdominal distention.

Herpes simplex (genital).A copious mucoid discharge results from genital herpes simplex, but the initial complaint is painful, indurated vesicles and ulcerations on the labia, vagina, cervix, anus, thighs, or mouth. Erythema, marked edema, and tender inguinal lymph nodes may occur with fever, malaise, and dysuria.

Trichomoniasis.Trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling discharge, which may be frothy, green-yellow, and profuse or thin, white, and scant. Other findings include pruritus; a red, inflamed vagina with tiny petechiae; dysuria and urinary frequency; and dyspareunia, postcoital spotting, menorrhagia, or dysmenorrhea. About 70% of patients are asymptomatic.

Other causes

Contraceptive creams and jellies.Contraceptive creams and jellies increase vaginal secretions.

Drugs.Drugs that contain estrogen, including hormonal contraceptives, can cause increased mucoid vaginal discharge. Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, may increase the risk of a candidal vaginal infection and discharge.

Radiation therapy.Irradiation of the reproductive tract can cause a watery, odorless vaginal discharge.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007


 » Next page: Symptoms of Bartholin's abscess

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