Bartholin's Glands: Symptoms, Infections & Treatment

Bartholin's glands are two small glands located on either side of the vaginal opening in women. They produce fluid that helps to lubricate the vagina during sexual activity.

Bartholin's glands can become infected, which can cause pain, swelling, and discharge. This is known as bartholinitis. Bartholinitis is usually treated with antibiotics and warm compresses. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to drain the infected gland.

Bartholin's glands are named after Caspar Bartholin, a Danish anatomist who first described them in 1677.