inflammation of the efferent ducts of the Bartholin glands (named for K. Bartholin, who discovered them), located near the entrance to the vagina. Most commonly, bartholinitis is caused by the gonococcus and, in that case, becomes a lingering disease. Clogging of the ducts, which occurs because of inflammation, and retention of pus cause severe pain in the perineum; there is considerable swelling near the entrance to the vagina (usually unilateral); and body temperature rises. Treatment consists in administering anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications and, if the course is progressive, surgery.