ABSTRACT
Worldwide, the most common cause of genital trauma is obstetric injury that usually occurs during vaginal deliveries. Nonobstetric vulvar and vaginal trauma is relatively uncommon due to their anatomic location. Such trauma includes blunt injuries, consensual and nonconsensual intercourse, female genital mutilation, and, less commonly, burn injuries. The extent of the injuries varies from minor bruising and lacerations that may not require any medical or surgical interventions to severe life-threatening complications requiring emergent care. Bartholin gland disorders are common conditions affecting women most commonly in their reproductive age. Establishing the proper diagnosis allows for adequate management, which can vary depending on the clinical conditions and risk of recurrence. Bartholin gland disorders should be distinguished from vulvar abscesses that have a different pathogenesis and treatment. Although very rare, pain out of proportion to exam findings should raise the suspicion for necrotizing fasciitis.
