Assessment of dyspareunia

In women with deep dyspareunia who have accompanying lower pelvic pain and vaginal discharge, infectious aetiologies such as cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease should be considered. Women with these conditions should receive immediate antibiotic therapy in order to minimise short-term and long-term morbidity such as tubo-ovarian abscesses, systemic illness, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.

A Bartholin's gland abscess, if undiagnosed and untreated, can progress to an extensive perineal infection, resulting in fasciitis and systemic infection. Women in whom a Bartholin's gland abscess is suspected should have immediate incision and drainage to avoid subsequent cellulitis and fasciitis.