Hello Dr. Mintz. History of Bartholin abscesses, present onset 7 days ago, previous occurrence 5 months ago, and prior to that 22 years. Symptoms started last Sunday 7/10 and was as able to seen by gyn next day. Dx confirmed, however, small induration and to premature for I&D. Placed on antibiotic Bactrim DS therapy for 10 days and return in I week for re-evaluation and possible I&D if necessary, which will be this next Wednesday 7/20. Have been very compliant with not missing doses, Motrin for pain management and its anti-inflammatory effects, and the sitz baths. Today, I believe that the abscess has spontaneous ruptured and this is the first time I have experience as such and had an instant relief of horrific pain. My questions are: 1.) How can I properly manipulate the gland to continue drainage without pushing the bacteria toxins further down into the tissues? 2.) Is an I&D still favorable to continue proper drainage, should I encourage this. Is the current Rx of Bactrim DS sufficient? Previous abscess (2/16), received Rocephin 1 gram injection and Rx Doxycycline 100 mg bid x10d, culture was obtained (I&D w/catheter) and came back E.Coli positive and placed on a secondary Rx Cipro 500 mg once daily x7d. I feel that this reoccurrence in such a short duration stems from the previous and infection not completely resolved and for lack of a better word has been festering very slowly.