A smear for internal infections. A smear on the flora in women: what is determined by it, the norm and pathology. Pap test for infection during pregnancy

A smear for flora is a simple and fairly informative analysis that a doctor takes in women and men of all ages both for the purposes of routine diagnostics and in the case of acute or “erased” symptoms.

It allows you to assess the state of the microflora of the urogenital tract, to determine the presence of certain inflammatory diseases, infections, viruses.

Some doctors say that this analysis does not require special preparation, however, this is not so. For the reliability of the results, the patient is recommended do not go to the toilet for 2-3 hours, since urine can wash away all pathogenic bacteria and infections, it will be difficult for your doctor to determine the causes of your pathological condition.

Douching, vaginal suppositories and antibacterial soap also contribute to unreliable indicators. Women it is necessary to take this analysis after the end of menstruation, and besides, all patients should refrain from any sexual intercourse 2 days before taking the biomaterial.

How is the analysis given?

The analysis is most often taken by a doctor when you come to him for a regular appointment at a polyclinic or when you simply go to a paid laboratory where obstetricians and medical staff take biomaterial from you.

The pap smear procedure is completely painless.

Among women a gynecologist, obstetrician or any other medical worker lightly draws a special disposable spatula in the form of a stick at three points - vagina, urethra and cervical canal.

In men the urologist or another doctor inserts a special disposable probe into the urethra, rotates around the axis several times and takes an analysis. It is believed that the study does not cause pain, however, this does not exclude the negligence of the doctor, as well as individual sensitivity or the presence of a particular disease, which can cause discomfort.

Research price

The results of the flora smear are usually ready the next day, as the study is not specific and complex, so you can pick up your tests fairly quickly. smear on flora really considered a fairly simple study that can be done in a regular clinic for free. However, if the deadlines are running out or you simply do not trust the doctors from the clinic, then you don’t have to worry - a swab for the flora is taken in any paid medical laboratory.

Research costs vary. from 440 to 550 rubles and in addition, you can pay separately for the collection of biomaterial by a medical worker. The total will be approximately 900-1000 rubles.

The norm of smear results on flora in women

A smear on flora examines indicators such as leukocytes, epithelium, microflora, infections (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, candidiasis), mucus and key cells. Let's figure out what it means norm and pathology in this analysis and how to decipher it.

When you receive a form with the results, you usually see a table like this, where the following characters are indicated in Latin letters on top: "U", "V", "C", which literally means urethra (urethra), vagina and cervical canal. Often they are written in full like this: "uretra", "vagina", "canalis cervicalis". Normally, the smear analysis indicators for flora in women should look like this:

Indicators	Urethra (normal)	Vagina (normal)	Cervical canal (normal)
Leukocytes	0-5 in p / c	0-10 in p / c	0-15-30 p / s
Epithelium	Moderate or 5-10 in p / s	Moderate or 5-10 in p / s	Moderate or 5-10 in p / s
Slime	Moderate/absent	Moderately	Moderately
	Not found	Not found	Not found
Trichomonas	Not found	Not found	Not found
Yeast fungi (Candida)	Not found	Not found	Not found
Microflora	absent	stick in large quantities or lactobacillus	absent
key cells	missing	missing	missing

Are you testing in a private clinic?

YesNo

Deviations from the norm of any indicators may indicate a pathological process or inflammation, but in order to prescribe treatment to the patient and make a diagnosis, the doctor needs to interpret the results of the study as a whole. A slight excess or underestimation of the indicators can be considered by the doctor as an individual norm, but this is only permissible if there are no patient complaints, otherwise additional tests or a re-examination should be carried out.

Deciphering the results in women

For the urethra, vagina, cervical canal, as mentioned above, there are normal indicators. For the urethra: leukocytes should be in the normal range 0 to 5 in the field of view, epithelium moderate or from 5 to 10 or 15 in the field of view, mucus should be absent, any infections (candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea) and bacteria should not be normal.

Increasing performance leukocytes and epithelium in the urethra indicates an inflammatory process or urethritis, urolithiasis, mechanical damage to the urethra with a stone, sand or a foreign object, which requires immediate medical attention. Revealing , Trichomonas and Candida fungi indicates specific urethritis. Increased slime in the analysis is possible due to violation of hygiene rules, improper collection of biomaterial.

For the vagina: leukocytes fine must be 0 to 10 in view. However, during pregnancy leukocytes may increase, and therefore allowable rate in that case it will from 0 to 20 leukocytes in p / o.

This is not a pathology and does not require any special treatment.

The epithelium must be moderate or 5 to 10 in sight, and mucus in moderate quantity. Infections (Trichomonas, Candida fungi,) normally absent, key cells too, and the microflora should be rod in large or moderate amounts. An increase in the number of leukocytes in a smear indicates an inflammatory process in the vagina, which happens with the following diseases:

colpitis;
vaginitis,
vulvoginitis (especially in girls under 14 years old);
urethritis;
cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix);
oophritis (inflammation of the ovaries);
andexitis (inflammation of the uterine appendages);
sexual infection.

Excess quantity squamous epithelium is also a sign of an inflammatory process. A slight increase in performance is acceptable in a certain phase menstrual cycle when the hormone estrogen begins to increase. decline the number of epithelial cells occurs in women during the period menopause, as the production of the hormone estrogen begins to decline sharply.

Mucus in large quantities indirectly indicates an inflammatory process or non-compliance with hygiene rules. The microflora of the vagina should be normal rod, which is represented by bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which protect the body from infection and inflammatory diseases.

At pregnancy lactobacilli increase even more, since during such a period the body's defenses are activated. A decrease in lactobacilli means vaginal dysbiosis (vaginal dysbiosis).

Mixed microflora also quite common in smear results. It happens in girls under the age of 14, as well as in women during menopause, which is considered as a variant of the norm. Otherwise, such flora can mean the following conditions:

ovarian hyperfunction;
inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
venereal diseases;
vaginal dysbiosis;
beginning or end of menstruation.

coccobacillary microflora indicates an imbalance of bacteria in the microflora of the vagina, where pathogenic bacilli and cocci begin to predominate. The presence of such microflora indicates bacterial vaginosis or STIs. coccal flora often occurs with inflammatory diseases of the vagina, urethra, bacterial vaginosis (dysbacteriosis), etc. The usual violation of the microflora of the vagina cannot be any diagnosis.

Key cells, or rather their presence in a smear indicate gardenellosis or vaginal dysbiosis. For the cervical canal: leukocytes should be normal 0 to 15 or 30 in the field of view, epithelium moderate, A microflora, key cells, candida, trichomanads should be absent.

An increase in the number of leukocytes, epithelium indicates an inflammatory process of the pelvic organs, the presence of cancer, genital infections. Revealing fungus candida, trichomanas requires immediate treatment with antibiotics, as they should normally be absent.

The norm in men

In men, a smear on the flora is taken to study the amount leukocytes, epithelium, the presence of cocci, gonocci, trichomanads, mucus, microflora. For diagnosis, only detachable from the urethra (urethra). The results of the analyzes are also usually presented in the form of a table, where one column indicates the parameters studied, and the other - the results obtained. In men, the norm of smear results for flora is presented as follows:

Deviations from the norm are a serious reason to consult an andrologist or urologist, who will accurately diagnose and prescribe treatment. It should again be noted that laboratory reference values must be taken into account, which can be indicated nearby in the right column.

Deciphering the results of men

In the results of a smear on the flora in men, it is normal the number of leukocytes should be from 0 to 5 per field of view, epithelium from 5 to 10 per field of view, cocci are present in a single quantity, mucus in moderation, and Trichomanas, gonococci, fungi are absent.

Deviations from the above norms indicate a pathological process or inflammation. Leukocytes- one of the main indicators that indicate to the doctor the degree of inflammation and pathology of the organs of the urogenital tract. They can be elevated in the following diseases:

specific or nonspecific urethritis;
prostatitis;
urolithiasis disease;
the presence of benign and malignant neoplasms;
stricture (narrowing) of the urethra.

An increase in the epithelium also indicates an inflammatory process or urolithiasis, and the detection of cocci is approximately above 4-5 in the field of view means the presence of acute or chronic non-specific urethritis caused by opportunistic bacteria. Slime in large quantities, it also indirectly indicates inflammation, but with other normal indicators, it can talk about sluggish urethritis, prostatitis.

Presence in analysis gonococci, trichomands, Candida fungi testifies in favor of specific urethritis and, accordingly, diseases of gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, candidiasis. In any case, the doctor must take into account all smear indicators for further diagnosis and treatment.

Analysis Disadvantages

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the main drawback of smear analysis for flora is inability to detect sexually transmitted infections in a patient, but in any case, the doctor should evaluate your condition, symptoms and smear results.

A smear for flora can be called verified and in a simple way studies of diseases of the urogenital tract, but not the only and not fundamental in the formulation of a particular diagnosis.

Often, doctors call this study "outdated", "ineffective" and when they receive patients, they immediately begin to take other, more modern tests, which, in their opinion, show the clinical picture in more detail. This is entirely the decision of the doctor and does not detract from the very specifics of the study. However, a standard swab for flora in any case does not lose its relevance, and its diagnostic value is still quite high and in demand.

Despite the high standard of living and a wide variety of contraceptives, latent infections in people are still common. The main reason for this is that in the initial stages, such diseases are almost asymptomatic, and the carrier of the infection does not even suspect that he is infected. The only way to detect such diseases in a timely manner is through tests for latent infections.

Why and when should I be tested for latent infections?

- This is a group of diseases that for several months and even years can absolutely not manifest themselves in any way. These infections include: chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, ureoplasmosis, human papillomavirus and others. Their main danger is that in the absence of timely treatment, they can cause serious complications, and become cause of infertility .
There are a number of cases where should be tested for latent infections:

Most STDs, if diagnosed early, are treatable effective treatment. But if you do not contact a specialist and run them, then your health will gradually collapse.

What tests are available to detect latent infections?

Today there is several types of analyzes, with which you can identify certain hidden infections.

Depending on the chosen research method for latent infections, for testing, you may be from 1 to 10 days .

How to properly prepare for testing for latent infections?

In order for the results of tests for latent infections to be as reliable as possible, it is necessary to properly prepare for their delivery. For this you need to follow the following rules:

Per month before testing is best stop taking all antibacterial drugs, immunomodulators and vitamin complexes ;
Before taking tests 2 days to refrain from sexual intercourse ;
For 24 hours before testing no need to douche, do not use local contraceptives, miramistin, suppositories, ointments and means for intimate hygiene ;
It is best for women to take such tests. 5-6 days of the menstrual cycle .
Since infections are difficult to detect, doctors advise doing a “provocation”, reducing immunity - you can drink alcohol the day before, eat spicy and fatty foods. Also, do not postpone tests if you have a cold.

The procedure for taking tests for latent infections in men and women

Biological material for research on genital infections taken from the urethra in men . To increase the reliability, doctors recommend 1.5 - 2 hours before the test does not urinate .
Women have a smear for research is also taken from the urethra. Additionally, they can assign a change smear from the cervical canal . Material sampling is not carried out during menstruation.
Blood analysis for latent infections in men and women is taken from the cubital vein .

Where is the best place to get tested for latent infections? The cost of analyzes

Before you go to take tests, be sure to visit a specialist. Women must go to your gynecologist , A men Make an appointment to a venereologist or urologist . Because only a doctor can give you a referral for tests and say, which infections should be checked first .
And then the choice is only yours: apply to state laboratories, dispensaries, medical centers or private clinics. This is more a question of your trust than a choice between free and paid medicine. After all, even in state institutions, such analyzes are far from free.
In private clinics you pay for the polite treatment of the staff, comfort, speed of service. However, in such institutions, non-existent infections are often found in patients in order to “receive” more money from you for treatment. In clinics with their own laboratories the risk of paying for the treatment of non-existent diseases is much greater, because they themselves diagnose and control themselves.
In public institutions you will not find a high level of service, but they are also unlikely to treat you for non-existent diseases. The capabilities of the laboratories of such institutions are very limited, so check in advance with the clinic you are interested in whether they do such tests.
Independent Laboratories have one significant advantage, they are ready to go to your home, work, gym or beauty salon to take tests. It is not very expensive, so for busy people it is perfect option. But the disadvantages include the fact that you will not be able to consult with a specialist here.

The cost of tests for latent infections:

In government institutions:

The doctor's consultation - 200-500 rubles;
2000-4000 rubles;
Collection of blood and smears - in most institutions there is for free.

In private clinics:

Expert advice - 500 - 1500 rubles;
Analyzes for all key indicators - 5000 - 7000 rubles;
Collection of blood and smears - 150 - 200 rubles.

Independent laboratories:

Departure of the brigade for sampling - 800-1000 rubles;
Checking for underlying infections - 3000-6000 rubles;
Taking a swab - 300-400 rubles;
Blood collection - 100-150 rubles.

To diagnose the cause of diseases of the female reproductive system, a gynecological smear on the flora is used. This is a type of microbiological study that identifies opportunistic bacteria, often a normal component of the microbial flora of a healthy woman, and absolute pathogens that cause sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, for the correct interpretation of the results, it is necessary to contact a specialist.

Indications for research

Signs of inflammation and the presence of infection - this is what a gynecological smear on the flora shows. Therefore, it is prescribed for the following complaints of the patient:

itching in the perineum and vagina ();
mucous or purulent discharge from the vagina;
foul-smelling discharge, such as fishy.

A smear on the flora is also prescribed to healthy women for the purpose of early detection of infection:

at the annual preventive examination;
to monitor the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy;
before gynecological procedures and operations to prevent infection from entering other organs and blood;
with prolonged use of antibiotics to exclude vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis;
during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, a smear for the flora is taken three times: when a woman is registered in a consultation, at the 30th week and at the 36th week. This is necessary to exclude infection of the child during childbirth, as well as the penetration of pathogenic microbes into other tissues.

Study preparation

A smear should not be taken during menstruation. Optimal time- the middle of the cycle, from the 10th to the 20th day after the start of menstruation.

Preparation for the delivery of a smear on the flora is as follows:

2 weeks before the study, stop treatment with antibiotics or antifungal agents, if this is not possible, warn the doctor during the smear;
refrain from vaginal sexual intercourse for 3 days;
2 days before the use of vaginal suppositories, tablets, creams and other dosage forms for local use;
on the eve of the study, do not douche, you can only wash the perineal area warm water with soap.

Smear procedure

A swab for flora in women is taken from the urethra, from the inside of the labia, the mucous membrane of the vagina and the cervix. It is also possible to obtain material for microscopy from the uterine cavity (with aspiration or curettage) and the ovaries (by puncture or during surgery). Smears are also prepared from this material.

Taking a gynecological smear for flora from the cervix

Smear technique:

Urethra: A very thin swab on aluminum wire or a disposable bacteriological loop is used. The area of the external opening of the urethra is cleaned with a gauze swab. A loop or swab is inserted into the urethra to a depth of 1-2 cm, while slightly pressing on the side and back walls. The resulting material is placed on a glass slide by rolling the swab or moving the loop. It is used for microscopy and immunofluorescent analysis. To conduct a culture study or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a swab or loop is placed in a test tube with a nutrient medium.
Vaginal vestibule and labia: a sterile swab is applied. The material is taken from the inflamed area. With an abscess of the glands of the vestibule, it is first opened, and then the resulting contents are transferred to a glass slide.
Vagina: with the help of mirrors, the lower part of the vagina with the neck is exposed. The tampon is placed on a visible area of inflammation or, in its absence, in the posterior fornix of the vagina. The material is evenly transferred to a glass slide, dried in air, fixed with ethanol (2-3 drops per glass), labeled, placed in a closed container and sent to the laboratory. If a culture study is necessary, for example, with trichomoniasis, the swab is placed in a test tube and immediately sent to the laboratory assistant.
Cervix: First, culture is taken with a cotton swab. The cervix is moistened with sterile saline, the swab is carefully inserted into the cervical canal, and then removed without touching the vaginal walls, and placed in a sterile tube. To take a smear for microscopy, PCR or virological analysis, a special brush is used. It is placed in the cervical canal after taking the material for a cultural study. The depth of injection is 1-2 cm, the brush is gently rotated, then the resulting scraping is transferred to a glass slide.

Pap smears are fast, painless and safe.

microscopic examination

Smear microscopy makes it possible to:

preliminarily determine which microorganisms and in what quantity are present in the focus of the disease;
evaluate how technically the material for analysis is taken correctly (for example, in a smear from the cervical canal there should be no cells from the vaginal wall);
to identify some microorganisms, for the cultivation of which special nutrient media are needed - gonococcus, Trichomonas, anaerobes.

Even with ordinary microscopy, strict anaerobic bacteria can be detected. They are part of a healthy microflora, but when accumulated in large quantities, they become the cause of bacterial vaginosis. At the same time, fusobacteria, bacteroids, and gardnerella are detected in smears.

Facultative anaerobes are outwardly similar, but their sensitivity to antibiotics is different. Therefore, if such microbes are detected, further cultural research is carried out.

Thus, smear microscopy is very important for diagnosis. It is also used to detect cytolytic vaginosis and vaginal epithelial atrophy, which occurs in women after menopause.

Smear microscopy is necessary for the diagnosis of such diseases:

(smears from the urethra and cervical canal);

As a result of the analysis, the doctor receives data on the state of the vaginal epithelium, the severity of inflammation and the composition of the microflora.

Microscopic examination results

To determine the total contamination by microorganisms, the following criteria are used:

when up to 10 microbes are detected in the field of view - minimal (+);
11-100 cells - moderate (++);
100-1000 cells - a large number (+++);
more than 1000 cells - a massive amount (++++).

A qualitative analysis is also carried out, determining which microorganisms are visible in the smear. To do this, it is painted different ways- according to Gram or according to Romanovsky-Giemsa. In conclusion, the doctor reflects the detected microorganisms and their number.

Normal indicators in the study of the microflora of the vagina:

lactobacilli - up to 10 7 - 10 9 CFU / ml;
bifidobacteria - up to 10 7;
corynebacteria, streptococci - up to 10 5;
clostridia, propionibacteria, mobilunkus, peptostreptococci, staphylococci, Escherichia coli, bacteroids, prevotella, candida - up to 10 4;
porphyromonas, fusobacteria, veillonella, ureaplasma, mycoplasma - up to 10 3.

CFU is a colony-forming unit, that is, one microbial cell. When cultivated on a nutrient medium, it will multiply and form a separate colony.

The sensitivity of light microscopy is in the range of 10 4 -10 5 CFU/ml. Therefore, those bacteria that are contained in the discharge in smaller quantities may not be detected, and this is normal.

Sometimes the interpretation of the results does not contain a detailed listing of the detected bacterial species. In this case, in the analysis form, you can see the terms:

sticks (this is the normal microflora of the vagina);
cocci (round-shaped bacteria, often causing inflammation - streptococcus, staphylococcus aureus);
mixed flora (usually found in bacterial vaginosis).

Also, as a result of the study, there may be indications of the presence of a large number of squamous epithelium and leukocytes (indicators of inflammation), as well as mucus and "key" cells - epitheliocytes, surrounded on all sides by bacteria.

Purity Determination

According to the results of microscopy, the doctor makes a conclusion about the so-called degree of purity of the vagina. There are 4 such degrees:

Very rare in women who are sexually active

An acidic environment is determined, up to 10 leukocytes and epithelial cells, a small amount of mucus. The microflora is represented by lactobacilli, other microorganisms can be only single.

The norm corresponds to the complete health of the genital organs

Unlike the first degree, the discharge medium is slightly acidic, gram-positive cocci are present in a small amount.

Signs of colpitis - inflammation of the walls of the vagina

The medium is neutral, there are more than 10 leukocytes and epithelium in the field of view, a moderate amount of mucus, "key" cells. Pathogenic microorganisms are present (gram-positive and gram-negative rods, cocci), and the number of lactobacilli is less than normal.

Severe inflammation

The medium is neutral or alkaline, there are more than 30 leukocytes, epithelium and mucus in large quantities. Pathogenic microorganisms in large quantities, corresponding to different degrees of microbial contamination. Lactobacilli may be absent.

The rate of leukocytes during pregnancy, as well as other indicators of microbiological research, are the same as in a non-pregnant woman. An increase in the number of leukocytes, epithelium, or the appearance of pathogenic microorganisms indicates the development of an inflammatory process and requires treatment.

Cultural study

If pathogenic bacteria are found in a smear on the flora, it is necessary to establish their type and sensitivity to antibiotics. For this, a cultural study is used. This is the main method for recognizing gonorrhea, trichomoniasis,.

Determination of sensitivity to antibiotics is especially important for infections caused by opportunistic microbes. It should be borne in mind that sometimes they are in the vagina in a rather small amount, and are not distinguished by conventional microscopy. Therefore, only a cultural study is able to detect such microbes.

For analysis, the material obtained by taking a smear is placed on a special nutrient medium and cultivated, that is, kept under favorable conditions for some time. Bacteria at the same time begin to multiply, their number increases, and it becomes possible to identify them. After determining the leading pathogen, an analysis of its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs is carried out. Therefore, the analysis takes quite a long time - up to a week.

With the help of a cultural study, it is possible to detect pathogenic fungi, E. coli, staphylococci, streptococci, corynebacteria, neisseria, enterococci and other microbes and prescribe proper treatment infections.

Smear results for some pathological conditions

It is better to entrust the interpretation of the result to a specialist. However, a woman has the right to independently determine how well the state of her reproductive system is. Below are examples of the most common conclusions for various gynecological diseases.

Bacterial vaginosis:

there are cells of the surface epithelium, often there are "key" cells;
leukocytes are normal;
the total number of microbes is large or massive (10 9 CFU / ml or 9 lg CFU / ml);
gardnerella and anaerobes predominate, lactobacilli are absent (less than 10 5 CFU / ml);
when cultivating in the presence of air, there is no growth of microorganisms, or there is a small amount of opportunistic flora, since anaerobes die in air.

Candida vaginitis:

the epithelium is not only superficial, but also from intermediate and even deep layers, depending on the severity of the lesion;
leukocytes from 10 to 50 or more in the field of view;
the total number of microbes is not more than 10 8 CFU / ml, of which lactobacilli more than 10 6 CFU / ml;
yeast fungi are determined in an amount of more than 10 4 CFU / ml;
if the fungi are found in an amount of less than 10 4 CFU / ml, this is an asymptomatic carriage of candidiasis.

With a combination of candidiasis and vaginosis, changes in both types are noted simultaneously, but lactobacilli are replaced by gardnerella and anaerobes.

Nonspecific vaginitis:

there is a superficial and intermediate, less often parabasal epithelium in large quantities;
leukocytes more than 10 in the field of view;
the total number of microbes is moderate;
E. coli or gram-positive cocci predominate;
lactobacilli are absent or isolated.

Vaginal epithelial atrophy (normal in older women):

the epithelium is intermediate and parabasal, that is, the surface cells disappear;
leukocytes up to 10 in the field of view;
microorganisms, including lactobacilli, are not detected, or their number is extremely low (up to 10 4 CFU / ml).

With specific ones caused by sexual infections, trichomonas, chlamydia, gonococci and other similar pathogens are found in the smear. The rest of the picture will correspond to nonspecific vaginitis.

Despite the prevalence of contraceptives, sexually transmitted diseases are still a global problem. The only method that allows timely detection of STIs is diagnostics and prevention. Tests for infections transmitted through sexual contact can prevent the development of many dangerous diseases, such as gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, HIV, syphilis and others.

What is an STD?

STI is infectious diseases that are passed from partner to partner during sexual contact. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa can act as pathogens. The peculiarity of these infections is that some of them for a long time (several months or even years) do not provoke the appearance of symptoms, but at the same time cause great harm to the body. Pathogenic microorganisms lead to diseases of the genitourinary system, which in the end can have a detrimental effect on reproductive function. That is why STIs are given special attention in all states. The main type of prevention are tests for infections, allowing to detect the disease in the early stages of development. The STI risk group includes citizens under the age of thirty who often change sexual partners and prefer unprotected sex. Therefore, testing for infections is primarily for this category of people.

Types of STIs

The analysis for latent infections is divided into four types depending on the pathogen:

Testing for infections is necessary in the following cases:

Unprotected sex with a partner in which you are completely unsure. Since STIs do not cause symptoms for a long time, a person may be unaware of an existing problem and become a source of infection. Pathogens may be passed on to another partner in the future. Therefore, a timely examination will help to avoid the development of the disease and maintain health.
When planning a pregnancy. Testing is prescribed for miscarriage and death of the fetus, miscarriage. Since many dangerous infections can affect the intrauterine development of a child, cause infertility or miscarriage.
When planning surgical interventions on the genitourinary organs, laboratory tests are an integral part of it to determine contraindications.
Tests for infections should be taken with the following symptoms:

suspicious discharge from the genitals;
burning and itching;
causeless weight loss;
discomfort during sexual intercourse;
neoplasms on the mucous membranes;
painful urination;
pain in muscles and joints;
increase in body temperature;
enlarged lymph nodes in the groin;
rashes on the body, between the fingers and toes, on the soles;
the formation of ulcers, warts, blisters, crusts on the genitals.

How to prepare for the test?

Before taking an analysis for latent infections, it is recommended to properly prepare for it in order to avoid distorting the results.

First of all, one month before the proposed diagnosis, it is not recommended to take antibiotics, vitamins.
You should refrain from sexual intercourse for 2 days.
During the day, do not douche and do not use intimate hygiene products - candles, ointments, topical contraceptives.
It is best for women to schedule their tests early in their menstrual cycle.

How is the analysis for latent infections carried out?

Analysis for infections transmitted through sexual contact is carried out in two ways:

Smear on flora. Biological material in men is taken from the urethra, in women - from the vagina, urethra, cervical canal.
Blood analysis.

In medical institutions, various tests for sexually transmitted infections are carried out:

A common smear consists in growing a microbiological culture from the patient's biological material and observing the development of bacteria under a microscope for 1-7 days.
Linked immunosorbent assay. Detects antibodies in blood serum. This is the most accurate and common blood test for infections.
polymerase chain reaction. The analysis detects DNA and RNA of infectious agents. Before giving a smear, do not empty bladder within 3 hours.
Immunofluorescence reaction. Biological material is stained with reagents. The reaction is then examined under a fluorescent microscope.

In which medical institutions and diagnostic centers can I take tests?

You can take the test in almost every clinic in any city. The accuracy of the diagnostic study is largely due to the quality of the sampling, storage and movement of the biomaterial. Therefore, tests for sexual infections are taken in the office of a urologist or gynecologist, subject to all established sanitary standards. After sampling, the biomaterial is placed in a special medium that contains preservatives and mucolics, which allows maintaining the necessary conditions during transport to the laboratory for accurate results. What tests for infections should be taken, the doctor determines on an individual basis.

Timing of analyzes and interpretation of results

It will take 1 business day to complete the blood test. Sowing is carried out within 7 days. Decoding of analyzes is carried out directly in the laboratory. The finished result is given to the patient. Even a person who does not understand anything can understand it. medical terms. The blood test contains a positive or negative result. A healthy person does not have infections. In the event that the test result is positive, it is recommended to consult a doctor. If one sexual partner is infected, the other is more likely to be infected, so he will also need to be tested for STIs.

Thus, testing for sexually transmitted infections as a preventive measure once every 6-12 months will allow you to resist dangerous diseases and maintain health for many years, as well as ensure the safety of sexual intercourse for you and your partner. To date, there is not a single case of spontaneous cure for sexually transmitted diseases, so only medicine will help to cope with the disease. Early contact with your doctor, as well as compliance with all recommendations, will cure STIs completely.

A vaginal swab is a common gynecological procedure. Directly this study helps to establish the composition of the microflora of the genital organs in women, to identify the causative agents of gynecological diseases. Let us consider the procedure in more detail, name the goals and features of its implementation, indicators of the norm.

What does a vaginal smear show?

Women who are referred to this study for the first time are often interested in the question of what a gynecological smear shows and why it is performed. This microscopic, laboratory study characterizes the content of microflora in the urethra (urethra), vagina and cervix. Directly these organs of the genitourinary system of a woman are exposed to pathogenic microorganisms.

According to the results of the study, the doctor can judge the general condition of the reproductive system, identify the present violations in the early stages, when they do not manifest themselves clinically. When conducting a smear, indicators such as:

the number of leukocytes;
the number of epithelial cells;
the presence of lactobacilli;
the presence of pathogenic microflora (Trichomonas, gonococci, fungi).

Flora smear - how to prepare?

In order for a gynecological smear to show the objective state of the reproductive system, a certain number of rules must be observed:

Exclusion of sexual intercourse 3 days before the procedure.
Do not apply medicines local therapy - creams, vaginal suppositories.
If a woman performs douching, procedures are stopped for 1-2 days before taking a smear.
It is forbidden to urinate 2-3 hours before the examination.
The procedure must be carried out almost immediately after the monthly discharge - on the 4-5th day of the cycle.

How is a vaginal swab taken?

A smear on the microflora of the vagina is taken by a gynecologist. The woman is in gynecological chair. The doctor gently sets the mirror to gain access to the walls of the vagina. The material is taken with a disposable, sterile spatula. The procedure itself is painless. The girl feels a slight discomfort only at the moment of taking the material.

The resulting smear from the vagina is transferred to a glass slide. The sample is delivered to the laboratory. The laboratory assistant microscopes smears, counting the number of each type of cell, enters the values in the conclusion. The woman receives the result of the procedure on the same day or after a few days. It depends on the workload of the laboratory, the number of material samples taken.

Gynecological smear - transcript

A gynecological smear on the flora, the decoding of which is carried out exclusively by a doctor, helps to determine the quantitative ratio of beneficial microorganisms to pathogenic ones. In conclusion, doctors use certain Latin abbreviations:

V - vagina. The numbers next to this letter reflect the contents of this part of the reproductive system;
C (cervix) - cervix. The numbers indicate quantitative changes in the composition of microorganisms in this area;
U (urethra) - urethra.

In healthy women, only lactobacilli and single leukocytes are found in the smear. Coccal flora, erythrocytes, a large number of leukocytes indicate inflammatory processes in the reproductive system. So, when trichomonads are detected, doctors diagnose "trichomoniasis", the presence of gonococci is a sign of a disease such as gonorrhea. These results are an indication for further investigation.

Gynecological smear - the norm

When evaluating a smear from the vagina, the norm of which is set the same for all women, doctors pay attention to the following indicators:

1. Leukocytes. The rate of leukocytes in a gynecological smear is set as follows:

in the vagina - up to 10 cells per field of view;
neck - 0-30;
urethra - up to 5 units in the field of view of the microscope.

2. epithelial cells- in the results in all indicated positions they write "moderately". With an increase in values, they speak of an inflammatory process, a deficiency may indicate a decrease in the concentration of estrogens.

3. Slime:

vagina and cervix - moderately;
urethra - absent or moderate;

4. Gram-positive rods (gr.+):

vagina - a large number;
cervix - absent;
urethra - absent.

5. Gram-negative rods (gr.-)- are not available everywhere. The presence indicates vaginal dysbacteriosis, inflammatory processes.

Leukocytes in a gynecological smear

Leukocytes in a vaginal smear are present in a single amount. With a significant increase in the number of these cells, the inflammatory process is excluded. To accurately establish the disease, additional diagnostic procedures are carried out: pelvic ultrasound, blood and urine tests, blood for hormones. Among the frequent diseases in which the concentration of leukocytes increases, it is necessary to highlight:

- the vaginal mucosa is inflamed;
- inflammation of the neck;
urethritis - an inflammatory process in the urinary system;
- inflammation of the appendages;
- violation of the inflammatory nature in the uterus.

What are "key cells" in a gynecological smear?

The study of a gynecological smear involves counting key cells. This term is used to denote the cellular structures of the squamous epithelium. Microorganisms are often located on their surface. More often these are small sticks - gardnerella. They are conditionally pathogenic - at low concentrations they do not cause pathology. However, their appearance in a smear is a signal for doctors to further research. Directly this condition is fixed during dysbacteriosis - a violation of the ratio of beneficial microorganisms to pathogenic ones.

Sticks in a gynecological smear

Microscoping a gynecological smear on the flora, the laboratory assistant also counts the number of sticks. The basis of the entire amount of these cellular structures in the smear is lactobacilli - Doderlein's sticks. They are useful, form the normal microflora of the vagina. A decrease in their number indicates a dysbacteriosis requiring medical treatment.