Bacteriological culture (bacteriological culture)- one of the most informative laboratory tests to assess the condition of the urinary and reproductive systems. The essence of the study is to take a sample of the flora from the urethra and create the most favorable conditions for it. As soon as the microorganisms multiply, diagnosticians receive material to create a therapeutic model. For what purposes, and for what diseases is such a study prescribed?
Bacteriological culture from the urethra - an analysis to determine the state of the genitourinary system
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And further bakposev of the obtained biological material give comprehensive information of the following type:
Viruses in bacteriological culture are not examined - they do not grow on ordinary nutrient media. Additional analysis and ELISA are required, since it will not work to “seeded” the viral agent. A study of such a plan is considered the "gold standard" in the treatment of certain diseases of the urological and andrological profile.
Indications for appointment
What pathological processes are we talking about? We are talking about diseases of the following type:
Isolation of a specific pathogen and analysis of its sensitivity to antibiotics allows you to choose an effective antibiotic therapy.
How is research done?
- A swab is taken from the urethra with a specialized instrument. This is a rather painful process, but it is worth enduring for the sake of your own health. The urethra is probed to a depth of 2-3 centimeters.
- Next, in a circular motion, collect material for research.
- The probe is removed and placed in a sterile tube. Microorganisms are transferred to a nutrient medium and create the most comfortable conditions for reproduction for 24-72 hours, after which the grown colonies of microorganisms are examined.
In order for the analysis to be accurate, it is necessary to refrain from urinating for 2-3 hours before sampling.
A smear from the urethra is taken with a special probe
Decryption
Normally, the urethra is sterile. In inflammatory processes, microorganisms such as:
- enterobacteria;
- enterococci;
- pseudomonas;
- staphylococci;
- streptococci;
- mycoplasmas;
- yeast-like fungi;
- anaerobic bacteria and others.
However, only a doctor should decipher the results of bacteriological culture.
Decipher the results of the tank. sowing can only be done by a doctor
Study preparation
The list of activities to prepare for bakposev is minimal
Minimum. Includes:
- refusal to take antibacterial agents for a day;
- refusal of sexual intimacy for 2-3 days;
- carrying out thorough hygiene of the external genital organs (in a few hours).
- three hours before the last time to urinate.
If you do not follow the rules, the result will be false. With the results of the analysis, it is recommended to contact a urologist.
Bacteriological culture from the urethra is one of the necessary studies. There is no need to be afraid of him. Health is a significant value and not worth the risk.
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If a man went to the doctor with a complaint about any symptoms that cannot be attributed to the norm, most likely he will be prescribed a smear on the flora, which helps to identify the cause of unpleasant manifestations. A smear from the urethra in men is an important urological manipulation. It can be used to determine:
- Composition of microflora;
- The presence of inflammation;
- The presence of pathogenic microorganisms that indicate purulent processes;
- The presence of a causative agent of a sexually transmitted disease;
- The presence of a virus or fungus.
How are men swabs taken?
To obtain material for research in the required volume, a probe is inserted into the urethral canal of a man to a depth of about 3 cm. During this procedure, a disposable sterile instrument is necessarily used. After insertion to a sufficient depth, the probe is rolled to collect the secretions, then removed and left in a tube to be sent to the laboratory. The tube must be 100% sterile.
The procedure itself takes only a few minutes. The doctor can announce the result within one week, but usually it takes two to three days.
Is there pain after a smear from the urethra in men?
In most cases, some discomfort is possible during this manipulation. Although some patients may feel pain symptoms after the procedure for several hours, after which they disappear on their own, without additional intervention. But, if the pain does not go away, but only intensifies, and purulent discharge appears after scraping, you should immediately tell the doctor about this.
To reduce possible discomfort, urologists often advise to massage the prostate or the canal itself on the eve of the test.
Clinical picture
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Medical practice: more than 30 years.
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What diseases will help to determine the analysis
No matter how experienced the doctor is, he will not determine with 100% accuracy the cause of the manifestation of signs of an inflammatory process or pathology. He can only assume them, but he will make a final diagnosis only after familiarizing himself with the results of a complete laboratory study.
The stronger sex, as well as their soul mates, are often interested in the question of which diseases are diagnosed using a study on the tank sowing from the urethra in men. It is worth highlighting here:
- Mycoplasmosis;
- Urethritis;
If they are identified, the urologist may prescribe an additional study to determine the number and type of pathogenic microorganisms.
When is a bacteriological examination prescribed?
Often a smear in men from the urethra is taken as a preventive measure to clarify the overall picture of the state of the genitourinary system. It is mandatory prescribed when planning a pregnancy or if a couple has a problem with conception.
But, there are certain indications for such a study.
The following signs can serve as a signal for the appointment of a bacteriological analysis:
- Severe itching or burning appeared in the study area;
- The genitals are reddened or covered with a rash;
- During intercourse or when urinating, any pain and discomfort is present;
- Unusual discharge appeared in the area of the urination canal.
Is advance preparation necessary?
Whatever analysis you have to take, doctors provide certain recommendations to obtain the most accurate result. Before taking a smear for flora, they advise:
- A week before the procedure, you should stop taking medications that are not agreed with your doctor;
- Within two days, complete abstinence from intimacy is necessary;
- Before scraping, in order not to distort the result, you should not urinate for about two hours;
- Hygiene procedures should be carried out the night before, and not before visiting the doctor.
What will tell the analysis of the urethra in men
What exactly happens in the body, after receiving the results of the study, only a doctor can reliably tell. He will compare the patient's complaints, personal examination and smear test data and draw an accurate picture of what is happening. But, knowing the decoding of certain terms will allow a person to understand for himself what is happening to him:
- Leukocytes. 0-5 is the norm. That is, the permissible presence in the microflora. If their indicator is increased, this indicates the presence of inflammation in the body. A significant excess of the leukocyte count in many cases indicates diseases such as urethritis or prostatitis;
- Epithelium. Normal: 5-10. The inner surface of the urination opening is covered with epithelial tissue. If the indicator exceeds the norm, then there is an inflammatory process;
- Slime. It is always present in the smear, but also in small quantities. If there is a lot of it, we are talking about an infection;
- Staphylococci, streptococci and enterococci. They breed only in favorable conditions for themselves. With a high content in the smear, urethritis can be diagnosed;
- Gonococcus. If they are detected during the analysis, these are the causative agents of gonorrhea. If a man is completely healthy, such microorganisms are completely absent in a smear;
- Trichomonas. If they are, then the man has trichomoniasis. A healthy body does not allow even the slightest of their presence.
What should be the next steps
When the analysis is received and the doctor announced a disappointing result, many men panic. But, this should not be allowed in any case, because any of the diseases of the urogenital area, which is determined by a smear, can be cured. In no case should you self-medicate on the principle of "it helped a neighbor."
Only an experienced specialist who has established the correct diagnosis can prescribe the correct treatment that contributes to a speedy recovery.
Sometimes he can send for additional tests, but if there is no such need, the proper treatment regimen is immediately prescribed.
What treatment can the doctor prescribe
In each case, treatment should be individualized. It depends not only on the type of disease, but also on the characteristics of each individual organism. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics, antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs, as well as local therapy. Treatment should be comprehensive and with the exact implementation of all prescriptions of the attending physician.
Summing up
Many diseases proceed in a latent form and practically without symptoms. If suddenly something unusual was noticed on the part of the body, you should not postpone a visit to the clinic. The symptoms will not go away on their own, especially if it is a serious illness.
Tank seeding from the urethra in men is the fastest, as well as quite informative study. Timely delivery of tests along with treatment in most cases gives a 100% result in a speedy recovery and minimizes the likelihood of consequences. But, in the presence of infectious diseases, if a man is sexually active, his partner also needs to be examined for the presence of such microorganisms. Otherwise, all treatment can be reduced to zero, since they will be constantly transmitted from one to another.
It's not worth letting the whole thing go by itself. By itself, no disease goes away. In addition, in addition to unpleasant discomfort, the pathology of the microflora can even lead to infertility. In its presence, sperm changes its quality and immobile spermatozoa appear in the seminal fluid.
Any infection can develop rapidly. If it is not detected in time and does not get rid of it, the disease can gradually turn into a chronic form, which will be almost impossible to fight. After all, any chronic process is not completely killed, but periodically manifests itself in the form of new exacerbations. And this sometimes leads men even to impotence.
How a smear is taken from men from the urethra is one of the frequent questions of patients who are assigned a laboratory study of a urogenital smear (scrape). As a rule, analysis is necessary if you suspect the presence of infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, or some other pathologies.
According to the patients who underwent this analysis, the sensations when taking the material are not very pleasant, but quite tolerable.
How is a urogenital swab taken?
Immediately before taking the material, the penis is wiped with saline and dried with a sterile napkin, which prevents the entry of microorganisms from the surface of the skin into the sample. The material is collected using a special probe, which is inserted into the urethra for several centimeters, then placed in a specially designed container with a transport medium and delivered to the laboratory.
According to the patients who underwent this analysis, the sensations when taking the material are not very pleasant, but quite tolerable. In the presence of an inflammatory process in the urethra, the patient experiences greater discomfort. After taking the material for research, discomfort during urination may be noted for several days.
Usually, a laboratory study of a urogenital smear in men is done 1-3 working days.
Study preparation
To obtain an accurate result of the study, it is necessary to properly prepare for the delivery of the material. For three, and preferably seven days before the study, physical overload and sexual contact should be avoided.
In the case of taking medicines, especially anti-infectious ones, you should warn the doctor about this, since in this case it may be advisable to postpone the analysis to a later date (usually 2-3 weeks after the completion of treatment with antibacterial drugs).
On the evening before the test, you need to conduct a thorough toilet of the external genitalia; in the morning on the day of sampling, this is not necessary. You should not urinate for 2-4 hours before taking the test, so it is not recommended to drink a lot of liquid before the test.
If a patient has a sexually transmitted infection, all his sexual partners should be examined and treated.
Indications for the analysis of the urogenital smear in men
Urogenital smear is an affordable and informative method for diagnosing many diseases. Its analysis allows to detect pathogens of sexual infections, inflammatory processes in the organs of the reproductive system (prostatitis, urethritis, etc.). The study may be needed as part of the diagnosis of infertility, during a preventive urological examination. In addition, a smear is prescribed after the treatment in order to monitor its effectiveness.
Symptoms that may be suspicious of inflammatory urogenital disease and require a smear test are:
- pain during or after urination;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- discharge from the urethra;
- swelling and hyperemia of the genital organs;
- rashes in the genital area.
Only a specialist should decipher the result of a laboratory study of a urogenital smear. For the diagnosis of most diseases, it is not enough to look only at the smear result; a comprehensive assessment of the identified abnormalities, other diagnostic studies, as well as the clinical picture of the disease is required.
You can familiarize yourself with the procedure for taking material for research in detail by looking at the corresponding photos and videos.
Types of urogenital smears
What the smear result shows depends on the type of examination. So, a general smear from the urethra (a smear for flora) allows you to determine the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, epithelial cells, microflora, etc. An urogenital smear for infections (another name is an analysis for latent infections) makes it possible to detect sexually transmitted diseases, etc. .
For the diagnosis of most diseases, it is not enough to look only at the smear result; a comprehensive assessment of the identified abnormalities, other diagnostic studies, as well as the clinical picture of the disease is required.
Upon receipt of questionable results, a second study is prescribed, if the indicators are outside the normal range, additional diagnostics are indicated. For example, to clarify the presence of latent infections, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR method) is used, which makes it possible to identify the causative agent of the infection even in cases where the urogenital smear shows a negative result (for example, at the initial stage of the inflammatory process).
If a patient has a sexually transmitted infection, all his sexual partners should be examined and treated.
Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:
A smear on the flora in men is made from the urethra. This procedure is used in the practice of a venereologist and urologist and is one of the mandatory stages of the examination. It is carried out both for the diagnosis of the disease in the presence of complaints, and during medical examinations. The results of the study make it possible to identify most of the known pathogens of infectious diseases.
A very important condition for the objectivity of the results is the elementary cleanliness of the genital organs before taking the material, so you need to take a shower in the evening. It will also be important to refrain from sexual intercourse two days before the test, and refrain from urinating for several hours, which will allow the bacterial flora to accumulate.
It is not recommended to take the test during antibacterial treatment. In this case, microflora analysis should be taken no earlier than two weeks after the end of treatment. It is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol the day before the analysis. If you do not follow these recommendations, then the result will be unreliable, respectively, and the treatment will be defective.
There are situations when a doctor prescribes a provocative diet or lifestyle to reveal a hidden pathology. It may include drinking alcohol, eating aggressive food at dinner, going to the sauna or taking a hot bath. This is done to provoke an exacerbation of a chronic or sluggish process.
What is the indication for analysis?
A study on the flora from the urethra is carried out by everyone, without exception, when contacting a venereologist or a doctor in the urological department during a routine preventive examination. This analysis is necessary in the presence of complaints such as infertility, pain during or after urination, the appearance of discharge from the urethra. Such an analysis is performed after accidental sexual contact without the use of contraceptives or in the case when a pathological process is detected in a partner.
How is material collected?
The analysis procedure takes about three minutes, during which material is taken from the male urethra. A sterile instrument is inserted into the urethra to a depth of 3-5 centimeters, rotated around its axis and removed. The scraping made in this way is applied to a glass slide, which is dried, and then stained with special substances.
The result is evaluated using a microscope. At the same time, infectious agents react to coloring strictly individually, which makes it possible to make a diagnosis. The result is evaluated according to the following indicators:
- the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes and epithelial cells;
- microorganisms;
- mucus or purulent discharge.
If it is supposed to be affected by Trichomonas, then the smear is also examined for the presence of pathogens that are not devoid of mobility.
The spectrum of sensation in this study is very diverse. In the absence of any pathology of an inflammatory nature, the procedure does not bring sensations of an unpleasant nature. Much depends on the individual sensitivity of the person, the qualifications and skill of the laboratory worker. The pain or discomfort that has arisen due to any of these reasons may disturb the patient for several hours after the test.
When taking the material, part of it is sent for PCR analysis, and an indication for it can be an assessment of the effectiveness of treatment.
Evaluation of the result of the study
The interpretation of the received analysis is carried out only in the laboratory and only by a certified specialist. The correctness of the diagnosis and the result of treatment depend on the reliability of the presented results.
An increase in the number of leukocytes in the analysis is not always an indicator of a pathological process. Moreover, when analyzing the flora, the presence of leukocytes (up to 5 pieces in the field of view) is the norm. If a larger number is detected, then this characterizes the presence of an inflammatory process both in the urethra itself and in the prostate gland or the presence of a tumor process. If more than 100 leukocytes are found, then this may indicate that the patient has gonorrhea or trichomoniasis. Clarification of the pathogen is carried out with the help of additional tests.
The presence of erythrocytes in large numbers indicates the presence of acute inflammation, a tumor process, but does not exclude trauma to the urethra during the analysis.
Normally, up to 10 epithelial cells are allowed. If there are a large number of them, then this indicates a pathological process in the urethra. This indicator is important in the cumulative assessment with leukocytes and reflects the activity of the inflammatory process. An excess of epithelial cells indicates a chronic process, which can be either a consequence of a sluggish infection and tumor pathology, or an injury.
A small amount of mucus in a smear is not a pathology, but a large amount of it can mean the presence of an infection, namely:
- trichomonas;
- candida;
- diplococci;
- chlamydia;
- cocci.
With an exacerbation of the inflammatory process, a smear analysis will show a large amount of mucus and leukocytes.
The presence of single cocci is not a pathology. If more than 5 different microorganisms are detected, then this indicates the presence of dysbacteriosis, which is caused by an infection. Gonococci, Trichomonas indicate the presence of infections of the same name, and fungal infection is explained by the causative agent of the genus Candida.
A smear on the microflora in men is an indicator not only of the absence of infections of the genitourinary system, but also of the general health of a person.
The pathology detected at an early stage makes it possible to eliminate it even before the onset of signs of the disease.
How is standard analysis deciphered?
The decoding of a standard analysis, according to the results of which it is possible to draw a conclusion about the presence or absence of pathology, includes the following indicators:
- Leukocytes (Le). Cells that protect the body from the effects of various infectious agents. Normally, there should be up to 5 of them in the field of view. A large number indicates the presence of inflammation in the urethra, prostate or testicles.
- Erythrocytes (Er). These cells carry oxygen. Normally, there should be up to 3 in the field of view. Their increase in combination with leukocytosis indicates inflammation of a traumatic nature or inflammation of the urethral mucosa, does not exclude the possibility of injury when taking material from the urethra.
- Eosinophils (Eo). Their presence in more than 10% of the total cellular composition in the analysis indicates allergic inflammation in the urethra.
- Slime. It can reflect both inflammatory phenomena and the process of excitation.
- lipid grains. Indicate the release of prostatic secretion. May be with inflammation of the prostate of a chronic nature or an imbalance in sexual activity.
- spermatozoa. It speaks of the improper functioning of the muscles of the vas deferens.
- Epithelium. The presence of its cells more than 10 indicates the presence of pathology in the urethra. Their combination with leukocytosis reflects an acute inflammatory process, and the norm of leukocytes against the background of an increased amount of epithelium indicates a chronic course of the process.
- The presence of microorganisms indicates an infectious process. At the same time, epidermal staphylococcus aureus, saprophytic staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus aureus (no more than 5% of cases), green streptococcus, fecal streptococcus, E. coli, Proteus, corynobacteria (up to 25%) can be normal. Pathogenic are gonococci, trichomonas, chlamydia, candida.
During life, the composition of the human microflora can change. But the presence of a large number of one of the microorganisms is a sign of an inflammatory process. When passing an analysis for microflora, the experience and level of professionalism of the laboratory staff and the availability of the necessary reagents are very important. In some cases, with the duality of the results obtained, additional studies are resorted to. .
Diseases of the genitourinary system are associated with a large number of diseases. To identify the causative agent of the pathology that has arisen, it is necessary to undergo a microscopic examination of a smear taken from the urethra of a man or the vagina of a woman. More often men face this because of the peculiarities of the structure of the genitourinary organs. To properly prepare for the study, it is important to know the features of its conduct.
An appointment for a smear from the genitourinary system is made if there is a suspicion of an inflammatory process. Due to the close location of the organs of the urinary and reproductive systems, the analysis given shows exactly where the disease is localized. Microscopic examination can easily establish the presence of a viral or bacterial infection.
According to experts, this research method is quite informative. It can show the presence of an inflammatory process that occurs in a latent form, without obvious signs of the disease. Therefore, it is mandatory for a planned visit to the gynecologist and urologist.
Reasons for the appointment of a smear from the genitourinary system:
- Scheduled visits to a gynecologist, urologist;
- Suspicion of infectious or fungal diseases;
- Unusual discharge;
- The appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- Rashes and itching on the genitals;
- Unpleasant and painful sensations during intercourse or during urination.
Urogenital smear examination is the most reliable method for detecting latent infections. According to statistics, 1/4 of the population are carriers of a latent infection who do not have symptoms. As a rule, this type of disease does not always bring enormous harm to human health, in some cases they go away on their own. More often than not, this can be seen in men.
If there are unusual sensations and changes in the urinary organs, itching, peeling, discharge or pain, you should immediately seek help from a specialist. After conducting the necessary research, the doctor will be able to accurately identify the cause of the violation and prescribe the correct treatment. Complications of diseases can cause serious disturbances in the overall functioning of the body, and in particular, provoke the development of infertility.
How is a smear taken?
If an inflammatory disease of the genitourinary system is suspected, a swab is taken from the urethra in men and from the vagina in women. This is done by a urologist and a gynecologist. During the sampling of the analysis, it is necessary to take into account the structural features of the organs of a man and a woman. Therefore, the principle of collecting a smear will be slightly different.
In men
In the case of collecting analysis from men, this procedure is very simple. The scraping probe is inserted into the urethra to a depth of 2-3 cm, after which it is pressed against the inner wall and several rotational movements are made. Then the doctor removes the probe.
If during the collection of the analysis it is necessary to obtain a special result with the release of the necessary prostate secretion,. For this, a special bougie is used. As a result of this study, a smear on the flora in men is more informative.
Among women
During a visit to the gynecologist, women more often than usual have to take a smear for infections. When viewed through a mirror, the doctor takes a scraping of the mucous membrane of the uterine wall. During the study, disposable sterile instruments are used.
Thanks to this research method, serious diseases such as a malignant tumor of the uterus can be avoided. Research is quite easy to apply and does not take much time.
Timely diagnosis reduces the risk of developing serious complications, so do not neglect visiting specialists, especially in case of symptoms.
Study preparation
When prescribing an analysis, many are wondering how a smear is taken from men and whether special preparation is needed. According to most experts, preparation is simply necessary, it will help reduce the risk of obtaining unreliable or false positive results. As practice shows, the preparation includes a number of simple procedures that everyone can handle.
A few days before the scheduled date of the study, alcohol or medication should be excluded. If it is absolutely impossible to interrupt the course of treatment, it is worth notifying the attending physician about this. This will help him take into account the composition of the drugs taken, analyzing their impact on the results.
During the toilet of the genital organs, only soap should be used; the use of intimate hygiene products may affect the reliability of the results. An intimate haircut should be done if rashes, peeling and itching appear around the genitals, or if unnatural discharge from the glans penis or vagina appears.
If, when prescribing a smear, the doctor suspects the presence of hidden infections, he may recommend a special diet. Fatty, spicy, salty and sweet foods should be excluded from the diet. It is desirable to do this 5-7 days before the analysis. The interval after urination and before taking a smear should be at least two hours.
Diseases detected in the study of a smear
Microscopic examination of a smear can reveal a large number of diseases. Its use will be especially relevant in the detection of latent infections. For example, the incubation period for thrush in men will be longer than in women. As a rule, with male thrush, the signs of the disease at the initial stage of the disease:
Many infectious and fungal diseases of the urinary system have a similar symptomatic picture, so the pathogen can only be identified using this analysis. There are also a number of diseases that are difficult to treat due to the structural features of the virus or bacteria.
For example, a viral infection that resembles bacteria in structure. Its main feature is that it is difficult to treat. In order for it not to provoke the development of serious complications, early diagnosis plays an important role. Passing a smear is the only reliable way to determine this infection at the initial stage of the disease. Based on the analysis, a specialist can easily choose the right medicines that will help overcome it.
Ways to prevent infections of the genitourinary system
The best way to prevent the development of serious complications from urinary tract infections is to take preventive measures. Despite the fact that taking a smear does not cause pain, not many easily agree to this procedure. This is the main reason why men refuse to visit a urologist, since a smear for gonorrhea or microflora is regularly taken during a routine examination.
Due to the possibility of a latent course of the disease, serious complications can develop. In many clinics, this smear is taken as a preventive measure to detect the disease at an early stage. But besides this, there is a set of measures that you can do yourself.
Preventive complex
- Compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene;
- Use of hypoallergenic hygiene products;
- Use of barrier-type contraceptives;
- Timely treatment of diseases of the urinary tract;
- Avoid cases of hypothermia.
In order to avoid the option of taking a smear to determine the infection, you need to be attentive to your health. Compliance with basic hygiene rules reduces the risk of developing many urinary tract infections. If the smear collection procedure cannot be avoided, there is no need to despair. This procedure does not cause pain, the main thing is to have a positive attitude.