What tests for gynecology need to be taken annually. Gynecological smears on the flora: how they take, what they show, how they are decoded

Assessment

A gynecological smear in women shows some diseases at an early stage. If the doctor prescribes this test during the examination, do not refuse.

All women from 18 to 60 years old need to take a smear. Let's take a closer look at what this safe and informative study shows. Its accuracy is influenced by the correct preparation.

Types of smear from the genital tract

There are two types of gynecological smears: a study for flora and a smear to determine atypical cells. These are rented at least once a year, and if any deviations are detected - twice a year. After the treatment, a control study is mandatory.

A smear on flora is a laboratory study that reveals the composition of microflora at three points:

• Vagina.
• Urethra.
• Cervix.

This analysis establishes:

1. The number of leukocytes (increases with inflammation).
2. The number of epithelial cells (if there is an infection, the epithelium in the smear becomes larger, it is actively exfoliated).
3. The number of lactobacilli serve as a barrier to infections, increase local immunity in the vagina).
4. The presence of some pathogenic pathogens.

Smear in women. Training

Compliance with these rules makes the research more accurate:

• A smear for infection is not done within two days after using vaginal suppositories, ointments and douching.
• You should give up sex for three days.
• An hour and a half before the test, you cannot go to the toilet on a small one.
• The female analysis is given on the 3-4th day of the menstrual cycle, when there is a minimum of discharge.

How is a smear taken from a gynecologist

The woman sits down in a chair. The gynecologist sets up a speculum and takes a sample for analysis with a special disposable instrument. The procedure is painless and takes a minute. The laboratory analyzes the number of cells in the sample. After a few days, you get the result.

Interpreting Results

If the woman is healthy, then the results will indicate the presence of lactobacilli and a small number of leukocytes. Erythrocytes, causative agents of trichomoniasis and gonorrhea, fungi of the genus Candida should not be in the analyzes. If they are identified, then you need to pass PCR (polymerase chain reaction method) for sexually transmitted diseases. The normal number of leukocytes is up to 10 in the field of view. If a large number of white blood cells are found under the microscope, this indicates that there is inflammation. Also in such cases, the content of mucus increases, and in the analyzes, gram-negative rods are determined.

Most often, these results indicate what you have. With colpitis, the vagina becomes inflamed, with urethritis, microbes cause inflammation of the urethra, and endometritis is a lesion of the inner layer of the uterus.

If the doctor is worried about something, there is an obvious deviation from the norm, he sends the patient for further examination. It is necessary to determine which pathogen caused such a reaction, and with what antibiotic it should be treated.

Usually, if the smear is bad, then the woman may feel discomfort, which manifests itself:

• Allocations.
• Redness of the genitals.
• Itching.
• Abdominal pain.
• Pain during sex.

But it happens when the inflammation is hidden. It does not make itself felt in any way, but it does harm to the body. In severe cases, it is even possible. Certain infections can increase your risk of getting cancer. So getting a smear for infections on time is a must.

What to do if sticks are found in the smear?

This is the norm. Rods are useful lactobacilli, if few of them are detected, this does not indicate dysbiosis - a condition when the vagina is colonized by harmful microorganisms, displacing the beneficial flora. Special drugs with lactobacilli allow you to restore the correct balance, but only a gynecologist should prescribe them.

What diseases does a smear on flora reveal?

Such a simple informative analysis helps to identify many serious pathologies:

• Bacterial vaginosis.
• Vaginitis (colpitis).
• Cervicitis.
• Endometritis.
• Candidiasis.

Flora smear during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the number of lactobacilli decreases, which is due to a general decrease in immunity. To identify abnormalities in the microflora and infections in the early stages, a gynecological smear is prescribed for all pregnant women. Many expectant mothers worry that the smear can harm the baby. Do not be afraid - the doctor takes the material very carefully, without penetrating the instrument into the uterus. You will not feel discomfort, and this examination will not affect your child in any way.

If abnormalities have been identified, the doctor will prescribe local remedies. During pregnancy, most antibiotics are prohibited, preference is given to vaginal pills, suppositories, creams and sitz baths. If minor deviations from the norm are found, the gynecologist may simply leave you under supervision. It is also worth considering the fact that one analysis, passed in different laboratories, can show different results. Always use the same trusted laboratory or clinic.

What shouldn't be in the smear?

The presence in the sample can alert the gynecologist key cells... These are clusters of epithelial cells that have stuck together. This usually happens if there is inflammation, especially with bacterial vaginosis. Usually, in addition, in this case, small sticks can be found in the smear - gardnerella. They are not pathogens or latent infections.

But if there are a lot of them, discharge with an unpleasant odor may appear. Gardnerella is classified as a conditionally pathogenic flora. If immunity
copes with its work well, there is not much of it in the smear. And this can be considered a variant of the norm.

Representatives of the yeast Candida may be present in the vagina in small quantities and not cause disease. The amount of Candida usually rises during pregnancy. If it turns out to be more than lactobacilli, then it develops. It is accompanied by itching, redness, and cheesy discharge.

Cocci (gonococci, streptococci, staphylococci) are non-specific flora. It is found everywhere in the body. 30% of the population are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus. In isolated cases, it can cause a complicated pregnancy. A small number of staphylococci and streptococci in a smear should not be alarming - this is a variant of the norm.

Sometimes a smear on flora can show the presence of Trichomonas. This bacterium is a pathogen. Treatment is always prescribed. But when Trichomonas is in an inactive state, only PCR can detect it. If you have detected pathogenic flora in a smear, do not get too upset. Most infections can be cured. Also, regular smear testing allows you to indirectly assess the production of hormones.

Why do I need to take a cytological smear

Another important study that women have to regularly conduct when visiting a gynecologist is a cytological smear. It determines the tendency to form malignant tumors of the vagina and. Oncological diseases of the female genital area rank second among all tumor lesions in women. They are extremely common and practically do not manifest themselves in the early stages.

To detect early signs of tissue degeneration, the doctor prescribes a special analysis. This measure is preventive in most cases. Therefore, you do not need to think that they are hiding something from you. Such a smear is done to everyone. With age, the analysis for atypia is taken more often. Otherwise, a smear for cytology is called a Pap test, or a smear for atypical cells.

To conduct a PAP test, you need to take a swab from the cervix during a gynecological examination. After 30 years, the gynecologist needs to be visited 2 times a year for testing.

For the result to be reliable, you should not urinate an hour and a half before passing the PAP test. The day before taking a smear for atypical cells, do not have sex, do not douche, do not take a bath and do not use vaginal suppositories and tablets.

You can take the test on any day, except for menstruation. The procedure takes no more than 3 minutes.

Deviations in the results of oncocytology: should you panic?

After the material for research is obtained, it is studied under a microscope.

The size, shape, number of cells are determined. If there are small changes, the doctor may diagnose cervical dysplasia. The reasons for this condition:

• Bad habits.
• Long-term use of contraceptives.
• Lack of vitamins.
• The onset of sexual activity before the age of 17.
• A large number (more than two) of sexual partners.

To identify the pathology as early as possible, contact your gynecologist if you have small bloody discharge outside of menstruation and other symptoms that were not there before. At the first degree of cervical dysplasia, only its surface layer has an abnormal structure. Sometimes the doctor may decide not to treat the disease at all at this stage. A woman, especially if she has not given birth, may be left under supervision. Or, if abnormalities in the level of sex hormones are detected, it is corrected. After this, the dysplasia may disappear.

In the second degree, the abnormal cell structure also extends to the middle layer. The third degree of dysplasia is placed when all layers are affected. This condition is the most dangerous and is considered precancerous. Usually, in this case, the patient is referred for a biopsy. If the third degree of dysplasia is detected during pregnancy, childbirth is carried out by caesarean section after consulting a gynecological oncologist.

For any degree of dysplasia, an extended colposcopy is prescribed to clarify the diagnosis. During this procedure, the doctor examines the structure of the cervical epithelium under a microscope. The doctor gets access to it, as usual, with the help of a gynecological mirror.

Extended colposcopy, in contrast to a simple one, involves the use of tests with 3% acetic acid and Lugol's solution. Such tests help to identify the lesion focus - it stains in a certain way. Colposcopy can help confirm whether or not a biopsy is needed. If you have cervical erosion, poor oncocytology, genital warts, you will be prescribed a colposcopy. In some cases, the procedure for examining the cervix under a microscope can even be prescribed for pregnant women.

Risk group for cervical cancer

Women from this group need to be especially attentive to themselves:

• You are at risk if your mother or grandmother had cervical cancer.
• If you started having sex at 17 or earlier.
• If you smoke.
• If you have many sex partners.
• If you gave birth before the age of 17.

Based on the results of oncocytology, you may be prescribed treatment. This is not always a surgical procedure. In the early stages, cervical dysplasia is eliminated with the help of special procedures. The most commonly used method is the radio wave method. The device removes the affected tissue without pain. The use of radio wave treatment for cervical dysplasia is possible even in young nulliparous women.

Other methods are somewhat outdated: removal with an electric knife, laser or freezing. Treatment is selected by the doctor depending on whether there was childbirth, taking into account the stage of dysplasia and concomitant pathology. Most procedures today are done with patient comfort. These minimally invasive techniques do not disturb tissue structure, so you can carry and give birth to a healthy baby.

Thus, timely delivery of a smear for flora and atypical cells is necessary to prevent many diseases and complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Take care of yourself in time. The delivery of a smear is possible both in a polyclinic and in a private clinic. Many independent laboratories can also collect material. In a few days you will receive the result and be sure of your health.

Photo source: freepik.com

Etod polymerase chain reaction

Polymerase chain reaction method

You should visit a gynecologist once every six months and be sure to take gynecological tests. Even if there are no complaints in this area, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor. Analyzes by a gynecologist are taken to detect or correctly diagnose the disease and prescribe treatment. Laboratory and microscopic examinations are selected depending on the reasons and symptoms with which the patient turned to the doctor.

What tests are taken by a gynecologist

The list of analyzes in gynecology is quite extensive and specific, therefore it is worth describing gynecological studies in more detail:

• Flora smears - common gynecological analysis is not traumatic and practically painless. This is a routine method that is required for any examination by a gynecologist. The smear will help determine the degree of cleanliness of the vagina; if there is, the level of the inflammatory process; presence or absence of candidiasis (thrush), sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea); bacterial vaginosis. The sampling is made from several points: the posterior fornix of the vagina, the cervical canal (cervical canal), the urethra.
• PCR smear you will be prompted to take a gynecologist for more accurate test results. This method allows detecting DNA of causative agents of such diseases as ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, human papillomavirus. These infections are secretive, which is why this diagnostic method is so important. This is the most reliable and informative method for detecting STDs.
• Bacteriological culture is a study of biological material from the genital tract or blood. Stimulation of the reproduction of bacteria is performed, which allows you to identify even those pathogenic microorganisms that are present in small quantities. Also, this method makes it possible to test for the sensitivity of the causative agent of the disease to antibacterial drugs.
• Pap test or cytological studies (in everyday life it is called "analysis for cancer cells"). This gynecological analysis is required for the diagnosis of pathologies of the cervix. Even if nothing bothers a woman, visually the cervix seems healthy, a scraping of the cervix for cytological examination should be performed once a year. The procedure is practically painless. A smear should be taken from the lower layers of the epithelium, because malignant processes begin there.
• Colposcopy Is a procedure for analyzing the cervix. The cervix is \u200b\u200bexamined using a special microscope - kolkoscope, which allows you to determine the first signs of malignant tumors and diagnose erosion of the cervix and ovaries.
• Biobsia appointed if necessary by the decision of the attending physician. This is some analogue of cytology, but it is not individual cells caught in the smear that are examined, but a section of tissue in the area that aroused suspicion.

Where to get gynecological tests

Our paid private gynecology will provide high-quality, quickly performed gynecological tests at a low cost. And analyzes by a gynecologist are the starting point for further competent treatment by our specialists. You should not risk your health, contact qualified specialists.

Prices for gynecological analyzes are shown in the table.

Is a gynecological smear taken for virgins and how? The answer to the question that worries many girls who are not yet sexually active will be positive. Microscopy of vaginal discharge is an important and mandatory procedure when visiting a gynecologist for an examination.

Taking a smear (for flora, PCR or sowing) from virgin girls, girls and young adults, performed by an experienced gynecologist of our clinic, is quick, not painful and safe for the integrity of the hymen. Indeed, in this case, when taking this analysis, the gynecological mirror is not used, and the smear itself from the vagina can be made by introducing a probe through the natural opening of the hymen. On request - the service is provided anonymously.

According to indications, smears in adolescent girls are taken by a gynecologist from the external opening of the urethra and the vestibule of the vagina. The only exception is scraping for cytology - it will not work out while the girl is a virgin.

Gynecologist smears if a virgin

Questions and answers about examination and delivery of smears

1. How quickly the results will be ready:
   time and readiness - 1 day, urgent smear - result in a few hours;
   shelf life (validity) of the analysis - from 3 weeks to 2 months.
2. Taking a smear from a virgin - does it hurt?
   The answer to the question of whether it hurts to take a smear from a virgin is as follows. Such an action, performed carefully and without haste, will not bring tangible discomfort to the girl. However, if the gynecologist does not show sufficient delicacy, discomfort is quite possible. If you do not want to experience stress while sitting on a gynecological chair, the gynecologists of our medical center will examine adolescent girls and take smears on the flora gently and painlessly!
3. Is it possible to take a smear from virgins during menstruation?
   The optimal time for passing any gynecological tests, including the state of the flora, is any day of the menstrual cycle, with the exception of the menstruation itself. The presence or absence of experience of intimate relationships does not matter - the best deadlines are the same.
4. A smear from teenagers - will they take if the girl is a virgin?
   If a young patient came for a preventive examination to a doctor at the antenatal clinic, then this analysis will most likely be taken during an examination on a chair. When examining adolescents at school, the gynecologist usually does not take smears. If the girl has complaints of discharge, discomfort, pain, examination is recommended. Those who do not want to experience unnecessary worries are advised to go to a good medical clinic, where attentive and adequate gynecologists will provide the necessary assistance.
5. A smear for oncocytology of a virgin.
   With women who have lived or are regularly sexually active, everything is clear. Active sex, abortion, infection, childbirth, etc. can affect the state of the cervix and cytological screening will allow diagnosing the state of the cervical epithelium and preventing serious pathologies. But what about virgins, you can take a smear for cytology in this case, and if so, in what cases?
   Cytology in virgins can be taken by a gynecologist if there are certain indications. This may be a suspicion of the presence of cancer, serious pathology of the cervix, bleeding not associated with menstruation, as well as before taking oral contraceptives. After all, these drugs not only protect against unwanted pregnancy, but are also used to reduce menstrual blood loss and for other medical purposes. But with cervical cancer, they should not be taken. Therefore, the doctor can tell exactly about the gynecological health of the patient only if he examines the patient on a chair and takes tests for oncocytology from her. In virgins, such procedures are carried out with increased caution, but in some cases it may still be necessary to make an incision of the hymen - an operation of surgical defloration for medical reasons.
6. What smears do virgins give after 25 years?
   A smear from "girls" is taken during the annual medical examination. Usually, virgin girls take 2 smears from a gynecologist - one for the microflora ("vaginal cleanliness"), and the second for atypical cells ("cervical cytology").
7. What tools does a gynecologist use to take smears if the patient has a whole hymen?
   The use of special gynecological or other instruments allows you to preserve virginity (hymen). Doctors use plastic viewing mirrors of size "0" or "1", or sterile gynecological mirrors for children to take tests from the vagina and especially from the cervix. If there are no children's mirrors (lifters) available, then nasal mirrors are used - these are devices that ENT doctors manipulate to examine the nasal passages.

   
   

8. What infections are most often checked for?
   A smear for gonorrhea in virgins, as well as for other STDs (chlamydia, mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis, candidiasis and HPV tests) is recommended to take if there are symptoms of trouble in the intimate area. Why? Many genital infections, for example, HPV or chlamydia, etc., can have a contact and household transmission route and often gynecologists, during examinations, find genital warts in adolescent girls and girls.

Don't neglect your health. Even if you're a virgin, get swabs twice a year and get checked by a gynecologist. Remember: a timely visit to the doctor is the first step towards good women's health and happy motherhood!

Taking a gynecological smear is a standard procedure when visiting a female doctor. This analysis allows you to obtain information about the state of the vaginal microflora, the causes of possible malaise. What bacteria settle on the human body, especially in places such as the mouth, intestines and vagina, determines not only its comfort, but also the state of health in general.

Also, during the examination of a smear on the flora, it is possible to accurately determine the presence of a focus of inflammation, and often hormonal disorders.

Analysis specifics

A gynecological smear is taken not only to determine the flora. Also, if there are special indications for a woman, it may be necessary to take a smear for other types of tests.

Types of gynecological smears

The most common tests are:

This set of analyzes allows you to get a fairly complete picture of women's health.

Preparation for testing

Depending on the type of upcoming study, the preparations for the collection of material are somewhat different.

To pass a smear on flora, it is enough to adhere to some not too serious restrictions:

When a smear is taken for "sterility", it is most often prescribed to insert a tampon at night, after which, after eight hours, it is withdrawn in the morning at a specialist's appointment.

If a woman needs to be tested for cytology, all of the above rules should be followed. It is also worth adding that with this type of examination, it is necessary to exclude the presence of an inflammatory process in the vagina. In case of inflammation, the process should be stopped, after which it will be possible to take material for cytological examination.

The analysis will show a true result only if the fence is carried out before procedures such as a gynecological examination, colposcopy or ultrasound examination of the pelvis. If they are carried out, a smear for cytology is taken two days after the procedures.

When a doctor prescribes tests for latent infections, he can recommend certain details of preparation for a specific type of research. However, in addition to the above general rules, a so-called provocation is often done for this type of analysis. Then the research shows the most reliable result.

For dinner on the eve of taking a smear, certain food categories should be consumed, such as:

• all kinds of salinity: herring, pickled vegetables, mushrooms, feta cheese;
• a small amount of fried, fatty foods;
• spicy dishes and seasonings.

In this case, of course, you should not overeat until you feel unwell.

Before going to the doctor's office, in addition to the standard gynecological kit, you can purchase a special brush at the pharmacy, which will allow the specialist to take the material for the smear with the highest quality.

Analysis: taking and researching material

The gynecologist takes a swab from the vaginal mucosa or cervix, depending on the type and purpose of the study. The procedure is quick and painless: the woman is seated on a gynecological chair - and after a few minutes she can already relax. The doctor applies a smear to a glass slide or puts the material in a test tube.

Laboratory research

Each type of research requires its own time period. When taking material for a standard flora test, it only takes a day or two to provide results.

If it is sent for bacterial culture, results should be expected no earlier than a week later. In the case of a test for latent infections, the result can be obtained either the next day or within the next ten days, depending on the chosen research method.

A common complaint of women after taking a smear is the appearance of blood from the vagina. This is due to the fact that for high-quality sampling, it is often necessary to slightly remove the surface layer of tissue.

If the cervix is \u200b\u200bbleeding, you should not panic, but still you should consult a doctor, since in some cases the cause of bleeding may be a pathology, for example, ectopia.

Decoding the results

As a rule, the attending physician is directly involved in decoding the results of laboratory tests. There are generally accepted norms for the parameters under study, however, depending on the reagents of the laboratory, in some cases, the normal ranges may differ somewhat.

Tables 1 and 2 show the standards for decoding gynecological smears:

Table 1 - Vaginal swab for flora (V)

When collecting material from the cervix (C), the norms of these indicators are similar, with the exception of the presence of microflora, normally all types of microorganisms are absent in the cervical canal. Also, the number of leukocytes in the scraping from the cervix can normally reach thirty.

Table 2 - Smear for cytology. Decoding according to the Papanicolaou method.

When material is taken to check for latent infections in women, as a rule, it is revealed in the decoding whether or not a specific type of pathogen is present that is the cause of the ailment. The number is indicated using the "+" symbol, an increase in pluses corresponds to an increase in the number of pathogens.

1. Vaginal smear for flora. It is carried out for preventive purposes once every six months (provided that the woman is healthy). The frequency of such an analysis increases when it is necessary to confirm the correct choice of treatment or previously identified diseases.
2. Cleanliness smear. In this case, the microflora is investigated, namely the number and ratio of certain of its representatives. Analysis of the smear for the degree of purity is carried out using light microscopy.
3. Female smears using the PCR method (polymerase chain reaction). They are carried out in order to identify "hidden" diseases. This procedure is characterized by scraping of genital tract cells.
4. Smear analysis for bacteriological culture. It is carried out in order to identify bacteria that cause diseases of the genital organs, and determine their types. Smear examination also allows you to determine the necessary drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases.
5. Smear in women for cytology. It is taken once a year from those who are sexually active.

Another important female examination is the analysis of hormones, including prolactin. It is a hormone that plays an extremely important role in the female body.

Standard tests by a gynecologist

During a routine examination by a gynecologist or visiting this doctor with complaints, an analysis of a smear from the genital tract is mandatory. Deciphering the results is impossible without knowledge of gynecology.

Based on such a simple and painless study, it can be concluded that a woman has or does not have many diseases.

Thanks to the microscopic examination of biological material from the mucous membrane of the genitourinary organs in medicine, it has become possible to detect the presence of microbes and other disorders that are dangerous to the health and functioning of the reproductive system. The main types of strokes are:

• for flora;
• for sterility;
• for cytology;
• for hidden infections.