Analysis of the smear on the flora in women

The most frequently conducted study in gynecology is the analysis of the smear on the flora. It is very informative and simple. However, it helps to establish whether there is inflammation in the female reproductive tract and sometimes to identify its pathogen, as well as to determine what the microflora is.

Usually, a smear test is performed at each visit to the gynecologist. In women's consultations, it is free, and in private centers is inexpensive. In different institutions, the number of parameters studied can differ.

A swab is taken from the vagina, a little less often from the cervical canal and urethra. These organs are very close to each other, so usually their flora and problems are similar.

So, the analysis of the smear - interpretation and norms:

• Epithelium - individual;
• Leukocytes - single (urethra - up to 5, the vagina - up to 15, the cervical canal - up to 30 in the field of sp.);
• Flora - sticks;
• Gonococci (gn) - no;
• Trichomanadas (trich) - no;
• Erythrocytes - not detected;
• Incomplete phagocytosis, mobiluncus, leptotriks, key cells, yeast-like fungi, pseudoclavicular cells, mucus, cytoplasmic inclusions should not be detected.

The presence of an increased number of white blood cells indicates inflammation. In the absence of epithelium, a gynecologist may suspect a shortage of estrogens. Flora basically should consist of rods - these are the only useful microorganisms, although in a small number it may contain opportunistic pathogens.

It is constantly changing depending on various factors, including the day of the cycle. Each woman has her own microorganism, which is the norm for her. However, it is the sticks that produce lactic acid, which does not allow too many to reproduce pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Therefore, their lack is an alarming symptom.

Usually, the presence of microorganisms in the smear is indicated by pluses, with a maximum of 4. The following terms are sometimes used: single, small, moderate and significant.

Normally, the analysis of the smear should show the absence of gonococci and trichomonads. They should not be at all, otherwise treatment is required. Mushrooms, leptotriks, mobilinkus, key cells can be in a small amount, which is a variant of the norm. However, in this case, the doctor considers all the indicators in a complex, takes into account the patient's complaints and the condition of her genitals.

So, a significant number of key cells indicate bacterial vaginosis or gardnerellez, especially against the background of a lack of chopsticks and excess white blood cells. If a lot of yeast-like fungi, it speaks of genital candidiasis, it is also called "thrush".

In order for the smear analysis to be reliable, it must be properly prepared. For a day, or rather for a few women can not syringe, have sex, take a bath, enter the vagina tablets and candles. It is better to pass the test after menstruation in a few days. Before passing the smear for at least two hours you can not urinate.

The analysis is taken on the gynecological chair with the inserted mirror. A special brush is used to take the material. This procedure is absolutely painless in the absence of inflammation. Sometimes when you take a smear from the urethra , you get unpleasant sensations.

The drawback of this study is its inability to identify certain pathogens. Such microorganisms as mycoplasmas, ureaplasma and chlamydia are simply not visible. Also, this analysis does not detect viruses, which today are increasingly the cause of inflammation.

If the smear showed its presence, but did not determine the pathogen, then carry out additional studies. Now, PCR cultures, as well as UIF and RNIF are used. Less often determine the number of antibodies in the blood.

So, the analysis of the smear on the flora is a simple and quick method to get an idea of the condition of the urogenital tract of a woman. It is inexpensive, informative and very widely used today. This study is conducted by every woman who visits a gynecologist.