A smear from the vagina refers to frequent gynecological procedures. 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's consider the procedure in more detail, we will name the purposes and features of its carrying out, indicators of norm.
What does the swab from the vagina show?
Women, who are directed to this study for the first time, are often interested in the question of what the gynecological smear shows and what is being done. This microscopic, laboratory study characterizes the content of microflora in the urethra (urethra), vagina and cervix. Immediately these organs of the urino-genital system of a woman are exposed to the effects of pathogenic microorganisms.
According to the results of the study, the doctor can judge the general condition of the reproductive system, identify the present disorders in the early stages, when they do not manifest clinically. When carrying out the smear, the following indicators are evaluated:
- the number of leukocytes;
- the number of epithelial cells;
- presence of lactobacilli;
- presence of pathogenic microflora (Trichomonas, gonococci, fungi).
Smear on the flora - how to prepare?
To gynecological smear showed the objective state of the reproductive system, it is necessary to comply with a certain number of rules:
- Exclusion of sexual relations for 3 days before the procedure.
- Do not use medicines of local therapy - cream, vaginal suppositories.
- If a woman spends syringings - for 1-2 days before taking a swab stop procedures.
- 2-3 hours before the study, urine is prohibited.
- The procedure should be carried out almost immediately after the monthly discharge - on the 4th-5th day of the cycle.
How do they take a swab from the vagina?
A smear on the microflora of the vagina is taken by a gynecologist. The woman is located in the gynecological chair. The doctor carefully places the mirror to gain access to the walls of the vagina. Material is taken with a disposable, sterile spatula. The procedure itself is painless. A small discomfort is felt by the girl only at the time of sampling.
The resulting smear from the vagina is transferred to a slide. The sample is delivered to the laboratory. The lab technician microscopes the smears, counting the number of each kind of cells, inscribing the values in conclusion. The result of the procedure is received by the woman on the same day or in a few days. This depends on the workload of the laboratory, the number of samples taken from the material.
Gynecological smear - transcript
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 pathogens. In conclusion, doctors use certain abbreviations of the Latin alphabet:
- V - the vagina. The numbers next to this letter reflect the contents of this part of the reproductive system;
- C (cervix) is the cervix of the uterus. Figures indicate quantitative changes in the composition of microorganisms in this area;
- U (urethra) is the urethra.
In healthy women, only lactobacilli and single white blood cells are found in the smear. Kokkovaya flora, erythrocytes, a large number of leukocytes indicate inflammatory processes in the reproductive system. So, if trichomonads are found, doctors make a diagnosis of "trichomoniasis", the presence of gonococci is a sign of a disease such as gonorrhea. Such results are an indication for further examination.
Gynecological smear - norm
Assessing the smear from the vagina, the norm of which is set equally for all women, doctors pay attention to the following indicators:
1. Leukocytes. The norm of leukocytes in the gynecological smear is as follows:
- in the vagina - up to 10 cells in the 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 the indicated positions they write "moderately". With an increase in the value of talking about the inflammatory process, a deficiency can indicate a decrease in the concentration of estrogens.
3. Mucus:
- vagina and cervix - moderately;
- urethra - absent or moderately;
4. Gram-positive rods (gr. +):
- vagina - a large number;
- cervix - absent;
- urethra - are absent.
5. Gram-negative rods (gr.-) - are absent everywhere. Presence indicates vaginal dysbacteriosis, inflammatory processes.
Leukocytes in gynecological smear
Leukocytes in a vaginal smear are present in a single amount. With a significant increase in the number of these cells exclude the inflammatory process. For an accurate diagnosis, additional diagnostic procedures are performed: ultrasound of the small pelvis, blood and urine tests, blood for hormones. Among the frequent diseases in which the concentration of leukocytes increases, it is necessary to distinguish:
- colpitis - the vaginal mucosa is inflamed;
- cervicitis - cervical inflammation;
- urethritis - an inflammatory process in the urinary system;
- adnexitis - inflammation of the appendages;
- endometritis - an inflammatory disorder in the uterus.
What are the "key cells" in the gynecological smear?
The study of a gynecological smear involves counting the key cells. This term is used to designate cellular structures of the flat epithelium. On their surface are often located microorganisms. More often these are small sticks - gardnerelles. They refer to conditionally-pathogenic - with a low concentration do not cause pathology. However, their appearance in the smear is a signal for doctors to further research. Directly this condition is fixed for dysbacteriosis - a violation of the ratio of beneficial microorganisms to pathogenic.
Wands in gynecological smear
Microscopically gynecological smear on the flora, the laboratory assistant counts and the number of rods. The basis of the entire amount of these cellular structures in the smear is lactobacilli - Dodderlein's sticks. They are useful, form a normal vaginal microflora. Decrease in their number indicates a dysbacteriosis that requires medication.
Degree of cleanliness of gynecological smear
After a smear on the flora from the vagina, doctors in the conclusion indicate the degree of purity of the vagina. The term is used to denote the ratio of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the microflora. Often, this study is referred to as a smear on the degree of purity of the vagina. There are 4 degrees:
- 1 degree - lactobacilli in the smear make up the majority of all microorganisms, epithelial cells along with leukocytes are practically absent, this option is the norm;
- 2 degree - in the field of vision can be identified single Gram-negative bacteria (infectious agents);
- 3 degree - a smear taken from the vagina, contains a large number of pathogenic bacteria, there are symptoms of gynecological diseases (pathological discharge with a changed consistence, volume, itching, burning);
- 4 degree - pathogenic microorganisms completely displace useful lactobacilli, there are leucocytes in a large concentration, this pattern is typical for neglected gynecological diseases.