Tests

Gynecological tests. Analyzes at the gynecologist: what should be checked annually? What tests does the gynecologist refer to?

Diagnosis of gynecological diseases today is a whole range of measures that are designed to study the female reproductive system as accurately as possible and obtain reliable data on its condition. Timely detection of pathology can prevent the development of the disease and preserve women's health.

When is an examination required?

The reason for contacting a gynecologist may be menstrual irregularities, itching and burning in the genital area, pain in the lower abdomen and other symptoms. In this case, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination, including gynecological tests, to identify the underlying cause of the disease. However, you need to understand that some diseases can be asymptomatic. That is why every woman should take responsibility for her health and visit a gynecologist every six months, and not only when the first signs of the disease appear. So you can prevent the development of pathology before serious complications arise.

So what measures does a complete diagnosis of a gynecological disease include?

Examination by a gynecologist

At the initial stage of diagnosis, the doctor will listen to all complaints and conduct a gynecological examination - this will allow you to visually assess the general condition of the patient, identify the presence of pathologies and inflammation. Based on the results of the examination, the patient may be assigned an additional examination, as well as the delivery of gynecological tests.

Instrumental and hardware examination

The most common types of hardware studies prescribed by a doctor in the diagnosis of gynecological diseases are colposcopy (examination of the vagina and cervix using a digital video colposcope), hysteroscopy (examination of the uterine cavity using an optical probe), ultrasound of the pelvic organs.

Laboratory research

No matter what problem you turn to a gynecologist, in most cases he will prescribe an analysis for you - today not a single examination can do without this. The delivery of gynecological tests for infections allows you to detect inflammation, determine the quantitative and qualitative indicators of the causative agent of the disease.

Biomaterial for analysis is taken from the vagina or its vestibule, anus, urethra, cervix.

Depending on the symptoms of the patient, choose the appropriate type of microscopic examination.

Main types of analyzes

1. Smear on flora.

A gynecological smear is the most common and easiest to check for infections. Such an analysis is always carried out, even during a preventive examination.

First of all, a smear on the flora is taken by patients with suspected genital infections (candidiasis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea). This method allows you to identify a number of diseases that are asymptomatic.

In some cases, taking a smear for research is simply necessary, for example:

in the presence of vaginal discharge, signaling inflammation or infection;
with irritation and itching in the genital area;
with pain in the lower abdomen;
when planning a pregnancy.

Usually, the doctor prescribes a smear test in the first days after the end of menstruation. A couple of days before the test, you must stop using vaginal suppositories, tablets and ointments, and also refrain from sexual contact.

2. Bacteriological culture.

This is a microscopic examination of blood, urine or other biomaterial for flora, during which the process of bacterial reproduction is stimulated. This method is applicable in cases where it is necessary to identify pathogenic microflora, but microorganisms in the biomaterial are contained in very small quantities. Also bakposev allows you to identify the degree of sensitivity of the pathogen to certain drugs.

3. PCR diagnostics

This method makes it possible to detect a latent infection by detecting infection DNA fragments in the biological material. PCR diagnostics are usually carried out when it is necessary to obtain the most accurate results of the study.

4. General clinical analysis of blood and urine

The main one that patients take for any examination. Based on the results of the tests, it is possible to determine the stage of the course of the disease and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment already started.

Additional tests

In addition to general gynecological tests, there are also specific methods in medicine that allow you to diagnose various pathological changes:

1. Tests for sex hormones.

Testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, prolactin are the most important sex hormones, the level of which must be checked for symptoms such as mastopathy, menstrual irregularities, endometriosis.

2. Biopsy and cytological examination.

Biomaterial is taken to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells.

3. Analysis for tumor markers, oncocytology.

The doctor prescribes such tests in combination with other gynecological studies in order to exclude the risk of developing cancer.

4. Pregnancy test.

The analysis is carried out in order to detect the concentration of the hCG hormone in the blood and urine of a woman to confirm pregnancy.

5. Postcoital test.

The so-called "compatibility test". It is carried out by couples who are having difficulty conceiving a child. The test allows you to assess the degree of interaction between cervical mucus and sperm.

6. Analysis for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis.

Deciphering gynecological tests

Examination by a gynecologist passed, all the necessary studies were carried out. Now the doctor must study the results of gynecological tests and determine indicators that indicate possible diseases.

One of the most important indicators is the level of epithelial cells. The indicator of the norm is no more than 15 cells in the field of view. The inflammatory process in the genitals is signaled by an increased content of these cells. If epithelial cells are not found in the smear, this is a sign of epithelial atrophy.
The next indicator is leukocytes. They can always determine the presence of an inflammatory process. If the biomaterial is taken from the vagina, then in this case the norm for the content of cells in the field of view is 10, and for the urethra, up to 5 cells in the field of view are allowed.
The rate of bacteria content in the results of the analysis may be different, because it depends on the age category. For example, coccal flora is considered normal in young girls, as well as in women who are in menopause. And the presence of lactobacilli is not a pathology for women of reproductive age.
Detection in a smear of such elements as trichomonas and gonococcus indicates the presence of a sexual infection.
When determining in a smear on the flora of fungi of the genus Candida, we can talk about the development of candidiasis (sexual infection). The disease can be chronic (if fungal spores are found) or acute (if mycelium was detected in the analysis).
In the microflora of every woman there are microorganisms such as staphylococci, enterococci and streptococci. As long as their content does not exceed the norm, there is nothing to worry about. However, a large number of these microorganisms indicates their transition to the active phase and the displacement of healthy flora.

When determining the final result of a smear study on flora in medicine, there is a classification that defines four degrees of vaginal purity, depending on which it is possible to establish a diagnosis and prescribe further treatment or an additional examination.

Where to take gynecological tests?

First of all, you need to come for an examination and consultation with a gynecologist at your local clinic, or at any other hospital or private clinic. The doctor will write you a referral for the diagnosis of gynecological diseases, tests and studies.

In addition, today there are many private laboratories where you can take almost all types of analysis for a fee. But in any case, first visit a doctor - so you will know exactly what types of microscopic examination you need to undergo to detect the disease.

Reading time: 6 min

A mandatory procedure when visiting a gynecologist is to take biological material to assess the state of the microflora and epithelial cells of the vagina, the internal mucous membrane of the uterine body, endometrium, and cervical canal.

A gynecological smear, the study and interpretation of which is carried out in the laboratory, is highly informative.

The analysis allows you to determine the hormonal level of the reproductive system, the amount and composition of vaginal discharge, the bacterial content of the microflora in women, prevent inflammatory processes, identify developmental pathologies, the presence of neoplasms and sexually transmitted infections.

Diseases of the female reproductive system are dealt with by a specialized area in medicine - gynecology.

There are a lot of reasons for patients to apply: passing a medical examination for employment, pregnancy, pain or unpleasant cramping sensations in the lower abdomen, itching or burning, thrush, heavy menstruation or discharge of unknown origin.

A general smear or microscopy is performed during a preventive examination or during pregnancy planning. The result is the study of the cervical and urethra, vagina, in virgins - the rectum.

Papanicolaou analysis for cytology makes it possible to detect the papilloma virus, precancerous conditions of the epithelium, and the cervix in time. It is recommended to undergo a Pap test for all female representatives with hereditary oncological diseases, persons over 21 years of age.

The bacteriological research method, bacteriological culture in women, is recommended if there is a suspicion of an inflammatory process, a violation of the microflora, which was caused by opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms.

PCR is carried out in the form of an analysis for infections transmitted mainly by sexual contact. Gives complete information about the bacterial composition of the internal microflora.

The efficiency and reliability of the method is 98%.

Preparing for a smear test

Before prescribing an examination, the gynecologist or laboratory employee is obliged to warn the patient about how to properly take a smear for flora, which can and cannot be done before the procedure.

Preparation for microscopic examination provides for the rejection of potent antibiotics 2 weeks before the proposed analysis, visiting the bathroom the day before. You should try not to go to the toilet 2 hours before the analysis.

Diagnosis is best done not before, but during menstruation and in the first two days after.

To increase the sensitivity of the test, microflora bakposev is carried out in the absence of treatment with antibacterial drugs and douching. Be sure to follow a special diet 2-3 days before bacteriological analysis: limit foods that provoke fermentation or intestinal upset.

Refrain from sexual intercourse with a partner and do not wash yourself 24 hours before data collection.

3-5 days before the appointed PCR diagnosis, it is forbidden to take any antibacterial and contraceptives. For 36 hours it is necessary to exclude sexual contact. It is advisable not to take a shower the day before the PCR and on the eve of taking the analysis. The material is taken during menstruation and for 1-2 days after it ends.

How to take a swab from women

The material sampling technique is usually carried out in the morning in the gynecology department or directly in the laboratory itself. Taking vaginal discharge and sites for research is prescribed only for women who are sexually active. In girls, it is taken more carefully from the lateral fornix of the vagina to exclude damage to the hymen, and from the intestines, secretion.

All manipulations take place on the gynecological chair. At this time, the specialist introduces a special mirror, depending on the age and physiological characteristics of the patient. If the organs are not yet formed, size XS is used, girls will need a mirror S. After labor, examination instruments with a diameter of 25-30 mm, size M, L are used.

The collection of material is carried out with a spatula or spatula, brush, applied to a glass slide or placed in a test tube for further transfer of the results to the laboratory.

Smear on microflora: transcript

It is impossible to independently draw a conclusion about how good or bad a smear turned out without the appropriate knowledge. With the help of special symbols, it is very easy to decipher the microscopic examination of a smear. Depending on the localization of the taken biological material, they are distinguished: the vagina - "V", the cervix - "C" and the urethra - "U".

Gram-positive rods, "Gr.+" and the absence of coccal flora. The result is "++++". It is observed quite rarely, most often it is a consequence of intensive antibiotic therapy. Norm: "++", "+++" sticks, the number of cocci does not exceed "++".

Gram-negative bacteria gonococci - "Gn", Trichomonas vaginalis - "Trich", yeast of the genus "Candida". Correspond to diseases like gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and candidiasis.

The presence of key cells and Escherichia coli, if they are listed in the composition of the microflora, indicates that the patient has bacterial vaginosis.

Smear on flora: the norm in women

All patients, without exception, from the age of 14 until the onset of menopause, correspond to the same norm, obtained as a result of laboratory microscopic examination.

Leukocytes. Providing protection of the body from penetrating viruses, bacteria and infections, they can be in sight, but should not exceed the indicator in the vagina - 10, in the cervix - 30, urethra - 5.

Epithelium. A moderate amount of epithelial tissue is normal. A high number indicates possible inflammation, while a too low indicates insufficient production of the hormone estrogen.

Slime. Little or no amount is allowed. The maximum daily rate of excretion of the secretion of the glands of the cervical canal is 5 ml.

Gram-positive rods, "Gr.+". Lactobacilli and Doderlein sticks must be present in large numbers. They are responsible for the body's immune response to foreign bodies. They should not be in the cervix and urethra.

"Gr.-", gram-negative, anaerobic rods are not determined.

Gonococci with the symbol "gn", trichomonas, chlamydia, key and atypical cells, fungi, yeast, Candida are absent. If they are found in the results, the patient is assigned an additional examination for gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, thrush.

Smear for purity

To avoid complications during the period of gestation, pregnant women are advised to determine the degree of purity of the gynecological smear. Normally, in a healthy woman, the vaginal microflora is 95-98% Bacillus vaginalis or Doderlein's lactobacilli. They produce lactic acid, which helps maintain acid levels.

Pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms are not able to survive in such conditions. But under the influence of various factors, such as sexual activity, menopause, the menstrual cycle and a decrease in immunity, microflora indicators can change.

1 degree the purity of the vagina is normally pH 3.8-4.5. Wednesday is sour. Leukocytes and epithelial cells - no more than 10.
2 degree. Slightly acidic medium: pH=4.5-5. There is a slight increase in gram-positive cocci, Candida fungi.
3 degree. Pathogenic microorganisms are activated, mucus appears, epithelium indicators exceed the norm. Neutral acidity level, pH=5-7. There are more than 10 leukocytes. Mucus, key cells are present, gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms multiply in favorable microflora conditions.
On the last 4 degrees, low purity. The pH values reach 7.5. Doderlein's sticks are either absent at all, or are in a single quantity. The vagina is filled with pathogens.

Bacteriological research

The diversity of the composition, in addition to the lactobacillus Doderlein sticks, which are an integral part of the microflora of the vagina of the examined woman, does not begin to be studied immediately. Sowing on a specially created favorable environment of the collected biological material for its subsequent growth, development and reproduction takes time.

It is possible to evaluate bacteriological seeding for flora through a microscope, provided that the number of representatives of microorganisms increases.

0 class. observed during antibiotic treatment. The causative agent is missing.
I class. The number of bacteria does not increase or moderate growth.
II class. Mixed nature of microflora. Up to 10 colonies of bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis or Mobiluncus, causative agents of gardnerellosis, are determined.
III class. There are about 100 colonies. Gardnerella and Mobiluncus live mainly in the microflora. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis appear.
IV class. Lactobacilli are absent, immunity is weakened. Diagnosis of an acquired infectious disease - aerobic vaginitis.

Cytological examination

The probability of detecting areas of altered epithelium, papillomavirus and oncological neoplasms is quite high after 30 years, the onset of sexual activity.

The correct interpretation of the Pap test depends on the presence or absence of cancerous, atypical cells.

NILM. Clinical picture without features, CBO. Leukocytes and bacteria are isolated in small quantities. Possible primary candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis. The epithelial layer is normal.
ASC US. Found atypical areas in the epithelial tissue of unknown origin. A re-analysis is carried out after 6 months to search for chlamydia, dysplasia, human papillomavirus.
LSIL. To confirm a precancerous condition caused by atypical cells, a biopsy, colposcopy is prescribed. Mild signs of changes in the epithelium.
ASC-H. A pronounced lesion of the squamous epithelium. In 1% of patients, the initial stage of cervical cancer is diagnosed, the remaining 98-99% have grade 2-3 dysplasia.
HSIL. Concomitant symptoms preceding cancer of the squamous epithelium, cervix, were detected in more than 7% of the examined women. 2% have cancer.
AGC. Atypical condition of the glandular epithelium. Diagnosis: cervical or endometrial cancer, an advanced form of dysplasia.
AIS. Squamous cell carcinoma, cervical cancer.

PCR analysis

The molecular biological method of PCR diagnostics is characterized by high sensitivity and reliability of the obtained data. Due to the creation of earlier samples of the selected and copied DNA segment, a comparison with the obtained biological material takes place.

Analysis for infections using PCR makes it possible in a short time to find the causative agent of the disease of the female genital organs by obtaining a positive or negative result.

Polymerase chain reaction facilitates the determination of chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, thrush, trichomoniasis, HPV, HIV, the search for the causes of severe pregnancy and hormonal disorders.

The disadvantages of PCR are cases of false data with incorrectly performed tests, possible mutation of the pathogen's DNA.

Taking a gynecological smear is a standard procedure during a visit to a female doctor. This analysis allows you to obtain information about the state of the microflora of the vagina, the causes of possible ailments. What kind of bacteria settle on the human body, especially in places such as the oral cavity, intestines and vagina, depends not only on its comfort, but also on the state of health in general.

Also, during a study 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, a woman may need to take a smear for other types of tests.

Types of gynecological smears

The most common are the following tests:

Such a complex of analyzes allows you to get a fairly complete picture of women's health.

Preparation for testing

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

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

When a smear is taken for "sterility", most often it is prescribed to insert a tampon for the night, after which, after eight hours, it is removed 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 the material for cytological examination.

The analysis will show a true result only if the sampling is carried out before procedures such as a gynecological examination, colposcopy or pelvic ultrasound. In the case of their conduct, a smear for cytology is taken two days after the procedures.

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

For dinner on the eve of the smear, you should eat certain categories of foods, such as:

all kinds of salinity: herring, pickled vegetables, mushrooms, cheese;
a small amount of fried, fatty foods;
spicy food and condiments.

At the same time, of course, you should not overeat to the point of feeling unwell.

Before going to the doctor, 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.

Conducting analysis: taking and examining material

The gynecologist takes a smear from the mucous membrane of the vagina 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 on a glass slide or puts the material in a test tube.

Laboratory research

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

If he is sent for a bacterial culture, the results should be expected no earlier than a week later. In the case of passing the examination 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 bleeds, you should not panic, but you should still consult a doctor, since in some cases the cause of bleeding may be pathology, for example, ectopia.

Deciphering the results

As a rule, the attending physician is directly involved in deciphering 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 ranges of the norm may vary slightly.

Tables 1 and 2 show the standards for transcripts of gynecological smears:

Table 1 - Vaginal flora smear (V)

Indicator	Norm	Deviations
squamous epithelium	5-10 units	Below normal - lack of female sex hormones; above normal - inflammation; the presence of basal, parabasal cells - an increase in the level of male sex hormones, an inflammatory process
Leukocytes	0-15 units (during pregnancy up to 20 units)	If leukocytes are elevated - intense inflammation
Slime	None/Low/Moderate	Above normal - the presence of infection
Gonococci	Missing	Presence indicates gonorrhea
Trichomonas	Missing	Presence indicates trichomoniasis
key cells	Missing	The presence is indicative of bacterial vaginosis
Yeast	Missing	Presence indicates candidiasis
Microflora	A large number of Gram-positive Dederlein rods	Presence of pathogenic microorganisms

When taking 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 a scraping from the cervix can reach a normal thirty.

Table 2 - Pap smear for cytology. Papanicolaou interpretation.

Stage	Description	Deviations
1	The smear is normal (in women during menopause, the atrophic type of smear is also normal)	No deviations
2	Minor changes	Evidence of inflammation
3	A small number of cells with abnormalities	For clarification, a second smear is taken
4	Can be detected cells with malignant changes	It is not a final diagnosis, a woman is prescribed deeper examinations
5	Cancer cells in abundance	Indicates the presence of oncology

When material is taken to test for latent infections in women, as a rule, it is revealed in the transcript whether or not a specific type of pathogen is present, which 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.

It is recommended that every female representative, especially if she has already entered into sexual activity, visit a gynecologist at least once a year and take preventive tests in order to diagnose changes or diseases of the genital organs in a timely manner.

A gynecological smear for flora, as a diagnostic method, is recommended for every woman, even if she has no cause for concern.

A gynecological smear on the flora, or as it is also called, a bacteriological smear allows you to assess the condition of epithelial cells, as well as to identify pathogenic microorganisms such as yeast, trichomonas, gardnerella.

Also, thanks to the study of the flora, it is possible to evaluate those microorganisms that are considered normal for the female vagina, since the vagina, unlike the uterus, is not a sterile organ.

In the female vagina, it is normal to detect Candida, a fungus that is conditionally pathogenic, streptococci, staphylococci. An analysis of the flora will allow you to evaluate changes in the composition of microorganisms and timely identify bacterial pathology or, alternatively, suspect a disease of a different origin.

Unlike a smear for flora, a gynecological smear for cytology is a more difficult material to evaluate. To correctly evaluate the results of a cytology study, the doctor must have a special skill. True, the diagnostic event itself carries completely different information.

Any tests evaluating cytology primarily consider the cellular structure and changes in it. Thus, it is possible to suspect at an early stage, for example, an inflammatory process or other adverse changes in the cellular composition of the female vagina.

A smear for cytology, in addition to the inflammatory process, helps to diagnose tumor diseases and human papillomavirus infection, which can act as a trigger in the development of cervical cancer.

How to prepare for the analysis

Cytology or flora tests do not require special preparatory measures, however, for reliable smear results in gynecology, a woman will have to follow a number of simple recommendations.

Preparation Tips:

A few days before the study, it is recommended to abandon douching, vaginal tablets and ointments so that nothing affects the vaginal flora (it would be optimal to refuse procedures 2-3 days before the test).
1-2 days before the diagnostic event, it is recommended to refrain from sexual intercourse.
In the evening before the procedure, hygienic procedures are performed without the use of intimate hygiene products.
It is not necessary to perform hygiene procedures immediately before the examination (right before taking a smear from a gynecologist, you can easily wash the external genitalia with warm water, but no more).
It is better to refrain from emptying the bladder for several hours before the study.

When choosing the day on which the tests will be carried out, it is worth considering the cycle of menstruation. For a smear on flora or cytology, the ideal time is a few days after the end of the menstrual cycle or before it begins.

Unlike a smear for flora, a smear for cytology is taken in the middle of the menstrual cycle, that is, not earlier than on the fifth day after the onset of menstruation, but not later than five days before the start of the next one. The rest of the preparation is the same.

If it was not possible to predict the menstrual cycle, then the tests will have to be rescheduled to a later time. In most cases, the doctor prescribes the date of the study, based on the woman's history, so such cases are quite rare and occur only with an unstable cycle.

How to take a smear from the vagina

The purpose of the procedure for taking a smear on the flora is to obtain mucus from the vagina, urethra and cervix. Typically, the study takes place in three main stages.

Before taking a smear on the flora, a woman must undergo a general gynecological examination using a “mirror” - a special tool whose task is to expand the walls of the vagina.

Gynecological examination is a common, safe and cheap procedure, but sometimes it can be inconvenient due to the temperature difference between the instrument used and the woman's body. Doctors note that examination with a “mirror” is easier if the patient relaxes and breathes evenly.

When the visual assessment of the condition of the walls of the vagina is completed, the specialist will collect mucus with a sterile swab. This procedure usually does not cause discomfort, but touching the tampon to the cervix may respond with mild pain, which disappears as soon as the manipulation ends.

The resulting mucus sample is transferred to a glass slide, after which it is taken to the laboratory, where it is examined under a microscope. A woman, depending on the workload of the laboratory, receives the results of a smear on the flora in the time interval from several hours to three days.

A smear for cytology is performed using a similar technique, but other data are evaluated in the laboratory under a microscope.

What diseases can be identified

A bacteriological smear, carried out in accordance with all the rules, allows you to determine the presence or absence of a number of typical inflammatory processes in a woman, which are provoked by pathogenic microorganisms.

Accordingly, during the study, a number of pathologies are diagnosed:

Vaginitis- an inflammatory disease that affects the vaginal walls.
cervicitis- a pathology that has an inflammatory nature and affects the cervical canal.
Bacterial type vaginosis- a disease that develops if there are changes in the normal microflora of the vagina.
Thrush or candidiasis- fungal infection of the genital organs, which occurs due to the excessive presence of Candida (they are opportunistic and may be present in a normal smear).

With the help of a bacteriological smear, a number of diseases that are sexually transmitted are also diagnosed. These include:

Chlamydia- indulges mainly only sexually and is caused by chlamydia.
Gonorrhea- an inflammatory disease that is provoked by gonococcal pathogens.
Trichomoniasis- an infection caused by Trichomonas.
Ureaplasmosis and mycoplasmosis- provoked by microbes of uraplasma and mycoplasma, affecting not only the genitals, but also the respiratory system.

If there is a need to clarify the results of a smear on the flora, then cultural studies can be performed (they will demonstrate how many microbes are in the genital tract), as well as a polymerase chain reaction, which is a method for diagnosing many diseases of the genitourinary system.

Cytological examination shows other pathologies. In total, according to cytology, five types of smears are distinguished, which allow one to judge the state of the female genital organs.

There are 5 types of cytology smears, depending on the results of the tests, they distinguish:

Cellular changes were not revealed, the cervix is in its normal state;
There are cellular changes in the form of an inflammatory process or mild dysplasia, in which case it is recommended to treat the inflammation and repeat the analysis;
Cellular changes correspond to a moderate or severe type of dysplasia, additional diagnostic measures are required;
Precancerous condition, consultation of an oncologist or oncogynecologist is required;
Cancer, requires treatment in an oncology dispensary.

Despite the categorical description of the types of smears, women need to remember that a smear is an indicator of cellular changes, and you can find out their exact cause only after passing a full examination.

Cellular changes in the last stages, in addition to the oncological process, may indicate the presence of the following diseases:

papillomavirus type infection;
parakeratosis of the cervix - changes in the epithelium that lead to disruption of the processes of keratinization;
bacterial vaginitis, etc.

What to do with a bad smear

Bad results of a bacteriological smear should not cause a strong fear or nervous shock in a woman. She needs to remember that all infections that bacteriological analysis shows are treatable.

If the results are unsatisfactory, then you should follow three simple rules:

Go through at least one more consultation with a gynecologist so that he can determine the cause of the disease, and if this is not possible, then prescribe additional diagnostic measures.
Listen to the doctor's advice regarding the treatment of the identified pathology.
Do not engage in independent attempts to recover at home, so as not to aggravate the process.

With a poor bacteriological smear, women are also banned from douching. This is due to the fact that it can further disrupt the microflora of the vagina, aggravating the course of the disease. With a poor cytological examination, the scheme of a woman's actions is almost the same.

The doctor, having determined the harmful changes in the cellular composition of the organ, necessarily sends the patient to undergo additional diagnostic studies, such as colposcopy and biopsy of the cervix. The final diagnosis is made based on the results of these studies, after which the pathology treatment begins.

Since cytology tests are screening, in most cases, pathological changes can be diagnosed in the early stages, when they are still well treatable if they are dealt with in a timely and correct manner.

Cytological and bacteriological analyzes in gynecology play an important role not only as screening studies, but also as diagnostic ones.

It is recommended that every female representative, especially if she has already become sexually active, visit a gynecologist at least once a year and take these tests for preventive purposes in order to timely diagnose changes or diseases of the genital organs and start treatment with the maximum possible efficiency.

Useful video about preventive examination by a gynecologist

I like!