The study of the vaginal flora is necessary to identify and identify bacteria and determine the degree of their danger. This method is the least expensive and popular in diagnosing inflammatory processes and diseases that can be contracted during sexual intercourse.
The advantage of the method is that taking a smear for analysis is completely painless. When taking a smear, slight subjective discomfort is possible. A smear is taken during examination by a gynecologist, then a sample of the vaginal contents is placed on a laboratory slide.
Later, upon arrival at the laboratory, the sample is stained to distinguish and identify microbes.
What does a gynecological smear show for the flora from the vagina in women, what infections can we talk about? Let's discuss further.
The vaginal environment in women is normally not sterile.
Many microorganisms represent the flora of the vagina. Among these microorganisms, there is a constant competition for space and food.
The most common representatives of the vaginal flora - lacto- and bifidobacteria.
In many ways, they themselves determine the microclimate of their habitat, releasing alcohols, peroxide, acids, including lactic acid, in the course of their life, as a result of which the pH of the vaginal environment matters in a smear on the flora, which characterizes an acidic environment.
These bacteria secrete enzymes which prevent other microbes from multiplying.
A number of indicators in the analysis of a smear for flora are completely normal, all healthy women have them, but some indicate some kind of disease or pathology.
So what does a swab for flora in women reveal?
In the selected smear, the number of white and red blood cells is determined. The norm for a healthy woman is 10-15, and red blood cells - about 2.
If the analysis is taken immediately after menstruation, then the number of leukocytes can be up to 25. If the patient is in position, then the level of leukocytes is allowed no more than 30.
A lot of white blood cells indicate an infectious disease, then you need to retake the analysis.
Here you need to take into account all conditions that additionally affect the level of leukocytes - pregnancy, menstruation, colds. If all these cases are excluded, then an inflammatory process is suspected.
What does phagocytosis mean in a smear on flora? Phagocytosis is the process of capturing and destroying foreign cells (for example, pathogenic bacteria) by leukocytes.
The smear may show incomplete phagocytosis- the presence of undigested microbial cells inside leukocytes. This happens when you become infected or if the body is exposed to:
Cytolysis in analysis means the presence of a non-inflammatory process in the vagina caused by overproduction of a special type of lactobacilli that produce hydrogen.
Their uncontrolled growth leads to alkalization of the vaginal environment and cytolysis (destruction) of epithelial cells.
What does a large amount of epithelium in a smear for flora in women indicate, what to do if there is a lot of it?
The presence of squamous epithelium in a smear for flora in women is the norm, subject to a certain type and quantity of it.
The presence of 5 to 10 squamous epithelial cells in the selected sample is considered normal.
When passing a smear on the flora at the gynecologist, deviations from the norm:
The presence in the sample of not flat, but, for example, cylindrical epithelium indicates ectopia - the location of the epithelium from the cervical part of the uterus to the vaginal part of it (previously this phenomenon was called erosion).
Ectopia is not a disease, but requires observation.
Fibrin is a blood plasma protein. Its detection in a smear means the presence of an inflammatory process.
Mucus can be in healthy patients exclusively in a vaginal smear. If mucus is found, for example, in the urethra, then this indicates inflammation. A vaginal mucus sample may contain normal moderate or low amounts, which are denoted by ++ and +, respectively.
If an excess of mucus is noticeable in the analysis, this is a sign of inflammatory diseases, and it is necessary to conduct clarifying studies.
In addition, excess mucus may indicate poor hygiene or incorrect smear collection.
Doderlein's sticks should normally prevail in the microflora of the vagina.
These are lactobacilli that secrete lactic acid. necessary for the formation of normal vaginal microflora.
If lactobacilli are present in sufficient quantities in the vagina, infections do not develop there, since lactic acid prevents other bacteria from multiplying.
If the number of these beneficial microorganisms is reduced, then the pH of the vagina shifts to the alkaline side. Inflammation may occur.
In a normal smear, lactobacilli make up 95% of the total flora.
In gynecology, opportunistic pathogens are those microbes in a smear on the flora that may not cause any diseases until they begin to multiply beyond measure. The main varieties of such microbes:
Bacteria in a smear, representing opportunistic flora, with some exceptions, are aerobic flora, that is, they need access to oxygen to live. Anaerobes - Leptothrix and Klebsiella.
Cocci are round-shaped bacteria.
According to the staining method, there are gram-positive and gram-negative.
Gram-positive cocci (staphylococci, streptococci and enterococci) are opportunistic, their presence is considered normal within:
Gram-negative cocci are the causative agents of dangerous diseases. These include gonococci - the causative agents of gonorrhea.
These are very small bacteria that, when multiplied above 104 units, cause inflammatory diseases. They prevent conception.
This is a representative of the anaerobic UP flora, a gram-positive rod-shaped microorganism. Leptothrix itself in a smear on the flora dangerous only during pregnancy, capable of causing a miscarriage.
In non-pregnant patients, the detection of leptothrix is not a cause for concern.
It is necessary to additionally retake the analysis, since leptothrix often accompanies other infectious diseases, such as chlamydia or trichomoniasis.
As representatives of the UP flora, they may be present in the smear in small quantities. When their level is exceeded, vaginosis begins.. Diphtheroids are similar to the bacteria that cause diphtheria, Corynebacterium.
If corynobacteria were found in the flora smear, their number is determined. With a moderate amount, a course of treatment with drugs is prescribed.
If Corynebacterium is greater than a certain threshold, then additional testing for other infections should be done, as these bacteria are often associated with others.
Representative of the flora, Klebsiella under certain conditions (with a decrease in immunity, pregnancy) can cause urinary tract disease.
What gives a positive soor in a smear for flora? If a fungus of the genus Candida is isolated from a smear, this indicates candidiasis.
These fungi are also representatives of the UP flora, they are introduced into the vagina from the outside. Candidiasis is provoked by a decrease in immunity.
With candidiasis in a smear on the flora can be found:
The number of blastospores depends on the prevalence and stage of the disease. Blastospores are embryonic forms of cells formed by budding from maternal forms of cells.
If blastospores are found in a smear on the flora, it is necessary to conduct an examination of the female body for yeast spores of fungi.
In addition to identifying candidiasis, such an analysis will determine which antifungal drug therapy should be started if the diagnosis is confirmed.
The key cells in the flora smear are epithelial cells on the surface of which microorganisms have collected (this is especially true for those that cause bacterial vaginosis). The presence of atypical cells in the smear - symptom of an infectious disease.
When identifying 3 and 4 degrees of purity, it is necessary to conduct clarifying studies and, until the circumstances are clarified and complete recovery, abandon any gynecological manipulations.
At 1 and 2 degrees of purity, the environment in the vagina is acidic and slightly acidic, in the case of 3 and 4 - slightly alkaline and alkaline, respectively.
Analysis of a gynecological smear for flora is considered a classic examination method. For its implementation, biological material obtained from the lining layer of the vagina, cervix and urethral (urethra) canal is taken.
The decoding indicates the presence or absence of beneficial, pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. Based on this, the completeness of the functioning of the organs of the genitourinary system is assessed.
Another name for a gynecological smear is a bacteriological culture. It is the planting of the obtained sample on a nutrient medium and the cultivation of bacterial colonies in favorable conditions. When studying under a microscope, a laboratory assistant sees pathogens (yeast-like fungi, trichomonads, gardnerella, etc.), as well as beneficial bacteria.
Deciphering the analysis of a gynecological smear, carried out qualitatively and at an early stage, is able to confirm or refute the development of diseases of a bacterial type or pathologies of a different origin. Since the vagina is not a sterile organ, it is normally inhabited in small numbers by streptococci, staphylococci and Candida. Qualitatively carried out on
Another type of diagnosis is a cytological examination. Based on its results, a qualitative assessment of the state of the cells of the genitourinary system is set, their structure is studied, and existing changes are noted. Thanks to this, gynecologists determine inflammatory diseases, the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), tumors that can lead to the development of oncological pathologies.
An analysis of a gynecological smear, which is deciphered in a clinical laboratory, is done not only to study the composition of the microflora. If the interpretation of the results did not allow a final diagnosis, additional research methods are prescribed.
In 95% of all clinical cases of women turning to specialists, they additionally carry out:
The study of the material obtained during the smear can be microbiological and cytological. In the first case, the composition of the microflora is assessed, and in the second, the presence or absence of atypical (painful, unnatural) cells is determined.
The analysis of a smear in gynecology, the decoding of which is in the competence of the leading specialist who wrote out the direction for the patient to perform it, reveals a complete picture of the state of the organs of the genitourinary system.
There are a number of indications, in the presence of which the study is necessary:
It is mandatory to study biological material from the urethra, vagina and cervix for preventive purposes, when a woman undergoes a regular annual examination. Thanks to this, hormonal disorders, infectious and inflammatory pathologies can also be detected.
A gynecological smear is a diagnostic procedure for which the body should be prepared. Measures are taken to prevent false positive or false negative test results.
The preparatory stage is based on the rules of the "two":
Subject to the above rules, you can be sure that the accuracy of the result is increased by 3-5 times. If unsatisfactory results are obtained, then a re-analysis is assigned. Biological material is taken after a standard gynecological examination (on a chair using mirrors) and a visual assessment of the condition of the vaginal walls.
The procedure is non-invasive, that is, during it the patient does not feel pain or discomfort. Using a sterile swab or a small brush (if a swab is taken from the urethra), the gynecologist runs through the mucous membrane of the genital organs several times. The resulting mucus is placed on a glass slide, sent to the laboratory and examined under a microscope.
An analysis of a gynecological smear, the decoding of which takes from several hours to several days, is an important gynecological diagnostic procedure that allows you to assess the state of the genitourinary system.
The period for obtaining the results is determined by the workload of the laboratory and the type of study of biological material assigned (cytology takes longer).
If the situation is urgent, such as emergency surgery, the results are given to the doctor in 3-5 minutes. When undergoing a routine examination in a hospital at the place of residence, up to 14 days are allotted for decoding. In private clinics, an answer can be obtained in 1-3 days. A cytological examination is carried out within 7-10 days, regardless of the institution.
A gynecological analysis of a smear of the obtained biological material is carried out as prescribed by a doctor in childhood and adolescence. The norms for a healthy child are shown in the table.
| Measured indicators | 1-5 years | 6-10 years old | 11-15 years old | 16-17 years old | Adolescents who are sexually active |
| Leukocytes | 0-2 | 3-5 | 5-7 | To 10 | To 10 |
| Slime | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Epithelium | 1-3 | 4-6 | 5-6 | To 10 | To 10 |
| Flora | Kokkovaya + | Kokkovaya + | mixed | stick | stick |
The norm of the analysis of a smear in gynecology (read the transcript below) These parameters correspond to the number of visible cells of certain microorganisms that fall into the field of view when studying the material under a microscope. In women of reproductive and older age, the norms depend on where the mucus was obtained from.
| Indicators | Vagina (V) | Cervical canal (C) | Urethra (U) |
| Leukocytes | 0-10 | 0-30 | 0-5 |
| squamous epithelium | 5-10 | 5-10 | 5-10 |
| Gonococci | Missing | Missing | Missing |
| Trichomonas | Missing | Missing | Missing |
| key cells | Missing | Missing | Missing |
| Yeast | Missing | Missing | Missing |
| Microflora | Multiple Dederlein rods (gram-positive) | Absent | Absent |
| Slime | moderate amount | moderate amount |
In patients of reproductive and childhood age, not only the quantitative content of certain cells differs, but also the list of parameters by which the state of the organs of the genitourinary system is assessed.
During the period of bearing a child in a woman's body, the hormonal background changes significantly, more progesterone and estrogen begin to be produced. This is reflected in the state of the microflora of the vagina. Therefore, during pregnancy, the study is performed three times: at registration, at 30 weeks and before childbirth.
An analysis of a gynecological smear, the decoding of which shows an increased content of lactobacilli (beneficial microorganisms), indicates that the patient is healthy. There is also an increase in the volume of mucus enriched with glycogen.
Normally, microscopic diagnostics shows the following:
It is not excluded the identification of cells atypical for the examined area. Often they are determined when a smear is taken from the surface of the cervix. This condition indicates the development of dysplasia. To exclude the development of oncological disease, a cytological examination is additionally prescribed.
In medical practice, it is customary to use abbreviations, so the form that a woman receives in her hands in the laboratory contains the first few Latin letters.
When a gynecological smear analysis has been performed, the interpretation of the symbols will be as follows:
The list contains the main parameters. Additionally, the results may contain a certain level of acidity (pH), the number of lactobacilli (normally 95%). If any flora is absent in the smear, then “abs” is indicated in the column - this type of microorganism was not detected.
If you look at the results of the analysis of a healthy woman, then lactobacilli predominate in the composition of her microflora (within 95%). These are lactic acid bacteria, which are also known as Dederlein's rods. In the event of a decrease in their concentration, local immunity worsens, problems with reproductive function develop (the inability to become pregnant or bear a child). 
A study to determine the composition of the microflora of the vagina indicates the degree of purity of the organ. It is not considered a deviation if it contains from 1 to 4 types of microorganisms in various combinations.
In total, experts distinguish four degrees when interpreting:
An acidic environment is maintained in the vagina of a healthy woman. The substance glycogen (produced from epithelial cells) is responsible for this. This type of pH does not allow an increase in the number of pathogens and conditionally dangerous microorganisms, which helps prevent the progression of serious gynecological diseases.
Gonorrhea is the main causative agent of gonorrhea. These microorganisms cannot exist in the external environment, but actively multiply when they penetrate the vagina. Infection occurs from the carrier after unprotected intercourse. The disease is accompanied by abundant purulent discharge from the genital tract with an unpleasant odor. 
The complete absence of gonococci in a microflora smear is considered normal. They are determined only if the patient has gonorrhea, which can occur in a latent form. In the latter case, the transformation of the disease into a chronic form is not excluded, which leads to infertility. When confirming the diagnosis, all sexual partners and the woman herself must undergo treatment.
When conducting a study, it is likely to identify Trichomonas in the biological material. These microorganisms provoke urogenital trichomoniasis, which is sexually transmitted. In the absence of pathology, Trichomonas should not be determined.
In the body of each person, leukocytes perform a protective function. It may be specific or non-specific. Depending on what role they perform, gynecologists isolate cells that recognize bacteria, deliver them and destroy them. 
When performing a study of biological material under a microscope, attention is paid not to their type, but to the number of cells that fall into the field of view of the device.
With an increased concentration of cells, the progression of the inflammatory process in the organs of the genitourinary system is expected. Normally, they should not be more than 10 units (if the woman is not pregnant), and when carrying a child, up to 20 units. If the biomaterial is obtained from the vaginal cervix, an indicator of 30 units is allowed.
When interpreting the results, it is necessary to take into account the number of epithelial cells that fall into the field of view. If a woman of reproductive age is in good health, then the particles of the lining mucous membrane are regularly sloughed off, which helps to maintain a constancy of the vaginal environment.
An increased concentration of squamous cells indicates the following conditions:
In a healthy woman, no more than 10 cells are considered the norm. An insufficient amount of squamous epithelium also speaks of problems, for example, a small production of the female hormone (estrogen), or excessive production of androgen, the development of atrophic colpitis, is not excluded.
The biological material obtained during the taking of a smear has many components, among which there is mucus. Its presence is not considered a deviation from the norm, provided that it is determined by the minimum (+) or moderate (++) amount.
The only exception is the detection of the presented substance in a gynecological smear obtained from the urethral (urethra) canal. With a significant concentration of mucus, doctors suggest the development of inflammation in the patient, for example, colpitis or cervicitis.
Some laboratories perform the most detailed analysis of a gynecological smear, in which there is a column indicating the presence or absence of key cells. This is a desquamated epithelium from the vaginal mucosa. 
Upon closer examination, one can see that along its edges there are thin rods, cocci and gamvariable bacteria. Under the microscope, the desquamated epithelium will have an uneven, granular appearance. Normally, such cells should not be detected, and if they are detected, there is a possibility of vaginal dysbacteriosis.
They are called fungi of the genus Candida - the main causative agents of "thrush" or vaginal candidiasis. Normally, they can be present in small quantities and are opportunistic representatives. If there are more than 90% lactobacilli in the vagina, then they will restrain the growth of Candida and will not allow the disease to develop.
An increase in the number of yeast-like fungi occurs under the following conditions:
Vaginal candidiasis, which is indicated by a high content of Candida fungi, requires specific treatment (a course of antibiotic therapy and the use of antimycotic agents) with subsequent restoration of the normal composition of the microflora. Neglect of these will lead to chronic disease.
The ongoing interpretation of the results of the study involves determining the presence of coccal flora in the vagina. These microorganisms are round in shape and are classified as opportunistic pathogens. Normally, they can inhabit the vaginal environment in small numbers.
Gram-positive and gram-negative cocci are isolated, therefore there are two columns in the form, where quantitative values are entered according to the type of organism detected. The norm of coccal representatives in a smear should not exceed 5%. Otherwise, signs of an inflammatory process will begin to develop (itching, burning, problems with urination).
An important parameter during the study of biological material obtained during the taking of a smear is the presence of large and immobile gram-positive bacteria. These microorganisms are responsible for creating the normal acidity of the vagina, which allows the spermatozoa to freely penetrate the egg. 
In medicine, they are called Dederlein sticks. Another important function is to prevent an increase in the number of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. Since these bacteria have the ability to release hydrogen peroxide, it is possible to maintain normal vaginal cleanliness. Normally, they should be in a smear of 90-95%.
In the microflora of the vagina, a microorganism such as leptothrix can be found. It belongs to the class of anaerobic Gram-positive rods. Their main habitat is various water bodies. If you study its appearance and structure under a microscope, then it will look like a thin hair, which can not always be clearly seen.
If the analysis showed that this microorganism is present in the microflora of the reproductive system, but at the same time the woman did not have any pathological processes, you should not worry about your state of health. 
It is worth noting that leptothrix does not have the ability to be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. Often, laboratory assistants detect a microorganism in tandem with Trichomonas or Chlamydia. This combination requires the implementation of high-quality and complex antibacterial therapy.
Not always after receiving the results of the study, women see satisfactory or ideal indicators. This raises the question of why the data does not correspond to the norm.
Gynecologists identify a number of reasons:
Deciphering the analysis of a smear in gynecology allows you to assess the condition of the organs of the genitourinary system. The study is applicable to identify some inflammatory, infectious, bacterial diseases. Thanks to this, it is possible to start treatment in a timely manner and prevent the chronicity of the pathology.
Article formatting: Mila Fridan
How to decipher a smear for flora:
The female reproductive system is often exposed to bacteria and infection. Often, due to certain circumstances, inflammation of the organs develops. There are quite serious organs here, which individually cannot function fully. In the case of a pathology of one of them - the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes - the entire reproductive system of a woman is affected, the development of oncological diseases is not ruled out, and infertility is often diagnosed. Therefore, the fair sex should undergo an appropriate examination with the required regularity. The examination includes a mandatory examination by a gynecologist with the necessary tests to detect pathologies.
The most informative analysis includes a smear on the flora in women, which represents a complete picture of the state of the microflora of the genital organs and genitals. Women will understand - the usual and notorious thrush is diagnosed with a similar analysis. But more about it later in the article.
What is a smear? A swab is a characteristic movement of a gynecologist with a cotton swab to take the mucous membrane of the vagina, cervix or urethra. In the future, an appropriate study of the mucosal sampling is carried out in the laboratory. According to a complete study of the results, the spread of an infectious disease or the development of a bacteriological nature is determined.
A smear is taken during a gynecological examination during the passage of a complex commission or with unpleasant symptoms and complaints from the patient. Unpleasant symptoms include pain, burning in the lower abdomen or in the vagina with the involvement of the external labia, often patients complain of pain during urination. If the symptoms presented are found, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor - even itching in the urethra can signal the development of a gynecological disease.
Not all women know exactly the rules for mucosal sampling. This leads to numerous deviations from the norm, and most importantly, to a significant distortion of the indicators. Therefore, women should follow the rules for taking the mucosa, where they secrete:
With observance of the rules, a woman provides herself with the truthful results of the analysis. The fence itself is carried out with a spatula or a special stick with a cotton tip. The fence is carried out from three places - from the cervix, vagina and urethra. Pain should not occur - if this has arisen, then the development of an infectious disease with the presence of an inflammatory process is underway.
In the microflora of the genital organs of a woman, 95% of lactobacilli should be present - they form lactic acid, providing the required acidity to protect against the penetration of infections and other pathogens.
Depending on life circumstances (stress, decreased immunity), as well as during pregnancy, the number of lactobacilli is significantly reduced, which provokes the development of infectious lesions.
As soon as a woman has received tests to determine the microflora of the genital organs, she is faced with a huge number of designations, symbols and numbers. Only a specialist can disassemble them, but upon closer examination, this can be done independently.
So, for starters, indicators are determined for the site of smear sampling under study. Here are the letters:
Designations identify the first letter of the name of the place in Latin.
With an increase in indicators in the laboratory, their excess is recorded - the usual “+” signs are placed next to each indicator. Their definition appears to be:
This is a simplified form of deciphering the results. Much more indicators are presented in the received documents.
The above indicators are not all that the results of the survey show. The forms contain indicators of certain components, which, in principle, should not be in a smear for flora. The presence of numbers indicates infection, a dash means the woman is healthy.
Items that should not be included include:
In the microflora of a woman, atypical cells should also not be detected - cells of a modified form, which often indicate the development of an oncological disease.
Pregnant women are tested for flora somewhat more often than "ordinary" women. This is explained by a simple fear of infection or inflammation, because the bearing of the fetus significantly reduces the immunity of the expectant mother, which means that it can lead to the development of diseases or inflammation that is not specific to the pre-pregnancy state.
The mucosal sampling is carried out in exactly the same way, with the exception of the sampling from the cervical canal - it is carried out more carefully so as not to provoke a miscarriage in a pregnant woman.
Surprisingly, even if a woman previously had no adverse symptoms, with the onset of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections are often detected. Here are distinguished:
Timely detection of the presented infections will allow to start treatment on time, and, therefore, protect the child from possible infection and the development of various pathologies. During pregnancy, women produce progesterone, which can significantly affect the production of white blood cells. That is why during pregnancy an indicator of up to 20 units is allowed. Its excess indicates the onset of inflammation, which often leads to miscarriage in the early stages and premature birth in the third trimester.
Unfavorable test results indicate the presence of an inflammatory or infectious disease, and this may not always be associated with the genitals. For example, in pregnant women, elevated white blood cells can help detect malaria, typhoid and other similar diseases. To clarify the diagnosis, doctors prescribe women an additional examination - DNA diagnostics, bacteriological culture and other additional studies.
A woman should be attentive to her health, including the condition of the genitals, especially if you plan to conceive a child. Infections and bacteria often become provocateurs of the development of cancer, so at the first unpleasant symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.
This type of study helps to identify dysbacteriosis, chronic infections, and is also an indicator of the protective capabilities of the body. They undergo this procedure at almost every planned visit to the gynecologist, if there are any complaints.
It cannot be said that a gynecological smear gives a complete picture of a woman's health, but it can become the basis for further diagnosis.
To conduct this test, the doctor uses a speculum and a disposable spatula with a rounded end. The main objects for collecting material are the cervix, urethra, and vagina.
The extracted material is applied in a thin layer on the appropriate glass (marked with U, V or C), dried, and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
By examining a smear under a microscope, you can get general information about the patient's health. Before being examined on the equipment, the taken material is stained with special means: different bacteria are stained in different colors.
Additional tests may be ordered to clarify the diagnosis.
Menstruation is a reason for postponing the date of the examination. An abundant amount of erythrocytes in the material taken will not favor the detection of negative microelements in the smear.
Gynecological smear on flora - multiple rod flora is visible
The quantitative level of a particular flora is indicated symbols "+". One plus sign indicates a small number of pathogens. If there are four (++++) - the amount of flora is very abundant.
The smear norms for flora will be determined by the age of the patient. After menopause, during pregnancy and before the onset of menstruation, the norm indicators will differ from those in women who have a regular menstrual cycle.
In pregnant women, against the background of hormonal changes, the number of Doderlein sticks can increase 10 times.
Without fail, the doctor must conduct the testing in question in such patients three times for the entire period of bearing a child: during registration, in the 3rd and 4th trimesters of pregnancy.
An example of an analysis for flora in a smear - indicators are normal
This type of research contributes to obtaining extensive information about a woman's health.
The presence of certain components in the gynecological smear favors the timely detection of the disease, the implementation of therapeutic measures to eliminate it:
A smear for flora is a simple and fairly informative analysis that a doctor takes in women and men of all ages both for the purposes of routine diagnostics and in the case of acute or “erased” symptoms.
It allows you to assess the state of the microflora of the urogenital tract, to determine the presence of certain inflammatory diseases, infections, viruses.
Some doctors say that this analysis does not require special preparation, however, this is not so. For the reliability of the results, the patient is recommended do not go to the toilet for 2-3 hours, since urine can wash away all pathogenic bacteria and infections, it will be difficult for your doctor to determine the causes of your pathological condition.
Douching, vaginal suppositories and antibacterial soap also contribute to unreliable indicators. Women it is necessary to take this analysis after the end of menstruation, and besides, all patients should refrain from any sexual intercourse 2 days before taking the biomaterial.
The analysis is most often taken by a doctor when you come to him for a regular appointment at a polyclinic or when you simply go to a paid laboratory where obstetricians and medical staff take biomaterial from you.
The pap smear procedure is completely painless.
Among women a gynecologist, obstetrician or any other medical worker lightly draws a special disposable spatula in the form of a stick at three points - vagina, urethra and cervical canal.
In men the urologist or another doctor inserts a special disposable probe into the urethra, rotates around the axis several times and takes an analysis. It is believed that the study does not cause pain, however, this does not exclude the negligence of the doctor, as well as individual sensitivity or the presence of a particular disease, which can cause discomfort.
The results of the flora smear are usually ready the next day, as the study is not specific and complex, so you can pick up your tests fairly quickly. smear on flora really considered a fairly simple study that can be done in a regular clinic for free. However, if the deadlines are running out or you simply do not trust the doctors from the clinic, then you don’t have to worry - a swab for the flora is taken in any paid medical laboratory.
Research costs vary. from 440 to 550 rubles and in addition, you can pay separately for the collection of biomaterial by a medical worker. The total will be approximately 900-1000 rubles.
A smear on flora examines indicators such as leukocytes, epithelium, microflora, infections (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, candidiasis), mucus and key cells. Let's figure out what it means norm and pathology in this analysis and how to decipher it.
When you receive a form with the results, you usually see such a table, where the following characters are indicated in Latin letters on top: "U", "V", "C", which literally means urethra (urethra), vagina and cervical canal. Often they are written in full like this: "uretra", "vagina", "canalis cervicalis". Normally, the smear analysis indicators for flora in women should look like this:
| Indicators | Urethra (normal) | Vagina (normal) | Cervical canal (normal) |
| Leukocytes | 0-5 in p / c | 0-10 in p / c | 0-15-30 p / s |
| Epithelium | Moderate or 5-10 in p / s |
Moderate or 5-10 in p / s |
Moderate or 5-10 in p / s |
| Slime | Moderate/absent | Moderately | Moderately |
| Not found | Not found | Not found | |
| Trichomonas | Not found | Not found | Not found |
| Yeast fungi (Candida) | Not found | Not found | Not found |
| Microflora | absent | stick in large quantities or lactobacillus |
absent |
| key cells | missing | missing | missing |
Are you testing in a private clinic?
YesNo
Deviations from the norm of any indicators may indicate a pathological process or inflammation, but in order to prescribe treatment to the patient and make a diagnosis, the doctor needs to interpret the results of the study as a whole. A slight excess or underestimation of the indicators can be considered by the doctor as an individual norm, but this is only permissible if there are no patient complaints, otherwise additional tests or a re-examination should be carried out.
For the urethra, vagina, cervical canal, as mentioned above, there are normal indicators. For the urethra: leukocytes should be in the normal range 0 to 5 in the field of view, epithelium moderate or from 5 to 10 or 15 in the field of view, mucus should be absent, any infections (candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea) and bacteria should not be normal.
Increasing performance leukocytes and epithelium in the urethra indicates an inflammatory process or urethritis, urolithiasis, mechanical damage to the urethra with a stone, sand or a foreign object, which requires immediate medical attention. Revealing , Trichomonas and Candida fungi indicates specific urethritis. Increased slime in the analysis is possible due to violation of hygiene rules, improper collection of biomaterial.
For the vagina: leukocytes fine must be 0 to 10 in view. However, during pregnancy leukocytes can increase, and therefore the allowable rate in this case will be from 0 to 20 leukocytes in p / o.
The epithelium must be moderate or 5 to 10 in sight, and mucus in moderate quantity. Infections (Trichomonas, Candida fungi,) normally absent, key cells too, and the microflora should be rod in large or moderate amounts. An increase in the number of leukocytes in a smear indicates an inflammatory process in the vagina, which happens with the following diseases:
Excess quantity squamous epithelium is also a sign of an inflammatory process. A slight increase in indicators is acceptable at a certain phase of the menstrual cycle, when the hormone estrogen begins to increase. decline the number of epithelial cells occurs in women during the period menopause, as the production of the hormone estrogen begins to decline sharply.
Mucus in large quantities indirectly indicates an inflammatory process or non-compliance with hygiene rules. The microflora of the vagina should be normal rod, which is represented by bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which protect the body from infection and inflammatory diseases.
At pregnancy lactobacilli increase even more, since during such a period the body's defenses are activated. A decrease in lactobacilli means vaginal dysbiosis (vaginal dysbiosis).
coccobacillary microflora indicates an imbalance of bacteria in the microflora of the vagina, where pathogenic bacilli and cocci begin to predominate. The presence of such microflora indicates bacterial vaginosis or STIs. coccal flora often occurs with inflammatory diseases of the vagina, urethra, bacterial vaginosis (dysbacteriosis), etc. The usual violation of the microflora of the vagina cannot be any diagnosis.
Key cells, or rather their presence in a smear indicate gardenellosis or vaginal dysbiosis. For the cervical canal: leukocytes should be normal 0 to 15 or 30 in the field of view, epithelium moderate, A microflora, key cells, candida, trichomanads should be absent.
An increase in the number of leukocytes, epithelium indicates an inflammatory process of the pelvic organs, the presence of cancer, genital infections. Revealing fungus candida, trichomanas requires immediate treatment with antibiotics, as they should normally be absent.
In men, a smear on the flora is taken to study the amount leukocytes, epithelium, the presence of cocci, gonocci, trichomanads, mucus, microflora. For diagnosis, only detachable from the urethra (urethra). The results of the analyzes are also usually presented in the form of a table, where one column indicates the parameters studied, and the other - the results obtained. In men, the norm of smear results for flora is presented as follows:
Deviations from the norm are a serious reason to consult an andrologist or urologist, who will accurately diagnose and prescribe treatment. It should again be noted that laboratory reference values must be taken into account, which can be indicated nearby in the right column.
In the results of a smear on the flora in men, it is normal the number of leukocytes should be from 0 to 5 per field of view, epithelium from 5 to 10 per field of view, cocci are present in a single quantity, mucus in moderation, and Trichomanas, gonococci, fungi are absent.
Deviations from the above norms indicate a pathological process or inflammation. Leukocytes- one of the main indicators that indicate to the doctor the degree of inflammation and pathology of the organs of the urogenital tract. They can be elevated in the following diseases:
An increase in the epithelium also indicates an inflammatory process or urolithiasis, and the detection of cocci is approximately above 4-5 in the field of view means the presence of acute or chronic non-specific urethritis caused by opportunistic bacteria. Slime in large quantities, it also indirectly indicates inflammation, but with other normal indicators, it can talk about sluggish urethritis, prostatitis.
Presence in analysis gonococci, trichomands, Candida fungi testifies in favor of specific urethritis and, accordingly, diseases of gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, candidiasis. In any case, the doctor must take into account all smear indicators for further diagnosis and treatment.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the main drawback of smear analysis for flora is inability to detect sexually transmitted infections in a patient, but in any case, the doctor should evaluate your condition, symptoms and smear results.
A smear for flora can be called a proven and simple way to study diseases of the urogenital tract, but not the only and not fundamental when making a particular diagnosis.
Often, doctors call this study "outdated", "ineffective" and when they receive patients, they immediately begin to take other, more modern tests, which, in their opinion, show the clinical picture in more detail. This is entirely the decision of the doctor and does not detract from the very specifics of the study. However, a standard swab for flora in any case does not lose its relevance, and its diagnostic value is still quite high and in demand.
