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 he alth.
When should I get tested?
The reason for contacting a gynecologist may be a violation of the menstrual cycle, 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, in order 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 he alth 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 examinations 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 studies
With whatever problem you turn to a gynecologist, in most cases he will prescribe you an analysis - today not a single examination can do without this. Passing 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.
Gynecological smear is the most common and simple laboratory test for infections. Such an analysis is always carried out, even during a preventive examination.
First of all, patients with suspected genital infections (candidiasis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea) take a smear for flora. 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:
- when there is a discharge from the vagina, signaling inflammation or infection;
- with irritation and itching in the genital area;
- for 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 study of blood, urine or other biomaterial on the 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 allows you to detect latent infection by detecting inbiological material fragments of DNA infection. 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 type of analysis that patients take during 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 cytology.
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 test is carried out to detect the concentration of the hormone hCG 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 allowsassess the degree of interaction between cervical mucus and spermatozoa.
6. Analysis for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis.
Deciphering gynecological tests
Examination at the 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 analysis results 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 elements such 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 may be chronic (iffungal spores were detected) 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 he althy 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 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.
