Vaginal cleanliness degree assessment

Dear Patient,

We ask that the material for the test be collected by a gynecologist or midwife and brought to the point for the test to be flown in. 

Vaginal cleanliness assessment - what is it?

In the situation of secretion of estrogen, the female sex hormone in women of reproductive age, the vaginal epithelial cells contain glycogen. The vaginal flora (especially bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus bacilli) convert it to lactic acid, which ensures the maintenance of an acidic pH; in addition, they also release hydrogen peroxide. All these processes prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria (aerobic and anaerobic), protozoa, fungi.

In addition to Lactobacillus, a small number of aerobic bacteria appear in normal vaginal secretions, it is also possible to carry in the genital tract microorganisms normally found in the gastrointestinal tract, for example, Streptococcus agalactiae, which may pose a risk of causing infection in the baby as a result of transmission during childbirth.

Any change in vaginal conditions (facilitated by changes in pH, temperature, hormone levels, insufficient hygiene, immune deficiency, use of antibiotics, IUDs, diabetes, multiple sexual partners) can lead to the development of vulvovaginal infections.

Vulvovaginitis can be caused by specific microorganisms that do not normally reside in the genital tract (Candida fungi, protozoan vaginal mite, virus HPV) or caused by the proliferation of physiological vaginal flora (increase in anaerobic bacteria Bacterioides, Prevotella, Gardenella vaginalis in favor of lactobacilli Lactobacillus). Such an infection is called vaginosis and occurs even in teenage girls who have not started intercourse. Other causes of vulvovaginitis are diseases caused by sexually transmitted bacteria: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Candida trachomatis or Streptococcus pyogenes.

Vaginal cleanliness assessment involves evaluating the bacterial flora in material taken from the vagina. Assessing the degree of vaginal cleanliness makes it possible to detect an ongoing infection and implement treatment.

Vaginal cleanliness assessment is an important tool for detecting an ongoing infection and implementing treatment.

Vaginal cleanliness assessment - when to perform?

The test is performed for the differential diagnosis of the causes of infections of the genital tract in women. The material for the test is collected during a gynecological visit, which can be supplemented with a vaginal pH measurement and an odor test - the addition of KOH to a sample of vaginal discharge and the emission of a fishy odor indicates the existence of an infection. Assessment of the degree of vaginal cleanliness is also recommended as a follow-up after treatment of intimate infection to assess its effectiveness.

The test is also performed as a preventive measure, three times during pregnancy. Untreated infections can lead to complications in pregnant women (late miscarriage, premature birth and others).

The test is also recommended as a preventive measure

Vaginal cleanliness assessment - who should perform it?

Women with symptoms of vaginal and vulvar infections:

• watery, gray, white or green vaginal discharge, especially after intercourse
• "fishy" odor from the vagina
• vaginal itching
• redness of the vulva, swelling
• pain, burning during urination
• pain during intercourse