Why and how is a smear taken from the urethra?

A smear from the urethra is a specific procedure for examining the condition of the urethral mucosa for identifying signs of inflammation and possible pathogens. This procedure with sufficient simplicity is highly informative, allows you to determine with great accuracy the causes and nature of the disease in the urethra, bladder and prostate gland.

Indications for procedure

The procedure can be prescribed if the following complaints are present in the patient:

• and pain when urinating;
• delays in the allocation of urine;
• feeling of heaviness in the pubic region;
• discharge from the penis;
• pain during intercourse and erectile dysfunction.

All these complaints require mandatory examination of a smear from the urethra. Changes in the color of the penis, various eruptions on the male genital and other nonspecific complaints - pain in the lower back, in the groin, combined with an increase in body temperature and general weakness can also be signs of inflammation in the genitourinary system, in which it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the mucous membrane of the urethra.

How to prepare for the procedure for taking a smear from the urethra?

Prior to the examination, preparation is required for more accurate analysis.

• First of all, one can not take alcoholic beverages in one or two days, there is a sharp and salty drink.
• The penis and the anal area are washed with warm water and soap. It is very important to carry out these hygienic procedures the day before, but not on the day of the event. Antiseptic treatment and administration of antibiotics are also excluded. This is necessary in order to keep active microbes - pathogens in the submucosal urethra before they are verified. If the patient has strong serous-purulent discharge that can not be left, they should be carefully removed with a dry cloth, if possible. In any case, the timing of hygiene and antiseptic measures should be agreed with the doctor.
• Patients should not have sex for at least two days prior to the proposed examination. Do not urinate for three hours before the procedure.

If you fully comply with these simple but important requirements, the diagnostic significance of a smear from the urethra becomes weighty. You can clearly identify the causative agent of the disease, and by the nature of the morphological changes in the mucous to see the extent of the lesion and even assume the localization of the primary focus.

How is the smear taken from the urethra?

The procedure is performed by a physician in a urological or venereological room.

Use a special probe or cotton swab( cotton swab).You can also use a Folkman spoon or bacteriological loop. Instruments must be sterile and disposable.

The doctor injects an instrument into the external opening of the urethra by 1-4 centimeters and conducts 3-4 circular motions( to engage the mucosa and submucosa).

After extraction, the contents of the test are quickly placed in a sterile flask or immediately on a microscope slide. The procedure takes 1-2 minutes.

If the patient's symptoms are erased, but prostatitis is suspected, then pre prostate massage is performed through the rectum. In case of chronic sluggish urethritis, to exit the microbes from the mucous membrane, the urethra is also massaged along the course of the penis from the base to the head. The need for a preliminary massage is determined only by a doctor!

Read: Passing tests for sexual infections

It hurts or not?

If a man has severe inflammation in the urethra, he may feel soreness when performing the procedure. As a rule, it quickly passes( within a few hours).In other cases, patients experience mild unpleasant sensations when taking a smear and rubbing during urination after the event. Normally, after two or three regular urine excretions, everything is restored, and the rubbers completely disappear.

In some cases, when soreness and rezi strongly disturb the patient, you can recommend it a simple and effective way - to urinate in a container previously filled with warm water.

Do not inject any antiseptic agents into the urethral channel by yourself! This can increase irritation. We must have patience and everything will be restored in a certain time. Thus it is necessary to continue to keep to a diet, to avoid sharp, salty and alcohol. Sexual relations are eliminated until the condition is fully restored.

If a man follows all the necessary recommendations after taking a smear from the urethra, but the pain does not go away within 3 days and the abnormal purulent discharge from the urethra grows, you should seek help from a doctor!

How do doctors evaluate the result of a smear?

First of all, the number of leukocytes, mucus and epithelial cells is estimated. If their number is increased, then in the urethra or the prostate gland there is active inflammation.

This analysis is particularly informative in terms of identifying microorganisms. The laboratory assistant will immediately notice the presence of pathogens gonorrhea - gonococci and trichomoniasis - trichomonads. Other pathogenic or conditionally pathogenic cocci, as well as protozoa, fungi, gardnerella, chlamydia, mycoplasmas can be determined.

To identify other pathogens, special studies are carried out, for example, PCR.

Early diagnosis and timely correct treatment aimed at excretory excretion contribute to rapid cure and absence of complications. From this perspective, the analysis of the smear from the urethra can not be overestimated!

A number of men, having received incorrect information from others, are afraid of the procedure for taking a smear from the urethra, allegedly because of her traumatism. The procedure in the overwhelming majority of cases is absolutely safe and necessary for the correct diagnosis. If there is an indication for her, do not hesitate for a minute, go to the doctor and follow the procedure. This will help to restore health in time and avoid serious consequences.

Read: How to recognize hidden sexual infections?

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