Leukocytes in a smear 5. Does the indicator change with age? Indications for passing the analysis

In women, a smear is taken on the flora, as a rule, when visiting any gynecologist. It is according to the results of such an analysis that leukocytes can be detected. In a healthy woman, they can normally have fifteen to twenty in the field of view. If the number of leukocytes is overestimated, then an inflammatory process that occurs in the genital area can be suspected.

Inflammation can be triggered by vaginitis, infections, colpitis, and other diseases that are sexually transmitted. It is believed that the higher the leukocyte level, the more pronounced the inflammatory process is already occurring in a woman. Of course, to clarify this pathogen, the doctor must conduct special additional studies: PCR, bacteriological cultures, immunological studies.

The norm of the number of leukocytes in a smear

In a smear, in the field of view of leukocytes, normally more than fifteen should not be. In the urethra - no more than five, in the cervix - up to fifteen, and in the vagina up to ten are allowed. Only doctors consider this the norm.

Increased number of leukocytes in a smear

With any inflammatory processes in the female body, the quantitative composition of leukocytes increases quite sharply. For example, inflammation of the vagina provokes precisely a sharp increase in the composition of leukocytes in a smear. It is necessary to know that the more the analysis of leukocytes showed, the more acute is the condition of the present disease. If there is an acute inflammation in the woman's body, in this case, there can be up to a hundred leukocytes in the field of view, or in medical language it can be said that "leukocytes cover the entire field of view."

Of course, the identified infections could appear in the body of a woman for a long time, they just could “sit out”. And only with a decrease in immunity, they made themselves felt. Quite often this happens precisely against the background of pregnancy, when a serious hormonal restructuring of the female body, the entire immune system of a pregnant woman takes place. It is at this very moment that the “dormant” pathogens begin to manifest themselves.

The causes of inflammation processes can be hidden in STDs, which include genital herpes, gonorrhea, mycoplasmosis, syphilis, ureaplasmosis and other serious diseases. Another very common cause of an increased composition in a leukocyte smear is thrush. Of course, in pregnant women, such a disease is more often diagnosed than in other women, and this disease requires adequate treatment.

When determining an increased leukocyte count and a pathogen in a smear, the attending physician immediately prescribes treatment. All pregnant women are carefully selected drugs, taking into account the duration of pregnancy, the individual characteristics of their body, as well as the sensitivity of the pathogen to certain drugs. In the event that the pathogen was not identified, or if local treatment turned out to be ineffective at all, then the doctor, as a rule, raises the issue of using antibiotic therapy.

Quite a few patients believe that an elevated leukocyte level, in the absence of pronounced symptoms, is a trifle. Only an untreated infection, in fact, can cause dangerous chronic diseases in the pelvic area, miscarriages and lead to weakness in labor in the future. Therefore, it is simply necessary for a pregnant woman to start treatment, and this should be done as early as possible.

In a modern medical center, every woman can receive qualified assistance from experienced specialists, undergo the necessary tests, receive a treatment regimen in order to gain women's health and a successful pregnancy.

With an increased leukocyte composition, a gynecologist can identify one of the diseases:

  • inflammation of the vaginal walls - colpitis disease;
  • dysbacteriosis of the vagina or intestines;
  • diseases of the genital organs of a cancerous form;
  • inflammation of the uterine walls - endometritis disease;
  • cervicitis, which is a special inflammatory process in the cervical canal;
  • disease adnexitis in the form of inflammation of the ovaries;
  • urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra (the urination channel).

If the gynecologist detects an increased number of leukocytes, then you just need to pass the mandatory PCR tests. They are needed for additional testing. Only on the basis of these analyzes is it possible to detect the cause of the increase in white cells, that is, to learn about the disease. After determining the disease caused by an increase in white blood cells, your gynecologist will be able to prescribe the right treatment for you or send you to a consultation with doctors who can continue to investigate the disease.

There are simply paradoxical cases when a woman has been treated, and the leukocytes in the smear are not normal. These special situations, most often, occur due to vaginal dysbacteriosis. Then you should repeat the courses using special antibacterial suppositories.

Leukocytes in a smear, the norm in women of which is set depending on the place where the material is taken, in high concentration indicate an inflammatory process. Let us consider this indicator in more detail, find out why there are elevated leukocytes in a smear in women, the reasons for the deviation from the norm.

Leukocytes in a smear - what does it mean?

Leukocytes in the smear are present in a small amount. Such a phenomenon is a variant of the norm. With the development of the inflammatory process in the reproductive system, increased leukocytes are observed in the smear. Moreover, the greater their number, the more acute the disease. In the results of laboratory tests, doctors always indicate the number of these cells found in the field of view of the microscope. At the height of the pathological process, their number can reach 100! Then in the conclusion they indicate - "leukocytes cover the entire field."

Flora smear - how to prepare?

In order for the result of a laboratory test to objectively reflect the state of the reproductive system, a woman must comply with the conditions when preparing for a smear. During the analysis, the material is taken from the vagina, urethra, cervical canal. This is directly carried out on the flora, preparation for which involves:

  • abstinence from sexual intercourse 1-2 days before the day of the analysis;
  • cancellation of vaginal preparations, suppositories, cream for 2 days, douching;
  • before taking the material, it is forbidden to visit the toilet - the last urination 3 hours before the smear;
  • a smear is carried out at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, after the end of the discharge, for 4-5 days.

A smear on the flora in women - the norm of leukocytes

As mentioned above, during the study, the material is taken simultaneously from the vaginal cavity, cervix, and urethra. The results indicate 3 parameters, which are abbreviated by the first letters of the organs from which the material was taken:

  • C - cervical canal (cervix);
  • V - vagina;
  • U - urethra (urethra).

When evaluating the results of the studies obtained, the rate of leukocytes in a smear for flora is set at the following level:

  • cervix - up to 30 units in the field of view of the microscope;
  • vagina - up to 10 leukocytes;
  • urethra - less than 5 units.

Leukocytes in a smear - the norm in women, table

The rate of leukocytes in a smear, indicated above, indicates the normal state of the reproductive system. However, not only this parameter is set in the course of a laboratory study of a taken material sample. When evaluating the results, doctors also set other parameters: the presence of pathogenic microflora, its concentration, the presence of mucus. In this case, a special table is used, which facilitates the evaluation of the results obtained.

The norm of leukocytes in a smear during pregnancy

In order to diagnose a possible violation in the early stages and prevent complications of the gestation process by detecting high white blood cells in a smear, the norm in women is indicated in the article, doctors prescribe a second study. For the first time, the study is carried out when registering in the antenatal clinic. At the same time, leukocytes in a smear during pregnancy are present in large quantities. However, their number does not exceed an average of 20.

It is worth noting that the leukocytes in the smear, the norm in pregnant women is given above, in the urethra and neck remain at the same level as before pregnancy. The increase occurs due to an increase in the number of leukocyte cells in the vagina. An increase in their number in the urethra is a sign of an inflammatory process (urethritis). This often occurs during pregnancy due to a decrease in local immunity. The disease requires medical intervention, the appointment of therapy.

The norm of leukocytes in a smear before menstruation

Conducting a study, taking a smear before menstruation is impractical. Before menstruation, there are always a lot of leukocytes in a smear - there is a physiological rise in their number. So the body reacts to the processes of destruction of the endometrium, the preparation of the uterus for tissue rejection. Because of this, before prescribing a smear, the doctor always asks the patient about the date of the upcoming menstruation.

The norm of leukocytes before menstruation in a smear is set at the level of 35-40 units in the field of knowledge of the microscope. At the same time, laboratory assistants pay attention to the nuclei of these cells. All of them should be with calm nuclei, without signs of destruction (phagocytosis). The presence of damaged leukocytes requires additional diagnostic methods, a comprehensive examination of the female body.

Leukocytes in a smear after menstruation

The number of leukocytes in a smear in women after the last menstruation returns to normal. A laboratory test is being carried out at this time. It is prescribed for 1-2 days after the end of menstrual flow. More often it is 4-5 days of a new cycle. An increase in the concentration of leukocyte cells in a smear indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the pelvic area. This requires additional diagnostics to establish the exact cause.

Leukocytes in a smear are increased - causes in women

Increased leukocytes in a smear in girls can be for various reasons. To determine a specific factor, doctors need to conduct a lot of laboratory and instrumental studies. Only after receiving their results, a final diagnosis is made. Among the common, pathological conditions that provoke elevated leukocytes in a smear in women, one can distinguish:

  • - inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
  • cervicitis - an inflammatory process in the bladder;
  • urethritis - a disease of the urethra;
  • - inflammation of the inner layer of the uterus;
  • adnexitis - inflammation of the uterine appendages;
  • oncological processes in the reproductive system;
  • sexual infections - gonorrhea, syphilis,;
  • vaginal dysbiosis.

Increased white blood cells in a smear during pregnancy

Elevated white blood cells in a smear during pregnancy indicate inflammation of a chronic process in the reproductive system or infection of a pregnant woman with an infection. So common causes of leukocytosis in pregnant women are:

  • candidiasis;
  • vaginosis;
  • colpitis.
Norm and increased number of leukocytes in a smear. Leukocytes in a smear - the norm is up to 15 units in the field of view (in the urethra up to 5). Elevated leukocytes in a smear are observed with inflammation of the vagina (colpitis, vaginitis). The more white blood cells in the smear, the more acute the disease. Determining the number of leukocytes in a smear during pregnancy is only the first stage: it only allows you to identify the presence of a disease process in the body. Leukocytes and their significance in analyzes: a decrease and an increase in the number of leukocytes in a general blood test, in a urine test and in a vaginal smear.

THE NORM AND INCREASED NUMBER OF LEUKOCITES IN THE Smear

Leukocytes in a smear - the norm is up to 15 units in the field of view (in the urethra up to 5, in the vagina up to 10 and in the cervix up to 15 units in the field of view). In particular, immediately, as soon as a woman becomes registered for pregnancy, she needs to pass the first analysis to determine the leukocytes in a smear. Leukocytes in a smear in pregnant women are determined repeatedly during pregnancy. The first analysis is performed when registering for pregnancy.

The number of leukocytes in a smear increases sharply with inflammation of the vagina (colpitis, vaginitis). The more white blood cells in the smear, the more acute the disease. In acute inflammation, the value of leukocytes in a gynecological smear will be "up to 100 leukocytes in the field of view" or "leukocytes cover the entire field of view." One of the most important indicators of this analysis are leukocytes in a smear, which indicate the presence of inflammation. Also, an increased content of leukocytes in a smear may be associated with sexually transmitted infections.

WHEN THE LEUKOCYTES IN A STROKE ARE INCREASED

One of the most important indicators in medicine are leukocytes. In the field of view in a smear, leukocytes should normally not be more than 15. An increase in the number of leukocytes in a smear analysis, as mentioned above, is usually associated with an inflammatory process. Under what pathological conditions in gynecology are leukocytes increased in a smear?

If the leukocytes in the smear are elevated, then this may indicate colpitis or vaginitis - the most common diseases of the vagina. Most often, leukocytes in a smear are increased in diseases such as:

  • Colpitis - inflammation of the vaginal mucosa,
  • Cervicitis - inflammation of the cervical (cervical) canal,
  • Urethritis - inflammation of the urethra (urethra),

  • Endometritis - inflammation of the lining of the uterus
  • Adnexitis - inflammation of the uterine appendages (ovaries, tubes),
  • Oncological diseases of the genital organs,
  • Sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, etc.)
  • Dysbacteriosis of the vagina,
  • Intestinal dysbacteriosis.

To clarify the cause of the increase in leukocytes in a smear, it is necessary to conduct an appropriate laboratory examination - pass PCR tests, crops. Based on the results of the diagnostics, the gynecologist individually selects a treatment regimen for the inflammatory process or recommends consultations with the relevant specialists. For both women and men, the doctor takes a smear on the flora with a special sterile spatula or gauze swab.

Rarely, but there is a situation when the treatment is carried out, but the leukocytes in the smear remain elevated. This is one of the most difficult problems to solve. It seems that an increase in leukocytes in a smear in such cases is associated with dysbacteriosis at the level of the vagina and cervix. Here, even multiple courses of antibiotic therapy often do not help, infections after antibiotic treatment may also not be detected. And the leukocytes in the smear are increased and kept at a high level.

In such cases, it is recommended to periodically conduct local sanitation courses (suppositories with antibacterial components) and fight hard to maintain normal intestinal microflora (since intestinal dysbacteriosis in most cases is the main reason for the increase in leukocytes in a smear).

Flora smear analysis is one of the most important diagnostic methods in gynecology. The smear is taken from the mucous membrane of the vagina, cervix or urethra. This analysis allows you to assess the state of the microflora of the genitourinary system and identify the presence of pathogenic microorganisms.

A smear analysis for flora in women is performed during a preventive examination by a gynecologist and in the presence of complaints from the genitourinary system. These include: pain in the lower abdomen, itching, burning in the vagina, discharge, indicating a possible inflammatory process. It is also advisable to do this analysis at the end of the course of antibiotic therapy in order to prevent thrush and when planning pregnancy.

What is this analysis for?

Usually, a vaginal swab is part of a routine medical check-up for women. It is performed by a specialist during a gynecological examination. Also, biological material is taken from the urethra and cervix.

This diagnosis allows you to detect possible problems with women's health, such as an inflammatory process or a disease caused by an infection. In medical terminology, such a study has another name - bacterioscopy.

A gynecological smear is taken if the following diseases are suspected:

  • or vaginitis;

Specialists can prescribe a smear with the following complaints of the patient:

  • Pain during intercourse.
  • Foul-smelling copious discharge with a change in color.

A smear is taken when planning pregnancy and after antibiotic therapy. In addition, the smear allows you to monitor the effectiveness of therapy in the treatment of gynecological diseases.

Advantages of the method:

  • Painless procedure.
  • Simple rules for preparing for a smear.
  • Monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment of women's diseases.
  • Ability to identify many diseases of the genitourinary system.

With a preventive purpose, women periodically need to carry out this diagnosis. This will help prevent possible unwanted consequences.

Preparation for delivery

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 advised not to go to the toilet for 2-3 hours, since urine can wash away all pathogenic bacteria and infections, it will be difficult for the attending physician to determine the causes of your pathological condition.

Douching, vaginal suppositories and antibacterial soap also contribute to unreliable indicators. Women should definitely take this analysis after the end of menstruation, and besides, all patients should refrain from any sexual contact 2 days before taking the biomaterial.

How to give up?

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.

A gynecologist, obstetrician or any other medical worker lightly passes a special disposable stick-shaped spatula over three points - the vagina, urethra and cervical canal.

In men, the urologist or other 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 meaning of the letters on the analysis form

Doctors do not use full names, but abbreviations - the first letters of each of the analysis parameters. To understand the normal microflora of the vagina, knowing the letter designations will be very helpful.

So what are these letters:

  1. abbreviations of the zones from which the material is taken are denoted by the letters V (vagina), C (cervical part of the neck) and U (urethra or urination canal);
  2. L - leukocytes, the value of which may not coincide in normal and pathological conditions;
  3. Ep - epithelium or Pl.ep - squamous epithelium;
  4. GN - gonococcus ("culprit" of gonorrhea);
  5. Trich - Trichomonas (causative agents of trichomoniasis).

In a smear, it is possible to detect mucus, indicating a normal internal environment (PH), useful Doderlein sticks (or lactobacilli), the value of which is equal to 95% of all beneficial bacteria.

Some laboratories make it a rule to put marks in relation to the content of a particular type of bacteria. For example, somewhere they use the “+” sign for this. It is put down in 4 categories, where one plus is insignificant content, and the maximum value (4 pluses) corresponds to their abundance.

In the absence of any flora in the smear, the abbreviation “abs” is affixed (Latin, this type of flora does not exist).

What do doctors not see with microscopy?

With the help of this analysis, it is impossible to determine such conditions or diseases of the body:

1) Cancer of the uterus and cervix. To diagnose a malignant degeneration of the endometrium, histological material is needed, and in large quantities. And they take it directly from the uterus with separate diagnostic curettage.

2). To determine it, a smear is not needed and no matter what result it will show. It is necessary to take a blood test for hCG, undergo a gynecological examination with a doctor or do an ultrasound of the uterus. You can determine the chorionic gonadotropin in the urine, but not in the discharge from the genitals!

3) CC and other pathologies (, leukoplakia, koilocytosis, HPV lesions, atypical cells, etc.) are put according to the results of a cytological study. This analysis is taken directly from the cervix, from the transformation zone, according to a certain technique with Papanicolaou staining (hence the name of the analysis - PAP test). It is also called oncocytology.

4) Does not show infections (STDs) such as:

  • (chlamydia);
  • (mycoplasmosis);
  • (ureaplasmosis);

The first four infections are diagnosed by PCR. And it is impossible to determine the presence of the immunodeficiency virus by a smear with high accuracy. You need to take a blood test.

Smear norms for flora

After receiving the results of the tests, it is sometimes very difficult to understand the numbers and letters written by the doctor. In fact, everything is not so difficult. In order to understand whether you have gynecological diseases, you need to know the norm indicators when deciphering the smear analysis for flora. There are few of them.

In the analysis of a smear in an adult woman, the normal indicators are as follows:

  1. – must be present, but only in small quantities.
  2. (L) These cells are allowed as they help fight infection. The number of leukocytes in the vagina and urethra is not more than ten, and in the cervical region - up to thirty.
  3. (pl.ep.) - normally, its amount should be within fifteen cells in the field of view. If the figure is higher, then this is evidence of inflammatory diseases. If less - a sign of hormonal disorders.
  4. Dederlein sticks - a healthy woman should have a lot of them. A small number of lactobacilli indicates a disturbed vaginal microflora.

The presence of fungi of the genus Candida, small rods, gram (-) cocci, Trichomonas, gonococci and other microorganisms in the results of the analysis indicates the presence of the disease and requires a deeper study and treatment.

Table for decoding the smear norm in women (flora)

The interpretation of the results of the smear analysis for flora in women is presented in the table below:

Index Values ​​​​of normal indicators
Vagina (V) Cervical canal (C) Urethra (U)
Leukocytes 0-10 0-30 0-5
Epithelium 5-10 5-10 5-10
Slime Moderately Moderately
Gonococci(Gn) No No No
Trichomonas No No No
key cells No No No
Candida (yeast) No No No
Microflora A large number of Gram + sticks (Dederlein sticks) No No

Degrees of purity by smear on flora

Depending on the results of the smear, there are 4 degrees of purity of the vagina. Degrees of purity reflect the state of the microflora of the vagina.

  1. First degree of purity: The number of leukocytes is normal. Most of the microflora of the vagina is represented by lactobacilli (Doderlein sticks, lactomorphotypes). The amount of epithelium is moderate. Mucus - moderately. The first degree of purity indicates that everything is normal: the microflora is in order, immunity is good and inflammation does not threaten you.
  2. Second degree of purity: The number of leukocytes is normal. The microflora of the vagina is represented by beneficial lactobacilli along with coccal flora or yeast fungi. The amount of epithelium is moderate. The amount of mucus is moderate. The second degree of purity of the vagina is also normal. However, the composition of the microflora is no longer ideal, which means that local immunity is reduced and there is a higher risk of inflammation in the future.
  3. Third degree of purity: The number of leukocytes is above normal. The main part of the microflora is represented by pathogenic bacteria (cocci, yeast fungi), the number of lactobacilli is minimal. There is a lot of epithelium and mucus. The third degree of purity is already inflammation that needs to be treated.
  4. Fourth degree of purity: The number of leukocytes is very large (the entire field of view, completely). A large number of pathogenic bacteria, the absence of lactobacilli. There is a lot of epithelium and mucus. The fourth degree of purity indicates severe inflammation that requires immediate treatment.

The first and second degrees of purity are normal and do not require treatment. At these degrees, gynecological manipulations are allowed (cervical biopsy, curettage of the uterus, restoration of the hymen, hysterosalpingography, various operations, etc.)

The third and fourth degrees of purity are inflammation. At these degrees, any gynecological manipulations are contraindicated. You need to treat the inflammation first, and then retake the smear.

What is coccal flora in a smear?

Cocci are bacteria that have a spherical shape. They can occur both in normal conditions and in various inflammatory diseases. Normally, single cocci are found in the smear. If the immune defense is reduced, the amount of coccobacillary flora in the smear increases. Cocci are positive (gr+) and negative (gr-). What is the difference between gr+ and gr- cocci?

For a detailed description of bacteria, microbiologists, in addition to indicating the shape, size and other characteristics, stain the preparation using a special method called "Gram stain". Microorganisms that remain stained after washing the smear are considered "gram-positive" or gr+, and those that become discolored when washed are "gram-negative" or gr-. Gram-positive bacteria include, for example, streptococci, staphylococci, enterococci, and lactobacilli. Gram-negative cocci include gonococci, Escherichia coli, and Proteus.

What are Doderlein sticks?

Doderlein sticks or, as they are also called, lactobacilli and lactobacilli are microorganisms that protect the vagina from pathogenic infections by producing lactic acid, which helps maintain an acidic environment and destroy pathogenic flora.

A decrease in the number of lactobacilli indicates a disturbed acid-base balance of the microflora in the vagina and its shift to the alkaline side, which often occurs in women who are sexually active. The pH of the vagina is significantly affected by both pathogenic microorganisms and opportunistic pathogens (which are sometimes found in the vagina normally).

Smear on flora during pregnancy

The microflora of each woman is strictly individual, and normally consists of 95% of lactobacilli that produce lactic acid and maintain a constant pH of the internal environment. But in the vagina there is also a conditionally pathogenic flora. It got its name because it becomes pathogenic only under certain conditions.

This means that while an acidic environment is present in the vagina, the opportunistic flora does not cause any inconvenience and does not actively multiply. These include yeast-like fungi, which under certain conditions can cause vaginal candidiasis, as well as gardnerella, staphylococci, streptococci, which under other conditions can cause bacterial vaginosis (inflammatory process) in a woman.

A woman's flora can change for a variety of reasons - with a decrease in immunity, taking antibiotics, with common infectious diseases and diabetes. One such factor that can change the microflora is a change in hormonal levels. So, in a pregnant woman, until the end of pregnancy, estrogens are practically not produced, but the hormone progesterone is produced in large quantities. This hormonal background allows Doderlein's sticks to increase 10 times, so the body tries to protect the fetus from possible infection during pregnancy. Therefore, it is very important to undergo an examination before the planned pregnancy and determine the degree of purity of the vagina. If this is not done, then during pregnancy the opportunistic flora can be activated and cause various diseases of the vagina.

Candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis - this is a far from complete list of diseases that weaken and loosen the walls of the vagina. This is dangerous because ruptures can occur during childbirth, which might not have happened if the vagina were clean and healthy. Diseases such as mycoplasmosis, chlamydia and ureaplasmosis are not detected by smear analysis, and these pathogenic microorganisms can only be detected by a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) blood test using special markers.

A smear analysis from a pregnant woman is taken at the time of registration, and then for control at 30 and 38 weeks. Usually, to assess the state of the microflora of the vagina, doctors talk about the so-called degrees of purity of the vagina, which a woman must know and ensure that the necessary degree is maintained during pregnancy.

Leukocytes (white blood cells) are the blood cells of the immune system. Their main task is to ensure the protection of the body and the fight against all kinds of harmful microorganisms, bacteria, microbes and viruses.

They form in the space of the bone marrow and lymph nodes, but can freely move through the walls of blood vessels and move to places where there is a potential danger. They exhibit antitoxic and antimicrobial activity.

So why women can have a lot of leukocytes in a gynecological smear - we will tell you the main causes and features of treatment in our article!

The role of cells in the body

The process of destruction of foreign and dangerous elements by leukocytes is called phagocytosis. They capture and absorb "enemies", after which they themselves die.

What are leukocytes in a smear in women? Their main functions are:

  • The production of antibodies to fight external and internal "enemies".
  • Normalization of metabolic processes and supply of tissues with the necessary enzymes and substances.
  • Purification of the body - the elimination of pathogens and dead cells of leukocytes.

The norm, why indicators can be increased

An increase in white blood cells in a smear in women is a sign of an inflammatory process in the body.

You can find out their level by passing tests:

  • smear on flora;
  • Blood analysis;
  • Analysis of urine.

Women are most often assigned to take a smear for flora.

Such a study allows you to identify diseases of the urinary tract, kidneys or bladder; makes it possible to recognize the presence of an inflammatory process in the urogenital region.

Material for research is taken:

  • From the wall of the vagina;
  • From the mucous surface of the cervix;
  • From the mucous membrane of the urethra.

Normal indicators of the level of immune cells in a smear are:

  • From the vagina - no more than 10.
  • From the urethra - no more than 5.
  • From the cervix - no more than 15.

During the study, it is necessary to take into account some features:

  • The number of white blood cells (leukocytes) increases after sexual contact; increased rates are kept for 24 hours after the act.
  • An increased level is also observed during the installation of an intrauterine contraceptive device.
  • Microtrauma of the vaginal walls also contribute to an increase in performance.

The main reasons for the increase in the number of leukocytes in a smear in women are:

  1. Sexual infections transmitted directly during sexual intercourse (STIs):
  2. Bacterial vaginosis. This disease is better known as vaginal dysbacteriosis. Occurs when the number of pathogenic microorganisms in the vaginal flora increases. Prerequisites for the development of the disease may be hormonal disorders, a decrease in local immunity, or the use of vaginal suppositories.
  3. Allergic reaction to intimate gels and lubricants or douches.
  4. Oncological diseases of the reproductive system.

Increased content of white immune cells in a smear indicates the presence of the following diseases:

Note: The cause of an increased level of leukocytes in a smear in women can be prolonged stressful situations or depression.

Increase symptoms

Signs that indicate an increase in the level of leukocytes and the development of the inflammatory process of the urinary system are:

  • painful nature of urination;
  • the appearance of false urge to urinate;
  • discharge of an unusual nature;
  • pungent odor of secretions from the genitals;
  • burning sensation and itching inside the genitals;
  • failure of the cycle of menstruation;
  • problems with conceiving a baby;
  • discomfort during intercourse.

The manifestation of such symptoms is an occasion to take a smear on the flora and check the condition of the body.

The inflammatory process can proceed without pronounced symptoms, so it is important to listen to the slightest deviations.

What to do if the level of platelets in women is below normal? We will tell about the functions of these cells in our body and the features of the treatment of deviations.

Large number in pregnant women

During pregnancy, a smear for flora is mandatory, both during registration and before childbirth.

Indicators within the acceptable range are: 10 - 20 units in the field of observation. And an increased amount indicates the development of inflammation.

Many diseases are often exacerbated during pregnancy. who did not show their presence in any way before conception.

There is a change in the hormonal background, immune defenses are reduced and often pregnant women develop thrush or candidiasis. If an elevated level of white blood cells is detected, further examination is necessary to determine the exact cause of the inflammatory or infectious process.

The causes of increased leukocytes in a smear in women may be:

  • Sexually transmitted diseases (ureaplasmosis, syphilis, gonorrhea and others).
  • Thrush.
  • Vaginosis.
  • Colpitis.

Any inflammatory or infectious process poses a serious danger during the bearing of a child, so it is imperative to carry out treatment.

Doctors often prescribe a drug to strengthen local immunity:

  • Echinocea
  • Immunal
  • Eleutherococcus
  • Ginseng.

For the treatment of vaginosis prescribe:

  • Bifidumbacterin
  • Laktovit
  • Lactofiltrum.

Leukocytes instantly react to the slightest deviations or changes in how the body works. Therefore, their level often rises for physiological reasons. These include the postpartum period.

During childbirth, a woman loses a lot of blood.

To prevent complications, immune white cells are prepared in advance for such a situation and accumulate in large numbers in the uterus.

It is with this that the increase in the number of their indicators in the smear after childbirth is connected.

Their number increases during the onset of delivery and during the recovery period. Indicators are normalized 4-5 days after birth.

If the elevated level of immune cells lasts more than 5 days and has serious deviations from the norm, this indicates the development of complications after childbirth and the presence of inflammation in the uterine cavity, kidneys or urinary system.

In such cases, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Possible danger of exceeding

A chronic and frequent increase in the level of white blood cells in the body can lead to serious complications. Possible risks include:

  • The onset of infertility.
  • Ectopic pregnancy.
  • The appearance of erosion.
  • Manifestation of mastopathy.
  • Abnormalities in the functioning of the bladder or kidneys.
  • Violation of the ovaries.
  • The formation of adhesions and fibroids.

Diagnostics and assistance of a qualified specialist

If an elevated level of leukocytes in a smear is detected, it is imperative to contact a qualified doctor:

  • Gynecologist
  • Dermatovenereologist
  • Infectionist.

The doctor chooses the method of treatment based on laboratory tests. To establish an accurate diagnosis, additional diagnostics are prescribed.


The most commonly prescribed types of diagnostic procedures are:

  • Seeding for flora
  • smear on flora
  • ELISA (enzymatic immunoassay)
  • Test for antibodies in the blood
  • Biopsy
  • PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
  • CBC (general blood test)
  • OAM (general urinalysis)
  • Abdominal ultrasound.

Medical treatment

As already noted, an increase in the number of white immune cells can occur due to an inflammatory or infectious disease. The treatment carried out in the presence of inflammation or infection is diverse.

Treatment of the inflammatory process is carried out according to the following scheme:

  • The use of antiseptics. The vagina is regularly washed with antiseptics "Miramistin", "Chlorhexidine", "Potassium permanganate".
  • Antibacterial drugs are used. Most often, "Genferon", "Pimafutsin", "Terzhinan", "Viferon" are prescribed.
  • For the treatment of candidiasis, Fluconazole and Flucostat are used.

Treatment of the infectious process is carried out according to the following scheme:

  • Intravenous use of antibacterial agents: "Ornidazole", "Metronidazole" and "Ciprinol".
  • The appointment of drugs for the prevention of vaginal dysbacteriosis: Bifidumbacterin, Laktovit and Laktofiltrum.

Note: It is strictly forbidden to self-medicate using antibacterial agents. They are prescribed only by a competent doctor, taking into account the severity of the disease and the condition of the patient's body.

What not to do

During the treatment of inflammatory process in the pelvic area care must be taken.

  • It is forbidden to use antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
  • Antibacterial drugs should not be used during pregnancy.
  • You can not treat the infectious process with anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • It is forbidden to wash with cold water.
  • Replace tampons with regular pads.
  • Do not use alcohol-based douches.
  • It is impossible to allow hypothermia of the body.

Learn more about analyzes in gynecology: deciphering a smear for flora in women, the rate of white blood cells and for what reasons their high content is possible, the specialist will tell in this video:

An elevated level of leukocytes in a smear is a reason to seriously engage in treatment. This indicator is a sign of a malfunction in the functioning of internal organs and systems and indicates the development of infection or inflammation.

Self-medication is prohibited. If you find any deviations in the results of the analysis, you should seek the help of an experienced doctor.



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