Causes of elevated white blood cells in a smear. Possible danger of exceeding

At every visit to the gynecologist during the examination, samples must be taken from the urogenital tract, regardless of whether the woman has complaints or not. A smear on the flora shows not only beneficial, opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria, but also leukocytes.

Often, it is elevated white blood cells in a smear in women that indicate some kind of problem in the body, which requires finding out the cause similar condition, and, of course, treatment. It is important to remember that no amount of self-medication will help cope with the problem, and sometimes can lead to negative consequences.

Briefly about leukocytes

Leukocytes are white blood cells that protect the body from all types of harmful agents (bacteria, viruses, etc.). That is, the main function of leukocytes is to protect the body, as specific, for example, from a certain type microorganisms, both nonspecific and general.

The concentration of leukocytes increases in areas of inflammation, where they capture and digest foreign agents. In case large cluster pathogenic agents, white blood cells increase significantly in size and begin to break down. The process of destruction of leukocytes is accompanied by local inflammatory reaction: swelling and hyperemia of the damaged area, increased local temperature.

Flora smear

A smear on the flora, as already indicated, is taken from the woman at each visit antenatal clinic, that is, every six months, if the patient has complaints, as well as after a long course of antibiotics, when planning pregnancy, during gestation and after childbirth. During pregnancy, a smear for microflora (in the absence of complaints) is examined three times: during registration, before maternity leave(30 weeks) and at 36 weeks.

Preparing for the test

In order for the results of a smear on the flora to be reliable, it is necessary to prepare in advance for the test:

exclude sexual intercourse for 1 – 2 days;
Douching is not allowed 2 days before a visit to the doctor;
the use of suppositories, tablets and creams is prohibited for at least 24 hours;
a smear is not taken during menstruation, since menstruation changes the composition of the smear;
2 – 3 hours before visiting the gynecologist, refrain from urinating;
You should wash yourself the day before your appointment, warm water no soap.

If a woman is preparing for preventive examination, then it is advisable to schedule a visit to the gynecologist in the first days after your period or before it starts.

Procedure for collecting and examining material

IN gynecological smear determine the composition of the microflora of the contents of the urethra, vagina and cervix.

The material is collected using sterile disposable instruments. A smear is taken from the urethra using a bacteriological loop or a Volkmann spoon, from the vagina ( posterior arch) sterile gauze swab, and from the cervix with an Eyre spatula.

The following symbols are indicated on the slides:

U – smear taken from the urethra;
C – cervical smear;
V – vaginal smear.

After the glasses are dry, they are sent to the laboratory for testing. Laboratory assistants stain smears with special dyes (Gram stains), then examine them under a microscope. During the analysis, leukocytes and various opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria are counted, which are painted in different colors.

Explanation of smear analysis

Data indicated in the smear analysis:

Leukocytes

The leukocyte rate depends on the location from which the smear was taken. Their content is normally small. In the urethra, the number of leukocytes is 0 – 5 – 10, in the vagina their concentration corresponds to 0 – 10 – 15, and in the cervical canal from 0 to 30.

During pregnancy, the content of leukocytes increases slightly and can range from 15 to 20 (in the vagina) in the field of view.

Flat epithelium

Flat epithelium lines the vagina, urethra and cervical canal. In normal smears the amount epithelial cells ranges from 5 to 10. When the epithelium disappears (0 cells in the field of view), they speak of atrophy of the mucous membrane, and in the case of an increase in epithelial cells, they speak of inflammation.

Mucus

Lactobacilli or Doderlein bacilli

It is typical for normal smears great content they are in the vagina, while they are absent in the cervix and urethra. When the number of lactic acid bacteria decreases, they speak of.

Yeast

Fungi of the genus Candida are normally absent at all three points of smear collection, but their occasional presence in the vagina is allowed. An increase in yeast-like fungi indicates thrush.

"Key" cells

They are conglomerates of cells squamous epithelium and bacteria - gardnerella. Normally absent, the presence of such cells is a sign of gardnerellosis or bacterial vaginosis.

Leptothrix

Belongs to anaerobic (living without air) gram-negative bacteria, are often found when mixed infections, for example, thrush and bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis and chlamydia. If these bacteria are detected in a smear, an advanced analysis for sexually transmitted infections is indicated.

Others

Mobiluncus - also refers to anaerobic microorganisms and is present in candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis.
Trichomonas is a protozoan; normally they are absent from the smear.
Gonococci - cause a sexually transmitted disease - gonorrhea, respectively, are normally absent.
Escherichia coli— normally observed in single numbers in a vaginal smear. As the concentration of bacteria increases, bacterial vaginosis and neglect of personal hygiene are possible.
Cocci - in gynecological smears are divided into gram-positive - colored blue and gram-negative - do not stain and remain pink. Gram-positive cocci include opportunistic bacteria: streptococci, staphylococci and enterococci, which are normally found in smears in single quantities. When their concentration increases, they speak of nonspecific vaginitis (colpitis).

Degrees of vaginal smear purity

When we talk about gynecological smears, we mean not only smears taken from the cervical canal, urethra and vagina, but also separate species a smear that determines the degree of cleanliness of the vagina. The material is collected from the walls of the vagina and dried on a separate glass. There are 4 degrees of purity, but only degrees 1 and 2 are considered normal:

1st degree - leukocytes 0 - 5

Counts ideal option. The number of leukocytes is small, the microflora is mainly (up to 95%) represented by lactic acid bacteria, and there are only a few epithelial cells.

2nd degree - leukocytes 5 - 10

Also refers to the norm, but in the smear a small amount of opportunistic microorganisms (cocci or single yeast mushrooms). Lactobacilli predominate, leukocytes and mucus are moderate, epithelial cells are normal.

3rd degree - more than 10 (up to 50)

The content of leukocytes increases, a lot of mucus and epithelium are detected. The concentration of Doderlein bacilli decreases due to an increase in opportunistic flora.

4th degree - leukocytes completely (cannot be counted)

In the background huge amount leukocytes (in the description of the smear the term “entirely” is indicated) pathogenic microorganisms (gonococci, trichomonas) are determined. Doderlein's rods are not detectable, there is a lot of mucus and epithelial cells (a consequence of the inflammatory process).

If grade 3 and 4 purity of the vaginal smear is detected, it is necessary to establish the cause of inflammation and carry out treatment.

Reasons for an increase in the content of leukocytes in a smear

If leukocytes in a smear in women are elevated, then the causes may be diseases reproductive sphere, as well as failures in the work of others internal organs and systems. Inflammation comes first among the causes of an increase in leukocytes in urogenital smears:

inflammatory process in the cervical canal or;
development of inflammation in the appendages (tubes and ovaries) or salpingoophoritis;
inflammation of the uterine mucosa – endometritis;
inflammatory process in the vagina - colpitis or vaginitis;
development of inflammation in urethra– urethritis;
malignant tumors genital organs (destruction of healthy tissue is accompanied by inflammation);
intestinal and/or vaginal dysbiosis;
infections that are sexually transmitted (both sexually transmitted diseases and hidden sexually transmitted infections).

Pathogenic microorganisms are the culprits of inflammation

Why do leukocytes increase in a smear? Pathogenic microorganisms that are difficult to detect participate in the development of the inflammatory process in the usual way– examination of a urogenital smear, or activated representatives of opportunistic flora. To detect pathogens of hidden sexually transmitted infections, they resort to a more complex examination - PCR method(examination of blood, urine, genital discharge).

A detailed study may reveal the following in smears or blood:

mycoplasma and ureaplasma;
gonococci (see);
Koch's bacillus (the causative agent of tuberculosis);
treponema pallidum (causative agent);
Donovan bodies (causative agents of granuloma inguinale);
Trichomonas (see);
amoeba;
human papillomavirus (cause);
immunodeficiency virus;
viruses;
mushrooms of the genus Candida ();
actinomycetes fungi.

Other causes of increased white blood cell counts

Bacterial vaginosis or vaginal dysbiosis

Under certain conditions, opportunistic flora is activated and the growth of lactic acid bacteria is suppressed:

disruptions in hormonal status ( puberty or fading reproductive function– pre- and menopause, pregnancy and spontaneous abortion, endocrine diseases);
weakening of local and general immunity (hypothermia, antibiotic therapy);
severe stress and overwork;
microtrauma of the vagina due to intense sex;
radiation treatment, chemotherapy;
use of spermicides in the form of ointments and suppositories;
oral sex;
large number sexual partners;
excessive adherence to rules intimate hygiene, passion for douching;
entrance to the vagina deformed by scars ( anatomical features, pathological birth, surgical interventions);
imbalance of intestinal microflora (dysbacteriosis);
foreign bodies in the vagina (tampons).

Allergy

allergy to medicines and herbs;
intolerance to lubricants (gels, ointments);
intolerance to partner's sperm.

Irritation of the vulva and vagina

neglect of intimate hygiene;
temperature changes (hypothermia and overheating);
mechanical injury (tight, synthetic underwear, thongs, rough sex, etc.);
chemical burns (douching with acids and other drugs);
general diseases (diabetes mellitus, pathology urinary system and others).

In addition, elevated white blood cells in urogenital smears can be observed within 24 hours after coitus or for 7 to 10 days after installation intrauterine device. If the reason for the increase in the content of leukocytes in smears cannot be established, a more thorough and detailed examination should be carried out, including to identify malignant tumors of the reproductive system.

Causes of increased leukocytes in pregnant women

A slight increase in the level of leukocytes in a smear during pregnancy is considered normal. Normal white blood cell count in vaginal smears corresponds to 15 – 20 in the field of view.

Elevated white blood cells in pregnant women in a smear are explained by physiological factors:

Firstly, during the period of gestation, restructuring occurs hormonal balance, progesterone and estrogens are produced in large quantities. Under the influence of estrogens, Doderlein's bacilli begin to actively multiply, which create an acidic environment in the vagina and prevent the proliferation of opportunistic and pathogenic flora, but contribute to the accumulation of leukocytes.
Secondly, expectant mothers have reduced immunity, which prevents embryo rejection as foreign body. Due to weakened immunity, pathogenic bacteria easily penetrate into the vagina or a latent infection is activated, which explains the increase in white blood cells in gynecological smears ( defensive reaction during inflammation).

It is often revealed that very high concentration white blood cells in smears (50 - 100 or leukocytes completely in the field of view), which is usually noted with thrush (urogenital candidiasis). In such cases, in a smear, except large number leukocytes, fungi of the genus Candida and mycelium in the form of white threads are detected.

An excess of leukocytes in expectant mothers requires thorough examination and appropriate treatment. An infectious process from the vagina can spread to the cervix and cervical canal, penetrate into the uterine cavity, which will lead to infection amniotic fluid and fetus and end in miscarriage or premature birth.

Clinical manifestations

An increased level of leukocytes in secretions from the cervical, urethral and vaginal canals often accompanies diseases of the female urinary and reproductive system:

rapid and painful urination– sign or ;
false urge to defecate indicates intestinal dysbiosis;
discharge with an unpleasant odor, accompanied by itching and burning, may indicate vaginitis, cervicitis or inflammation of the uterus and;
purulent, foamy discharge or curdled discharge observed with vaginitis of a specific etiology (thrush, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis);
possible with pathology of the cervix, uterus or appendages;
in combination with an increase in leukocytes makes one think about inflammation of the appendages.

Diagnostics that determine the direction of treatment

Before you begin to deal with elevated levels of white blood cells in smears, you need to determine the cause this phenomenon. It often happens that the content of leukocytes in a gynecological smear is high, although there is no activation and growth of opportunistic flora and, moreover, specific pathogens. What to do in such a case?

The gynecologist will recommend taking smears again, choosing the most successful day menstrual cycle and recommending that you properly prepare for testing (exclude sexual intercourse, taking medications, douching). If, when taking smears again, the leukocytes again have high rate, an extensive examination is carried out:

A smear from the cervical canal and vagina onto the tank. sowing

When sowing vaginal and cervical secretions on nutrient media Colonies of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. The pathogen is identified and its sensitivity to certain antibiotics is determined, which is necessary for further treatment.

PCR for latent sexually transmitted infections

The method is highly accurate and almost 100% detects hidden sexually transmitted infections, which may not manifest themselves clinically, but lead to irreversible consequences(infertility).

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs

In this case, preference is given to ultrasound performed with a transvaginal sensor. Possible reason elevated leukocytes in tests, in addition to inflammation of the uterus and appendages, there may be various tumor-like formations (ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids or sarcoma, uterine polyps, etc.).

Colposcopy

Examination of the cervix under multiple magnification helps to diagnose diseases that are not visible to the naked eye, but are the cause of elevated white blood cells in tests (leukoplakia, cervical dysplasia or early stage cancer).

Consultations of related specialists

Appointed after the above examination. For example, consulting an endocrinologist and prescribing appropriate therapy will help normalize the level of leukocytes when diabetes mellitus, pathology thyroid gland or when overweight. A nephrologist will identify a disease of the urinary system (pyelonephritis, cystitis) and prescribe anti-inflammatory therapy (antibiotics, nitrofurans). The allergist will advise you to exclude irritating factors(synthetic underwear, use of intimate sprays, deodorants and various lubricants). Neurologist appoint sedative fees and drugs to eliminate neurosis, which can also cause an increase in leukocytes.

Anti-inflammatory treatment

Anti-inflammatory treatment is prescribed only if an infection is detected. The doctor decides what to treat, depending on the test results. Anti-inflammatory therapy includes:

local treatment;
general treatment;
recovery normal microflora vagina.

Local treatment consists of douching:

the course is short and lasts no more than 4 – 5 days
medications (solutions of potassium permanganate, chlorhexidine, miramistin)
herbs (chamomile, sage, coltsfoot, calendula, St. John's wort). Cm. .

Candles:

at the same time, suppositories with an anti-inflammatory effect are prescribed locally (hexicon, polygynax, betadine and others, see).
if a diagnosis of urogenital candidiasis is made, it is recommended to use suppositories with an antifungal effect (clotrimazole, pimafucin, livarol, see). Suppositories are administered once or twice a day for 10 to 14 days.
when the inflammatory process is not started, treatment is limited to this.

Treatment of hidden sexually transmitted infections

If detected viral infection, venereal diseases or latent genital infections, systemic antibiotic therapy or antiviral drugs are prescribed. Choice medicine depends on the etiology of colpitis and/or cervicitis.

Restoration of the world flora

The final stage of therapy is the restoration of normal vaginal microflora (increasing the content of lactic acid bacteria). For this purpose the following are appointed:

vaginal suppositories or tampons with probiotics (lactobacterin, bifidobacterin, acylact, colibacterin and others).
A high content of white blood cells in smears during pregnancy is dangerous due to premature termination of pregnancy (miscarriage or premature birth), intrauterine infection of the fetus, the development of chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the waters and placenta), ruptures birth canal during childbirth and development purulent-septic diseases V postpartum period. Therefore, expectant mothers should follow the doctor’s recommendations with special care and carry out the prescribed or treatment if the leukocyte count in the tests increases.

Question:
Is it possible to conduct sex life with elevated leukocytes in smear tests?

If a specific infection has not been identified (gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes and other diseases), then having sex is not contraindicated.

Question:
Can I get pregnant if my smears show elevated white blood cells?

Yes, it is quite possible to become pregnant, but it is advisable to undergo preliminary treatment, since often a high level of leukocytes in tests indicates an inflammatory process in the genitals.

Question:
Is it possible to reduce the content of leukocytes in tests using only traditional methods treatment?

You should not self-medicate, including treatment only with traditional medicine, if you have a “bad” smear test result. Only a doctor can identify the cause of “bad smears” and prescribe appropriate treatment. Reduce white blood cells in tests only with the help of traditional medicine is not possible, since treatment with antibiotics or antiviral drugs or therapy for concomitant diseases.

Leukocytes are special cells immune system designed to protect the body from infections. When a virus appears, white blood cells begin to actively multiply in order to defend themselves. Naturally, this increase is immediately reflected in blood tests and, of course, in a smear. For doctors, the signal for treatment is the presence of more than 15 units of leukocytes in the smear in the field of view. This means that a woman develops an infectious-inflammatory disease. If the number of leukocytes literally goes off scale, it means that the lady has problems with the genitourinary system. It could be inflammation bladder, kidneys or genitals.

What do leukocytes in a smear indicate?

Leukocytes can be detected in a smear and are normal. But in this case there will not be so many of them. If the value is outside the normal range, most likely the woman develops an infectious inflammatory disease - vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, thrush, colpitis, etc. Moreover, the more leukocytes in the smear, the more acute course diseases.

Symptoms that may accompany increased amount leukocytes in the smear are as follows:
- frequent urination, which can be quite painful;
- burning sensation in the vagina;
- unpleasant ;
- problems with the menstrual cycle (for example, failure);
- dense whitish discharge.

Causes in a gynecological smear can be different problems. This includes vaginal dysbiosis and various infections that are sexually transmitted, and coli, and also oncological diseases genitals.

What to do with elevated white blood cells

First of all, in order to reduce the number of leukocytes in a smear, you need to treat the cause that causes this pathology. Treatment must be prescribed by a supervising gynecologist. Sometimes a urologist is also involved in drawing up a treatment regimen.

At the same time, you can try to reduce discomfort that cause a particular disease. For this purpose, sanitation is usually prescribed to restore the vaginal microflora. You can conduct the course using medical supplies, and herbs - chamomile, nettle, St. John's wort, etc. Naturally, such treatment can only be used in consultation with a doctor.

You can also take warm baths. The water temperature should be at least 45 degrees, because heat helps fight inflammatory diseases.

Special suppositories are often used to reduce leukocytes in a smear.

White blood cells are cells of the human immune system that are designed to protect the body from infections.

An increased content of leukocytes in a smear can be diagnosed if more than 15 units are observed in the field of view. In this case, they say that the woman has inflammatory and infectious diseases. A large number of leukocytes in a vaginal smear indicates an inflammatory disease genitourinary system(bladder, kidneys or female genital organs).

What do leukocytes in a smear mean?

Since leukocytes perform protective function body, then normally they can be contained in small quantities. However, if a woman has a bad smear, the results of which indicate increased white blood cells, then this may be the first sign of an inflammatory process in the vagina (vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, colpitis, thrush, cervicitis, erosion, endometriosis). And what more quantity leukocytes, the more acute the disease.

Constantly elevated leukocytes in a smear: symptoms

A persistently elevated level of white blood cells in a smear may be the result of inflammatory disease of various etiologies which is often accompanied by the following symptoms:

frequent and painful urination;
burning sensation in the vagina;
bad smell;
disruptions of the menstrual cycle;
whitish vaginal discharge.

Why are leukocytes in a smear elevated: reasons

The following factors can provoke an increase in the number of leukocytes in a smear:

sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, ureaplasmosis);
staphylococcus;
coli;
oncological diseases of the female genital organs.

During pregnancy it is possible slight increase leukocytes in the smear, which is normal and does not require intervention from a doctor. However, throughout pregnancy, a woman must constantly monitor the level of leukocytes to exclude the presence of an inflammatory process, as this can complicate pregnancy and the successful course of childbirth.

How to lower white blood cells in a smear?

To reduce the level of leukocytes in the smear, it is necessary to conduct a course of sanitation to restore the vaginal microflora. As medicinal herbs you can use chamomile, aloe leaves, oak bark, nettle, red root, St. John's wort. It is possible to douche with a solution of chlorophyllipt. However, before using one or another medicinal plant You should consult your doctor.

In addition to sanitation, you can take thermal baths with a water temperature of at least 45 degrees, since heating helps to successfully fight the inflammatory process.

The doctor may also prescribe special vaginal suppositories designed to reduce the number of leukocytes: hexicon, betadine, suppositories with pimafucin, nystatin, terzhinan, genison, polygynax.

Thus, an increased level of leukocytes in the smear indicates about the presence of a pathological inflammatory process in the vagina. However, before prescribing treatment, it is necessary to determine the causative agent of the infectious process, as a result of which there is an increase in leukocytes in the smear. However, with any inflammatory process, the main task is to restore the microflora of the female organs.

If, when diagnosing an increase in leukocytes in a smear, anti-inflammatory treatment is not carried out, then in the future the inflammatory process may develop further and disrupt the functioning of the woman’s reproductive function (miscarriage, infertility, recurrent miscarriage).

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

They form in space bone marrow And lymph nodes, but can move freely through the walls of blood vessels and move to places where it appears potential danger. They exhibit antitoxic and antimicrobial effects.

So why can women have a lot of leukocytes in a gynecological smear? We’ll tell you the main reasons and treatment features in our article!

The role of cells in the body

The process of destruction of foreign and hazardous elements called phagocytosis. They capture and absorb “enemies”, after which they themselves die.

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

Development of antibodies to fight external and internal “enemies”.
Normalization metabolic processes and supplying tissues with necessary enzymes and substances.
Cleansing the body - eliminating pathogenic microorganisms and dead cells leukocytes.

Normal, why indicators may be increased

An increase in leukocytes in a smear in women is a sign of the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.

You can find out their level by taking tests:

Flora smear;
Blood test;
Urinalysis.

Women are most often prescribed a smear test for flora.

This study allows you to identify diseases of the urinary canal, kidneys or bladder; makes it possible to recognize the presence of an inflammatory process in the urogenital area.

Material for research is taken:

From the vaginal wall;
From the mucous surface of the cervix;
From the mucous membrane of the urethra.

Normal level indicator immune cells in the smear are:

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

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

Number of whites blood cells(leukocytes) increases after sexual intercourse; increased performance last for 24 hours after the act.
An increased level is also observed during the installation of an intrauterine contraceptive device.
Microtraumas of the vaginal walls also contribute to an increase in indicators.

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

Sexual infections transmitted directly during sexual intercourse (STIs):
Bacterial vaginosis. This disease is better known as vaginal dysbiosis. Occurs when the number of pathogenic microorganisms increases vaginal flora. Prerequisites for the development of the disease may be hormonal disorders, reducing local immunity or using vaginal suppositories.
Allergic reaction to gels and lubricants for intimate hygiene or douching products.
Oncological diseases of the reproductive system.

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

Note: Reason higher level leukocytes in a smear in women may appear for a long time stressful situations or depression.

Symptoms of increase

Signs indicating an increase in white blood cell levels and the development of the inflammatory process of the urinary system are:

painful urination;
appearance false urges to urination;
discharge of an unusual nature;
pungent odor discharge from the genitals;
burning and itching sensation inside the genitals;
failure of the menstrual cycle;
problems conceiving a baby;
discomfort during sexual intercourse.

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

The inflammatory process can occur without bright severe symptoms, so it is important to listen to the slightest deviations.

What to do if a woman's platelet count is below normal? We will tell you about the functions of these cells in our body and the features of treating deviations.

A large number in pregnant women

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

Indicators within permissible norm are: 10 – 20 units per observation field. And an increased amount indicates the development of inflammation.

Many diseases often worsen during pregnancy., which did not show their presence in any way before conception.

A change is taking place hormonal levels , decreases immune defense and often pregnant women experience thrush or candidiasis. If elevated white blood cell levels are detected, further testing should be performed to determine exact reason inflammatory or infectious process.

The causes of elevated white blood cells in a smear in women may include:

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

Any inflammatory or infectious process represents serious danger while carrying a child, therefore treatment is mandatory.

Doctors often prescribe the drug to strengthen local immunity:

Echinocea
Immunal
Eleutherococcus
Ginseng.

For the treatment of vaginosis the following is prescribed:

Bifidumbacterin
Lactovit
Lactofiltrum.

Leukocytes instantly react to the slightest deviations or changes in the functioning of the body. Therefore, their level often increases according to physiological reasons. These include the postpartum period.

During childbirth, a woman loses a lot of blood.

To prevent complications, immune white cells prepare in advance for such a situation and accumulate in large numbers in the uterine area.

This is precisely what is associated with the increase in the number of their indicators in a smear after childbirth.

Their number increases during the onset of labor and in recovery period. The indicators return to normal 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

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.
Ovarian dysfunction.
Formation of adhesions and fibroids.

Diagnostics and assistance from a qualified specialist

If you detect an increased level of leukocytes in a smear, you must consult a qualified doctor:

Gynecologist
Dermatovenerologist
Infectious disease specialist.

The doctor chooses a treatment method based on laboratory research. To establish accurate diagnosis additional diagnostics are prescribed.

Most often prescribed the following types diagnostic procedures:

Sowing on flora
Flora smear
ELISA ( enzyme immunoassay)
Blood antibody test
Biopsy
PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
UAC ( general analysis blood)
UAM (general urine analysis)
Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.

Drug treatment

As already noted, an increase in the number of white immune cells can occur due to inflammatory or infectious disease. Treatment for inflammation or infection is varied.

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

Application antiseptics. Conducted regular rinsing vaginal antiseptics “Miramistin”, “Chlorhexidine”, “Potassium permanganate”.
Used antibacterial drugs. The most commonly prescribed drugs are Genferon, Pimafucin, Terzhinan, and Viferon.
Fluconazole and Flucostat are used to treat candidiasis.

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

Intravenous use antibacterial agents: Ornidazole, Metronidazole and Tsiprinol.
Prescription of drugs for the prevention of vaginal dysbiosis: “Bifidumbacterin”, “Laktovit” and “Lactofiltrum”.

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 treatment of inflammatory process in the pelvic area caution must be exercised.

It is prohibited to use antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
Antibacterial drugs should not be used during pregnancy.
It is impossible to treat the infectious process with anti-inflammatory drugs.
It is forbidden to wash yourself with cold water.
Tampons should be replaced with regular pads.
It is prohibited to use alcohol-based douches.
The body must not be overcooled.

Find out more about tests in gynecology: deciphering a smear for flora in women, the normal level of leukocytes and for what reasons their elevated levels are possible, a specialist will tell you in this video:

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

Self-medication is prohibited. If any abnormalities in the test results are detected, you should seek the help of an experienced doctor.

Leukocytes in female body perform a protective function. Their presence indicates that local immunity is normal.

But sometimes tests reveal a large number of leukocytes in a smear. This clearly indicates the presence of certain diseases, which can be identified through a more thorough examination.

As a rule, many of these cells are formed when an inflammatory process occurs in the body. They rush to the affected area and there they begin to fight dangerous microbes. The more microbes, the more leukocytes are formed.

The reasons why leukocytes are elevated in a smear may be different. It is possible that this is an infection. Many polymorphonuclear pathogens can have a harmful effect on the body. Another factor is allergic effects.

Norm of leukocytes in a smear

Leukocytes play a big role in a woman’s health:

contribute to the fight against various viral and infectious pathogens;
contribute to the development of common pathological diseases.

The number of leukocytes in the smear should be up to 15 units in the field of view. This is considered the norm. The number of leukocytes in the urethra should not exceed 5 units, in the vagina - 10 units and in the cervix - 15 units.

If the level of leukocytes exceeds the norm and shows 20, 30, 40 or 50, then this indicates that there are inflammatory and infectious processes in the urethra.

Why are leukocytes in a smear elevated: reasons

In women, the causes of elevated leukocytes in a smear may indicate various kinds diseases, both internal organs and pathologies of the reproductive system.

For any inflammatory processes in the female body, quantitative composition leukocytes increases quite sharply. For example, inflammation of the vagina is provoked by a sharp increase in the composition of leukocytes in the smear.

You need to know that the more leukocyte analysis showed, the more acute the condition. present disease. If in a woman’s body there is acute inflammation, in this case, there can be up to a hundred leukocytes in the field of view.

So what does this mean? The most common situation when a woman’s leukocytes in a smear are elevated is caused by following reasons:

– inflammation of the cervical (cervical) canal;
– the presence of an inflammatory process in the appendages ( fallopian tubes or ovaries);
– inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
endometritis – inflammation of the uterine mucosa;
– inflammatory process in the urethra;
oncological pathologies of the genital area;
sexually transmitted infections (,).

Usually, elevated white blood cells in a smear do not manifest themselves in any way for a long time. A woman may not even realize that an inflammatory process is actively developing in her body until she undergoes tests during a routine examination.

Nevertheless, Sometimes you may notice these symptoms:

problems with bowel and bladder movements;
soreness in anus and pelvic organs;
abundant with an unpleasant odor;
disruptions in the menstrual cycle;
futile attempts to get pregnant.

If there are a lot of leukocytes in the smear, the specialist chooses a treatment method based on the results of the patient’s examination. In some cases, it is not possible to identify the cause of the increase in leukocyte levels, and the doctor resorts to observation tactics - the patient is recommended to regularly go for examinations and closely monitor her well-being.

Analysis methodology

U non-pregnant women A smear examination is recommended in the first days after the cessation of menstruation or shortly before its onset.

Violation of the technique of taking a smear can lead to the so-called. false positive results– elevated leukocytes in the smear in the absence of objective pathology. To avoid this, a woman must follow the rules of preparation for taking a smear.

These rules provide:

stopping medications, both general and local action a week before taking a smear;
exclusion of intimate contacts 2-3 days before the analysis;
2-3 hours before collecting material, do not urinate.

Intimate toilet is carried out the night before only with warm water, without douching or any hygiene products, which are also excluded 2-3 days before taking a smear.

Why is an increase in leukocytes dangerous?

Lack of adequate treatment and prolonged inflammatory process leads to the following consequences:

Chronic diseases of the genital organs.
Defeats urinary system and kidneys.
Benign and malignant tumors of the reproductive organs.
Ovarian dysfunction.
Cervical erosion.
Infertility.
Miscarriages.
Fading pregnancy.
Mastopathy, fibroadenoma.