What do the tests mean? Microscopy. “Normal leukocytes in a smear in women, reasons for deviations in indicators”

When visiting a female doctor, it is necessary to undergo a full examination to determine “purity” and the presence of pathologies. To compile a complete picture, a number of studies are carried out, and a smear of the flora is necessarily taken. Its results are determined by several indicators. The norm of leukocytes in a smear in women means that a balance has been maintained between the vaginal microflora and pathogenic microorganisms. Despite the accessibility and simplicity of the study, it provides a lot of information to the gynecologist.

Leukocytes

Leukocytes are called white blood cells; they maintain the normal state of the body. That is, these cells help protect a person from infections, bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic microorganisms. The term “leukocytes” includes groups of heterogeneous cells of the circulatory system, which are united by the characteristics of the nucleus and the absence of color.

For your information, the main function of white blood cells is to protect against all types of pathogenic microorganisms.

Any type of leukocyte is capable of penetrating through capillary cells to the cellular level, where they specifically capture foreign agents and “digest” them to deactivate them.

If there are a lot of pathogens in the human body, then leukocytes, in the process of absorbing them, increase in this area, but after that they are destroyed. In this case, there is a release of components that provoke the development of an infection or inflammatory process, which is manifested by swelling, an increase in body temperature, and redness of the lesion. Therefore, the reasons for the increase in the content of leukocytes in the flora analysis indicate a pathological process that requires appropriate treatment depending on the disease.

Leukocytes have the following features:

Carrying out their functionality, most cells quickly die. Therefore, to maintain these cells, they are constantly produced in the bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, and tonsils. The lifespan of leukocytes is 12 days;
Components released during the death of white blood cells attract other white blood cells, resulting in massive death. Therefore, pus in inflamed areas is an accumulation of “dead” cells.

Often, a urogenital flora smear shows an increased number of leukocytes, which is the first signal of some abnormal process. Self-medication will not help here; an examination of the body and other laboratory tests are required, only then the doctor prescribes treatment.

Flora smear during pregnancy

Taking a smear on the flora while carrying a child is a mandatory medical procedure that is carried out at least twice. The first time this happens is when they are registered to ensure the “purity” of the expectant mother. Vaginal infections often lead to premature birth and spontaneous abortion. If the disease is severe, then the child himself may become infected during labor.

Worth knowing: a second gynecological smear is taken in women in the third trimester, in particular at the 30th week of pregnancy.

Often pregnant women complain of symptoms:

Itching and burning of the genitals;
Uncharacteristic discharge;
Increased body temperature;
Discomfort in the lower abdomen, etc.

If such symptoms are observed, then a gynecological smear for flora must be taken unscheduled. A microflora study is taken with a stick - a Volkmann spoon, after which the biological material is applied to a glass slide. No pain is observed during the manipulation.

When deciphering a smear analysis, many indicators are taken into account. The number of leukocytes in a gynecological smear in a pregnant woman is always slightly increased - however, this is normal and is not a pathology. The increase is due to physiological circumstances:

During pregnancy, hormonal changes are detected; progesterone and estrogen begin to be produced in high concentrations. It is due to the influence of estrogens that lactobacilli are synthesized, creating an acidic environment in the vagina, which prevents the growth of opportunistic microflora, as a result, an accumulation of leukocytes is observed;
The expectant mother's immune status decreases to prevent rejection of the embryo as a foreign body. Due to the weak activity of the immune system, pathogenic microbes easily penetrate into the vagina or old infections are activated, so the results of a smear on the microflora show an increased content of leukocytes.

Tables in medical textbooks show that the concentration of leukocytes in a smear for flora during pregnancy from 15 to 20 is normal. Although in other cases these values may be considered pathological. If a smear examination shows a variability of 50-100, then they usually talk about the development of vaginal candidiasis. In such pictures, examination shows the presence of mycelium of fungi of the Candida family.

The presence of an increased level of leukocytes in a smear during pregnancy requires adequate therapy, since infectious processes from the vagina can spread to the cervical canal and cervix, penetrate into the uterine cavity, which provokes infection of the amniotic fluid and the baby.

Degrees of vaginal cleanliness

When they talk about analyzing a smear for flora in women, it means not only a scraping taken from the cervical and urethral canal and vagina, but also a separate study that determines the degree of cleanliness of the vagina.

Note: to study the cleanliness of the vagina, scraping is performed from the walls of it, then dried on a separate slide. In gynecological practice, there are four degrees of purity, but exclusively the first two are considered normal.

A smear on the flora in women has the following interpretation:

First degree.
Smear microscopy shows the concentration of leukocytes from zero to five. This is an ideal option, the number of white blood cells is small, the microflora is represented up to 95% by lactic acid bacteria, epithelial cells are found sporadically;
Second degree.
Microscopy of a urogenital smear shows a leukocyte content of 5 to 10. This result is considered normal, but a relatively small number of opportunistic microorganisms (for example, fungus or cocci) are detected. Lactobacilli predominate, mucus and leukocytes are moderate, epithelial cells are normal; Third degree.

The interpretation of the smear showed leukocytes from 10 to 50. Additionally, the result was provided about the high content of mucus and epithelium. The number of lactobacilli has decreased, as there is an increase in pathogenic microflora;

Fourth degree.

A gynecological smear is taken from all women as a preventive measure, in case of complaints and during pregnancy. Decoding involves determining the concentration of leukocytes, yeast, lactobacilli and other indicators. How much mucus, epithelial cells, etc. should be normal?

Important: leukocytes in a smear should normally be in small quantities in women. However, their rate is determined by the place where the biological material was taken. In the urethra their number is 0-5-10, from the vaginal walls 0-10-15, in the cervical canal 0-30.

Flora smear analysis is deciphered as follows:

Epithelial cells. The vagina, urethra, and cervical canal are lined with flat cells. Normally, the result varies from 5 to 10. If cells are not detected - there are zero of them in the field of view, then this indicates atrophic changes in the mucous membranes; against the background of a lot of talk about the inflammatory process;
Slime. The microflora in the smear should contain a small amount of mucus at all three points of collection of biological material. It may be absent in the urethra - this is a variant of the norm;
Number of lactobacilli can be deciphered as follows: the more there are, the better. However, they are not observed in the urethral and cervical canal. When the concentration decreases, bacterial vaginosis is diagnosed;
Flora smear result shows the amount of yeast. If fungal spores are present and the patient is not bothered by alarming symptoms, no treatment is needed. When mycelium is detected, urogenital candidiasis is treated;
The flora smear is normal if key cells are missing. When a large number of them are detected, this is a symptom of bacterial vaginosis or gardnerellosis;
Leptothrix should not be detected in the transcript of the results. If anaerobic bacteria are identified, extensive laboratory testing for the presence of other sexually transmitted infections is required.

When decoding a smear, the flora is indicated by the concentration of Trichomonas, gonococci, Escherichia coli, cocci, and mobiluncus. If there is a pathological content, the doctor prescribes additional research - ultrasound, PCR and other diagnostic methods. Treatment depends on the specific type of pathogen.

In conclusion, we note that normally the number of leukocytes in a female scraping should vary from 0 to 10. Exceeding this parameter indicates inflammation or an infectious process. During pregnancy, the result is 0-10-15-20 and this is a relative norm associated with natural physiological processes in the body of the expectant mother.

Normal and increased number of leukocytes 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). Elevated leukocytes in the smear are observed with inflammation of the vagina (colpitis, vaginitis). The more leukocytes 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 one to identify the presence of a disease process in the body. Leukocytes and their significance in tests: decrease and increase in the number of leukocytes in a general blood test, in a urine test and in a vaginal smear.

NORMAL AND INCREASED NUMBER OF LEUKOCYTES 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, as soon as a woman registers for pregnancy, she needs to take the first test to determine 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 leukocytes in the smear, the more acute the disease. In case of acute inflammation, the leukocyte value of 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 is leukocytes in the smear, which indicate the presence of inflammation. Also, an increased content of leukocytes in a smear may be associated with sexually transmitted infections.

WHEN LEUCOCYTES IN A Smear are Elevated

Leukocytes are considered one of the most important indicators in medicine. In the field of view in a smear, there should normally be no more than 15 leukocytes. 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 in the smear increased?

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 elevated 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 uterine mucosa,
Adnexitis - inflammation of the uterine appendages (ovaries, tubes),
Oncological diseases of the genital organs,
Sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, etc.)
Vaginal dysbiosis,
Intestinal dysbiosis.

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

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

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

Flora smear in women- a laboratory test that determines the types of bacteria that are present in the vagina. This is the most common and simplest method for detecting inflammation and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).

The examination is absolutely painless. It is performed during a routine gynecological examination. The doctor takes the material with a disposable spatula from the walls of the vagina and cervix. The contents of the vagina (vaginal secretions) are applied to the glass. In the laboratory, the material is stained so that the bacteria become clearly visible.

Purpose of the study

determine the state of the vaginal microflora;
identify sexually transmitted infections and their causative agent;
determine the degree of the inflammatory process;
assess the degree of cleanliness of the vagina, which is mandatory before further diagnostic studies and gynecological operations - cauterization of erosions, removal of polyps, curettage;
assess the health status of pregnant women.

When does a gynecologist take a smear for flora?

complaints of itching or vaginal discharge, other symptoms of inflammation;
preventive examinations;
control of the treatment;
taking hormonal drugs and immunosuppressants;
control of microflora during long-term use of antibiotics;
pregnancy. It is carried out 3 times during pregnancy (at registration, at the 30th and 36th week).

This study has many names: smear for flora, general smear, bacterioscopy, smear for cleanliness. There are also smears for flora from the urethra and cervical canal. Usually these three types of smears are performed together.

Normal vaginal microflora

A healthy woman's vagina is not sterile. It contains many types of microorganisms, their totality is called microflora. Bacteria constantly compete with each other for habitat on the walls of the vagina and for food.

The most numerous are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which attach to the vaginal epithelium. They produce alcohols, peroxide, lactic and other acids, which provide an acidic reaction in the vaginal secretion. As well as lysozyme and other enzymes that inhibit the proliferation of other types of bacteria.

Microorganisms that make up the microflora of a healthy woman

Microorganisms	Number of CFU/ml
Lactobacilli or Doderlein sticks Lactobacillus spp.	10 7 -10 9
Bifidobacterium Bifidobacterium spp.	10 3 -10 7
Clostridia Clostridium spp.	Up to 10 4
Propionibacterium spp.	Up to 10 4
Mobiluncus Mobiluncus spp.	Up to 10 4
Peptostreptococcus Peptostreptococcus spp	10 3 -10 4
Corynebacterium spp.	10 4 -10 5
Staphylococcus Staphylococcus spp.	10 3 -10 4
Streptococci Streptococcus spp.	10 4 -10 5
Enterobacteriaceae	10 3 -10 4
Bacteroides spp.	10 3 -10 4
Prevotella spp.	Up to 10 4
Porphyromonas Porphyromonas spp.	Up to 10 3
Fusobacterium Fusobacterium spp.	Up to 10 3
Veilonella spp.	Up to 10 3
Mycoplasma M.hominis	Up to 10 3
Ureaplasma U.urealyticum	10 3
Candida - yeast-like fungi	10 4

Abbreviation CFU/ml means - colony-forming units in 1 ml of nutrient medium. Each colony-forming unit is a microorganism from which a colony can form.

The number of bacteria is expressed in decimal logarithms in order to avoid writing numbers with a large number of zeros.

In the description of vaginal microflora one can often find the names gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria. These terms mean that the first bacteria are stained according to the method developed by the microbiologist Gram, while the others do not change their color.

Gram-positive rods in a smear, which include lactobacilli, are a good sign. Normally, they predominate in women of reproductive age. During menopause (menopause) and postmenopause, gram-negative bacteria come first.

Depending on their oxygen demand, bacteria are divided into

aerobic- those that develop in the presence of oxygen;
anaerobic- which do not require oxygen to function.

In the vagina of a healthy woman, most bacteria are anaerobes 10 8 -10 9

CFU/ml.

How to make a smear on the vaginal microflora?

A smear is taken in the gynecologist's office. A woman can also undergo this test in a private laboratory.

The procedure includes several stages.

The woman is placed in a gynecological chair.
Insertion of sterile speculum to gain access to the vaginal walls and cervix.
Collection of material from the posterior wall of the vagina. This procedure is absolutely painless. Unpleasant sensations can only occur when the spatula touches the inflamed area.
Applying material to a glass slide. The vaginal secretion is distributed with streaking movements over the skim glass in the thinnest possible layer so that the cells are arranged in one row and do not cover each other.
Fixation of the smear is necessary if it is delivered to the laboratory after more than 3 hours. The treatment avoids cell deformation during drying and makes it possible to preserve the drug.
Smear staining using the Gram method. Methylene blue is used as a dye. After staining, it is easier to establish the type of bacteria and determine the composition of the microflora.
Evaluation of the result, which consists of 3 parts: counting leukocytes, species composition of microflora, assessment of vaginal cleanliness.

Often, a smear is taken from three points at once:

openings of the urethra and paraurethral passages (narrow canals located parallel to the urethra);
vaginal walls;
cervical canal.

The anatomical proximity of these areas leads to the fact that infections and inflammations occur interconnectedly. For each area, use a separate sterile spatula, brush or cotton swab. The taken material is applied to 3 sterile glass slides, separately for each area.
A vaginal flora smear is an absolutely harmless procedure that is allowed, including for pregnant women. During the collection of material, the mucous membrane is not injured, so there are no restrictions after the procedure. It is allowed to take a bath, swim, have sexual intercourse, etc.

How to prepare for this smear?

It is necessary to take a smear for flora no earlier than 3 days after the end of menstruation. Menstrual blood cells in the smear can interfere with the results. The optimal period is considered to be from the 10th to the 20th day of the cycle.
The result of the analysis will be as reliable as possible if you adhere to the following rules.

stop taking antibiotics and antifungal drugs 14 days before;
2 days in advance, stop administering any vaginal forms of drugs - solutions, suppositories, tablets, tampons, ointments, creams;
abstain from sexual intercourse for 2-3 days;
Before the procedure, you should not douche or wash the inside of the vagina.

What does a smear show on the vaginal microflora?

A smear on the vaginal microflora shows the presence of a number of diseases and pathological conditions.

Sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted infections). They are evidenced by the presence in the smear of a significant number of ureaplasmas, mycoplasmas, gardenella, gonococci, trichomonas and other pathogenic bacteria.
Inflammation vagina(vaginitis, colpitis) or cervical canal(cervicitis and endocervicitis). Evidence of the inflammatory process is a large number of leukocytes in the smear.
Vaginal dysbiosis. Violation of the composition of microflora contributes to the development of diseases of the genital area. Dysbacteriosis is diagnosed when the number of lactobacilli decreases and other types of microorganisms begin to predominate.
Candidiasis or thrush. Normally, single fungi of the genus Candida are acceptable. With a fungal infection, their number increases sharply, and pseudomycelium is found in the smear - threads of elongated cells and bud cells sitting on them.

The flora smear evaluates the following indicators:

4 degrees of vaginal cleanliness

Degree	Identified changes	What is he talking about?
I	The environment is acidic. Leukocytes - up to 10. Epithelial cells - 5-10. Most microorganisms are lactobacilli (Dederlein bacilli). Other bacteria - sporadically. Mucus - a small amount.	Ideal state of vaginal microflora. It is extremely rare in women of childbearing age who are sexually active.
II	The environment is slightly acidic. Leukocytes - up to 10. Epithelial cells 5-10. Most are Dederlein sticks. Gram-positive cocci in small numbers. Small amounts of mucus.	Normal condition. Occurs in most healthy women.
III	The environment is neutral. Leukocytes - over 10. Epithelial cells - over 10. Microorganisms in moderate or large quantities. Gram-negative and gram-negative rods and cocci are present. Single Dederlein sticks. "Key" cells are present. Mucus - moderate amount.	Inflammation of the vagina - colpitis. Symptoms may occur: creamy vaginal discharge, itching, burning, discomfort during sexual intercourse. Some women are asymptomatic with this condition.
IV	The medium is neutral or alkaline, pH over 4.5. Leukocytes - over 30 or the entire field of view. Epithelial cells - in large numbers. Microorganisms in massive quantities. The microflora is represented by various opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. Dederlein's rods may be absent. There is a lot of mucus.	Severe inflammatory process. Symptoms: copious vaginal discharge (white, yellowish, greenish), often with an unpleasant odor. Itching, burning, dryness, discomfort. Unpleasant sensations, pain during sexual intercourse.

What is the norm for a smear on the vaginal microflora?

In smear microscopy for flora, the following is considered normal:

flat cells of the vaginal epithelium - up to 10 in the field of view;
single leukocytes - up to 10 in the field of view;
cells of the intermediate layer are single;
“false key” cells - rare;
the total number of microorganisms is “moderate”, sometimes “large”;
mucus - in small quantities;
Lactobacilli predominate among bacteria; other types of microorganisms are rare and rare.

The smear should not contain:

Large numbers of destroyed epithelial cells. This indicates cell lysis, which occurs with abnormal growth of lactobacilli.
Key cells. These are epithelial cells covered with various bacteria.
Parabasal cells. Cells of the lower layers of the mucosa. Their appearance indicates significant inflammation or atrophy of the mucosa.
"Massive" amount of bacteria, except lactobacilli.
Yeast cells with pseudomycelium and blastopores (bud cells). Their presence indicates thrush.
Strict anaerobes - most of them are pathogens.
Gonococcus - pathogens of gonorrhea.
Trichomonas - causative agents of trichomoniasis.
Atypical cells which are a sign of precancerous or oncological changes .

Some microorganisms (chlamydia, various viruses) are not detected when examined under a microscope due to their small size. To identify them, a blood test for ROC is necessary.

What do leukocytes indicate in a smear on vaginal flora?

Leukocytes- These are white blood cells that are designed to fight infection. They can exit through the wall of blood vessels and move independently. Leukocytes have the ability to phagocytose - they engulf bacteria and digest them. Once the bacterium is digested, the white blood cell is destroyed. This releases substances that cause inflammation, manifested by swelling and redness of the mucous membrane.
Normally, the number of leukocytes in the vagina should not exceed 10. A large number of leukocytes indicates inflammation. The higher the number of leukocytes, the more pronounced the inflammatory process.

Why is sensitivity to antibiotics performed when examining a smear?

Antibiotic sensitivity or antibiogram- determining the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics. The study is carried out simultaneously with smear culture if pathogenic bacteria that cause inflammation or sexually transmitted infections are detected in the vagina.

There are a large number of antibiotics, but not all of them are equally effective against different groups of bacteria (antibiotics do not affect viruses). It happens that after a course of antibiotics the patient does not recover or the disease returns after a few days/weeks. This happened because antibiotics that had little effect on the causative agent of the disease were prescribed for treatment.
In order for treatment to be as effective as possible, it is necessary to determine which antibiotics:

completely destroy the bacteria that causes the disease;
stop the growth of the pathogen;
do not affect the life activity of this bacterium.

Based on the research carried out, a antibiogram. This is a list of antibiotics to which bacteria are sensitive.

How is antibiotic sensitivity testing performed?

After the bacteria that caused the disease have been identified, they are distributed into several test tubes with nutrient media. A specific antibiotic is added to each tube. The test tubes are placed in a thermostat, where optimal conditions are created for their reproduction.

After cultivation (about 7 days), the growth of bacteria in test tubes is analyzed. Where bacteria are sensitive to the antibiotic, colonies do not form. This drug is optimal for treating the patient. In a test tube where drugs to which antibiotics are insensitive are added, the growth of bacteria is the most intense. Such medicines cannot be used to treat this disease.

What is smear culture?

Smear culture or bacteriological culture (bacteriological culture) of a smear is a laboratory test in which the contents of the vagina are placed in a nutrient medium and optimal conditions are created for the growth of bacteria.

Objectives of the study:

identify the causative agent of genital infection;
establish the degree of contamination - the number of bacteria in the vagina;
monitor the state of microflora after long-term treatment with antibiotics and cytostatic drugs. It is carried out 7-10 days after discontinuation of the drug.

In what case is smear culture prescribed?

to all pregnant women upon registration;
with inflammatory processes in the genital organs;
Gram-negative diplococci were found in the smear - to confirm gonococcal infection (gonorrhea);
with vulvovaginitis, recurrent or chronic.

How is microbiological testing performed?

Vaginal discharge is placed in nutrient media - solutions or jelly-like masses that contain nutrients for bacteria. Test tubes and Petri dishes are placed in a thermostat for 3-5 days, where the temperature is constantly maintained at about 37 degrees, optimal for the proliferation of microorganisms.

After cultivation, the laboratory assistant evaluates the results. From each microorganism, during the process of division, a whole colony of bacteria grows. Based on its appearance, the laboratory technician determines the type of pathogen. And by the number of colonies one can judge the concentration of these microorganisms in the vagina. Next, the concentration is compared with normal values.
Those bacteria whose concentration exceeds 10 4 CFU/ml are considered significant. At this concentration, microorganisms can cause disease. If such a quantity of bacteria is detected, the result of the analysis is considered positive.

The conclusion issued by the laboratory states:

view microorganism that predominates in the smear;
pathogenicity microorganism - ability to cause disease:

Pathogenic - the presence of which can only be caused by disease.
Opportunistic - bacteria that cause disease only when immunity is reduced, with a significant increase in their number.

concentration microorganism in the vagina. In numerical terms and in the form of verbal characteristics: “sparse”, “moderate growth”, “abundant growth”.

In a laboratory report, the number and growth of bacteria can be characterized by the degree of:

Degree	Features of bacterial growth
Degree	Liquid culture medium	Solid nutrient medium
I	Growth is very poor.	There is no bacterial growth.
II	Moderate growth	Up to 10 bacterial colonies.
III	Abundant growth.	From 10 to 100 colonies.
IV	Massive growth.	Over 100 colonies.

I degree is the norm. In degree II, they speak of a violation of the vaginal microflora. III-IV degrees indicate a disease caused by this type of bacteria.

All representatives of the fair sex sooner or later have to consult a gynecologist. Experts recommend undergoing an appropriate examination once a year. However, if pathological symptoms are detected or lifestyle changes are made, this should be done even more often. This article will tell you about leukocytes in a smear. The norm in women is determined in more cases. However, there are exceptions. Analysis of some representatives of the fair sex may show deviations. This will also be mentioned below.

Flora smear

To begin with, it is worth saying that this analysis is one of the simplest and most inexpensive. With its help, the doctor can say that the fair sex is healthy or has any diseases. Leukocytes in the smear must be examined. The norm for women is not always determined. Sometimes there may be an increase in the level of white cells.

A smear test for flora is given at every visit to the gynecologist. That is why, if you go to this specialist, you should be prepared for such an analysis.

normal for women

The normal result of this analysis is found when the woman is completely healthy. Material is collected to determine the number of white cells from three places: the vagina, cervix and urethra. How many leukocytes should there be in a smear (normal for women)?

In fact, doctors may classify vaginal cleanliness into several grades. Moreover, each of them has its own normal generally accepted values. Let's consider each of the degrees of vaginal cleanliness known to medicine.

First degree: clean vagina

In this case, leukocytes in the smear (the norm for women is 1-3 per field of view) may be completely absent. Sometimes the laboratory technician notes the presence of single white bodies. This suggests that there is no inflammatory process in the examined areas. In addition to leukocytes, lactobacilli and other microorganisms are present in the vagina.

Second degree of purity

The following indicators fall into this category. The laboratory technician detects leukocytes in the smear (the norm in women is exceeded, there are up to 15 of them in the field of view). In addition, beneficial microorganisms and bacteria are present. In some cases, the number of the latter may be reduced. Most often, such indicators are considered normal. Sometimes the doctor may ask the patient to retake the test, since an increase in white cells may be the result of improper hygiene and violations during sampling.

Third degree and dysbiosis

In this subspecies, leukocytes are also detected in the smear. The norm for women before or after menstruation (with the third degree of vaginal cleanliness) is exceeded (up to 50 units). At the same time, additional indicators can also often be overestimated or underestimated.

In this case, the woman requires treatment. Since such white bodies indicate the presence of an inflammatory process.

Fourth degree of purity: vaginitis

This subgroup is the last. When examining the material, leukocytes are determined in the smear. The norm in women after menstruation or before them with vaginitis is exceeded (more than 50 units). Pathological indicators of additional cells are also noted. Most often, bacteria and fungi are present in this case.

A woman with fourth degree purity always needs treatment. Most often, the pathology is caused by a sexually transmitted infection.

Leukocytes in a smear for flora during pregnancy

When registering a pregnant woman, this test is always taken. The study is also carried out before childbirth. Leukocytes must be detected in the smear. The norm for women during pregnancy corresponds to the indicator of the first degree of vaginal cleanliness. Thus, during pregnancy, white cells should not exceed 1-3 in the field of view.

Some doctors allow normal values within 15 units. In this case, the woman’s microflora corresponds to the second degree. However, there are doctors who, in this case, insist on conducting additional research.

Deviations from normal values

So, now you know the quantity of leukocytes in a smear (the norm in women). The norm is not always absolute. It is worth noting that the third and fourth degrees of vaginal cleanliness are a deviation from generally accepted values. Treatment in this case must be carried out after additional research. There are several reasons why there is an increase in white blood cells in the vagina, or urethra.

Viral infection

If a woman has caught a cold or caught a viral infection, then a slight increase in the number of white cells may be present on all mucous membranes. That is why it is worth warning the doctor about your illness or even rescheduling the test.

Sexually transmitted diseases

In the presence of gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis and other ailments, an increase in the level of leukocytes in the smear is observed. In this case, the number of white bodies will be large in all sources of material collection. In this case, it is worth taking additional tests and finding out what is the cause of the pathology.

Inflammation of the urinary system

In some cases, urinary tract infections can cause an increase in white blood cells in the smear. It is worth noting that the number of white bodies is increased only in the urethra. A normal number of white blood cells is determined in the vagina and cervix.

Inflammation of the uterus and appendages

Diseases such as endometritis, adnexitis, salpingitis and metritis can increase the level of leukocytes. Most often, pathology is detected in the cervix and vagina. gives normal white blood cell count results.

It is worth noting that the more acute the inflammatory process, the greater the number of white cells will be detected. When the disease becomes chronic, the level of leukocytes decreases to normal values.

Poor hygiene

A pathological number of white cells can be detected when improper preparation for the test is carried out. If the genitals have not been washed, the number of bacteria may be higher. This is why it is so important to properly prepare for a visit to a gynecologist and undergo such tests.

Conclusion

Now you know what number of leukocytes in a smear is considered normal. However, you should not decipher the results yourself. Consult a doctor and get the correct conclusion and, if necessary, treatment.

Get tested on time and be healthy!

A woman’s health is the health of future children and generations. When visiting a gynecologist, it is important to conduct a full examination, which will determine the degree of purity of the patient or identify the presence of diseases. A number of tests, including a flora smear, will help answer your questions. It determines the value based on several indicators, one of which is the balance of leukocytes of the vaginal microflora in relation to mucus and other bacteria. The accessibility and ease of determining values in a gynecological smear reflects important information about a woman’s health status.

What are leukocytes in a flora smear?

When the lymphocyte count decreases or increases, it signals that the body is weakened or has a disease. These cells have a protective function. An increased content means that inflammatory processes are occurring. The gynecologist, based on the number of cells in the cervical fluid, determines:

viral infection;
venereal diseases;
inflammation of the urinary system;
inflammation of the appendages and uterus;
violation of hygiene;
dysbacteriosis;
oncological diseases.

By increasing white blood cells, the body begins to fight. A decrease in cells or their absence indicates a decrease in the local immunity of the flora of the cervix, vagina, and urinary canal. This process causes aging, atrophy of vaginal tissue, and passive sex life. If there are serious suspicions and there is no result of treatment, the doctor will prescribe additional tests. An experienced gynecologist will accurately answer what the balanced rate of leukocytes is in a woman’s smear, but there are accepted values.

Leukocyte norm

How many leukocytes should there be in a smear? In gynecology, an indicator from 0 to 15 units is considered normal. But this information is not always decisive; it also depends on the age and place of collection of the analysis on the mucous membrane. Norm for normal flora:

vagina – 0-10 units;
cervix – 0-30 units;
urethra – 0-5 units.

The indicated limits for the number of cells are generally accepted for women of reproductive age, with the exception of girls under 14 years of age and women over 45 years of age (after the onset of menopause). The result is influenced by hormonal levels, the period of the menstrual cycle, specific causes, concomitant diseases (hormonal and endocrine, for example).

Causes of elevated leukocytes in women during bacterioscopy

A woman’s body responds to inflammatory processes in the reproductive system by increasing cells. The causes of elevated white blood cells are the presence of pathogens:

fungus;
Trichomonas;
gonococci;
staphylococci.

Symptoms may not appear, but often they include itching, redness, burning in the lower abdomen, discomfort, discharge, even decreased vision. Pathogenic bacteria can lead to serious diseases, sometimes irreversible, so timely detection of illnesses and treatment is an important factor. Bacterioscopy must be performed at least once a year.

Why is leukocytosis in a smear dangerous?

Ignoring the increased content of microphages is unacceptable; delaying treatment leads to the development of diseases. Here is an incomplete list of them:

colpitis
urethritis;
cervitis;
vaginitis;
adnexitis
oncology of the genital organs;

Monitoring the normal level of leukocytes in a smear in women is important for the woman herself in order to lead a normal life and experience sexual satisfaction. Observation regularly is everyone’s task! By identifying the causative agent of leukocytosis using an additional culture test and selecting the necessary drug, you can avoid the danger of disease progression, which often increases many times.

When leukocytes are elevated in a smear during pregnancy

When a woman is expecting a child, the content of leukocyte cells increases, and deviations from the norm appear. The norm for this period is considered to be from 15 to 20 units. Over the course of 9 months, a pregnant woman takes a smear several times, and the dynamics are constantly monitored. A high level may indicate the presence of a disease. Infections, worsening, manifest themselves actively due to weakened immunity. The difficulty in treating pregnant patients lies in limiting the use of antibiotics.