Is it possible to take a smear during menstruation, features of the procedure

The need for a gynecological examination often appears even during menstruation. The most important step in this case is the study of vaginal microflora. Therefore, many women are interested in the answer to the question.

The most common test in a gynecology office is a vaginal smear. Using a scraping, the doctor examines the mucous membrane of the cervix or vaginal surface. This procedure is quite painless. The results determine the presence of fungi or other infection, as well as the state of the vaginal environment.

Is it possible or not?

When asked whether this test can be taken or not, doctors answer unequivocally. It is not recommended to have a smear test during your period. The woman does not have the opportunity to prepare properly for the study.

For some women, the menstrual period is accompanied by quite strong painful sensations. Against this background, young ladies take painkillers, which is strictly prohibited before taking the test.

There are also difficulties during collection of material. The doctor often cannot see where the material comes from. The procedure also complicates the activation of the secretory function of the vagina. If there is bloody discharge in the smear, this will significantly complicate the diagnosis.

When it's possible

The young lady must be attentive to her health and plan a visit to the gynecological office in advance. The optimal time to visit a doctor is the second week after your period.

But sometimes a woman urgently needs to consult a specialist. Conducting such a study is possible only in two cases. A young lady may have problems when menstruation has already begun. Typically, women who complain of discomfort during menstruation are diagnosed with an inflammatory process. A timely visit to a gynecologist will help avoid large blood loss.

Also, a woman may already have a certain diagnosis. In this case, a smear is taken by the doctor every day, regardless of the amount and nature of the discharge. During “critical” days, an excellent environment is created for various bacteria. The specialist has the opportunity to monitor the dynamics of progression of the pathological condition. If the need arises, the specialist is obliged to send his patient for an ultrasound examination.

How does the preparation take place?

The young lady needs to immediately visit the gynecological office if she has prolonged periods. Also, a visit to the gynecologist is due to the appearance of bleeding outside the menstrual cycle.

Before visiting the gynecological office, the young lady must:

abstain from sexual intercourse;
take a shower;
stop taking antibiotics and hormonal medications.

Douching should also be avoided. This is explained by the fact that the doctor needs a real picture of the state of the environment under study. A woman should stop taking pills at least 48 hours before the test. If it is impossible to do without medications, then the patient should warn the gynecologist about this.

Sometimes, to obtain the correct result, a woman is advised to refrain from shaving hair in the pubic area. Otherwise, irritation may begin and it will be very difficult for a specialist to clarify the diagnosis.

In only one percent of women, the study may show a “natural” increase in the number of white blood cells. In this case, the patient can feel great.

White blood cells in the smear may be higher than normal due to severe premenstrual syndrome. The result shown usually signals the presence of hidden infectious processes. This is observed in approximately 42 percent of young ladies.

Ideally, the study should show a result of 5-19 units. The exception is patients who have crossed the fifty-year threshold. In their case, the indicator increases to 16-21 units.

After “critical” days, leukocytes in the smear may be one to three units higher than normal. This usually occurs in the first days after the end of menstruation. This is explained by the fact that, despite the absence of bleeding symptoms, the uterus has not yet completely cleared. Also, the number of leukocytes can increase sharply if the young lady does not adhere to the rules of intimate hygiene. Another reason for the increase in the number of leukocytes is the abuse of tampons. Often the use of tampons is dangerous not only for this. Some women who abuse these hygiene products have been diagnosed with inflammatory processes affecting the cervix, uterine body, and vaginal mucosa.

In addition, leukocytes in a smear may be elevated due to:

hormonal imbalance;
reduced immunity;
development of candidiasis;
development of genital herpes;
development of syphilis;
development of chlamydia;
inflammation in the cervical canal;
inflammatory processes in the uterine mucosa;
progression of adnexitis.

Another reason for an increase in the level of leukocytes in a smear is intestinal or vaginal dysbiosis. The most dangerous provoking factor is the progression of the oncological process in the genital organs. In some cases, we are talking about the appearance or rupture of a cyst.

Each of these diseases is quite dangerous.
Only timely medical intervention can prevent serious consequences. We recommend similar articles
Contents:

In this case, using a vaginal smear, the following conditions and diseases can be diagnosed:

Bacterial vaginosis;
Candidiasis (thrush);
Aerobic vaginitis;
Atrophic vaginitis;
Inflammation of the vagina or cervix caused by gonorrhea or trichomoniasis;
Inflammation of the vagina caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus from group A (GABHS, Streptococcus pyogenes);

(2) For all women who are asymptomatic but at increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection, a vaginal smear can provide PCR material for the diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis.

For many women, these infections do not cause any symptoms and cannot be detected in any other way, however, they can be transmitted to sexual partners and can cause serious complications in the woman herself, as well as complications during pregnancy and complications in the newborn child.

The following are at increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections:

all women who, during the last year, had more than one sexual partner;
all women who, within the last year, had a new sexual partner;
all women whose partner has other sexual partners;
all women who, within the last year, have already been diagnosed with one of the sexually transmitted infections.

(3) In pregnant women who are not bothered by any symptoms

, conducting a vaginal smear allows you to establish the following conditions:

The presence of bacterial vaginosis
- diagnosis and treatment of this condition before the 20th week of pregnancy may be important
for pregnant women who have already had premature birth in the past
;
Streptococcus agalactiae
in the vagina or intestines - diagnosis of this condition in late pregnancy allows treatment to be planned in advance to
reduce the risk of developing dangerous infections in the newborn baby
.
According to some experts, all pregnant women in the final weeks of pregnancy
can receive some indirect benefit from diagnosing vaginal colonization with
Candida
.
Identifying vaginal colonization with these microorganisms and treating them shortly before birth reduces the risk of diaper dermatitis and oral thrush in the newborn baby during the first 4 weeks after birth
. With adequate treatment, the risk of developing these problems in a child during the first month of life is reduced from 10% to 2%.

In the course of reviewing the materials we used to write this article (see Sources), we were unable to find any reference to the advisability of performing a vaginal smear in any other situation or for any other purpose.

We draw the attention of readers to the fact that a vaginal smear for flora differs from a cytological smear

(oncocytology smear, Papanicolaou smear, Pap test).
For more information about this screening, see Evidence-Based Guide for Women to Protecting themselves from Cervical Cancer.
In many cases, a vaginal smear is also performed to diagnose human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

. An explanation of the value that diagnosis of this infection brings to women is presented in the article regarding protection against cervical cancer, linked above.

Depending on the practical purpose of the examination, samples collected during a vaginal smear may be used for one or more of the following tests/assays:

Determination of pH of secretions;
Test with CON;
Carrying out a bacteriological smear, that is, studying a sample of discharge under a microscope without staining or with staining;
Microbiological culture (bacteriological culture) to determine several specific types of microbes:
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus);
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus);
trichomonas
or
gonococci
if the infection is suspected to be resistant to standard treatment;
PCR analysis for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections.

What does a smear tell you?

Depending on the type of examination, a smear may show different results. The doctor decides what kind of examination to conduct.

Flora smears from the vagina and urethra are a standard examination by a gynecologist. It shows:

the number of leukocytes - normally should be no more than 15, an increase indicates the presence of inflammation;
the presence of candida, trichomonas, gonococci - these pathogens can be detected during a routine examination under microscope magnification;
microflora - normally should be rod (lactic acid bacteria), a borderline variant - mixed, undesirable - coccal;
epithelial cells are normally in small numbers.

When collecting smears for oncocytology from the cervical canal, the interpretation is different. The results reflect the following:

there are inflammatory changes;
cells with varying degrees of dysplasia were found;
Trichomonas and some other microorganisms can be detected.

Determination of acidity (pH) of vaginal discharge

The normal pH level of the vagina is between 3.8 and 4.5.

pH determination is carried out using indicator paper. In women who are bothered by unusual discharge, an increase in pH above 5 may be one of the signs of bacterial vaginosis

,
trichomoniasis
,
aerobic vaginitis, atrophic vaginitis
or
vaginitis
associated
with Streptococcus pyogenes.
On the other hand, maintaining a pH below 5 supports the diagnosis of candidiasis

In women who do not have unusual discharge, pH testing is of no value.

Norms of blood parameters on critical days

As you can see, donating blood during menstruation has its own characteristics. If there is still a need for laboratory examination during the period of bleeding, the following indicators will be considered normal:

the number of leukocytes varies from 3.5 to 10 thousand/1 ml;
the red blood cell count ranges from 3.8 to 5.8 million/1 ml;
hemoglobin level within 120-160 g/l;
color index from 0.85 to 1.05;
hematocrit is normal from 35% to 45%; if the red blood cell mass is increased, this ratio becomes larger.

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) test based on vaginal discharge

The CON test is only performed in women who are concerned about unusual discharge or in women for whom the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis may be important.

The essence of this test is that a drop of 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution is added to a small amount of discharge collected during a vaginal smear.

The appearance of a characteristic “fishy” odor is considered a positive result (positive whiff test, positive amine test) and is another possible sign of bacterial vaginosis.

Purpose of the study

The study of flora may be one of the stages of the examination. If abnormalities are detected, the doctor, if necessary, sends the patient for further diagnostics. If the picture of the disease is clear, treatment is prescribed. A smear on the flora during menstruation allows you to determine many indicators:

Leukocytes. Their number increases if there is an inflammatory process.
Epithelium. Exceeding the norm can be caused by hormonal imbalance or inflammation.
Yeast mushrooms. Should be absent if the patient does not have candidiasis.
Gram-negative rods. Pathological flora.
Gram-positive rods. Normally they are found only in the vagina and are responsible for immunity. A decrease in their number indicates dysbacteriosis.
Gonococci are the causative agents of gonorrhea, which can lead to joint disease and infertility.
Trichomonas - left untreated, trichomoniasis can cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
Chlamydia is one of the most common causes of miscarriage and infertility in women.

https://youtu.be/YrL7KCF4iw4

Bacteriological smear of vaginal discharge

Bacteriological smear (syn. flora smear, microscopic examination, bacterioscopy) consists of studying samples of vaginal discharge under a microscope. Prior to examination, excretory samples may be stained, treated with saline or KOH solution.

The purpose of bacteriological analysis is to evaluate the following indicators:

External form of the dominant types of bacteria present in the secretions

The vaginal cavity is non-sterile and is inhabited by a wide variety of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) called vaginal microflora

Examination of a sample of discharge under a microscope allows one to form only a generalized idea of the composition of the vaginal microflora and is of value in the diagnosis of conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis

and
aerobic vaginitis
.

In almost half of all women of reproductive age, the main form of bacteria inhabiting the vagina is various types of Lactobacilli (Doderlein bacilli, Lactobacillus, L.
Crispatus
,
L. Jensenii
, etc.).

According to research results, compared to women whose vaginal microflora consists predominantly of Lactobacilli, women who have fewer or no Lactobacilli in the vagina are more likely to develop various gynecological problems, in particular, they:

Unusual discharge is somewhat more common,
Premature births are more common
Endometritis often develops after childbirth or after an abortion.

In this regard, flora consisting predominantly of Lactobacilli is considered “normal”.

The need for a gynecological examination may arise during menstruation. One of its important stages is the study of the microflora of the genital tract. But is it possible to take a smear test during your period? Will the results of the analysis be reliable if it is carried out at this time?

Taking a smear completes any examination by a gynecologist, especially if there are complaints about your health. In order for the results of a laboratory study to correspond to the real picture, it is important not only to correctly select the period of the cycle in which it is carried out, but also to be ready to submit the material. The latter represents cells of the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix. Sometimes a specialist is also interested in the composition of the microflora of the urethra.

What to do to obtain a reliable analysis result:

Choose the right time for it. There is no doubt about whether it is worth taking a smear test for flora after your period. These are the optimal times when its composition is almost unaffected by the immune system. The body's defenses are currently weakened, so pathogenic microbes and bacteria receive ideal conditions for reproduction. Their increased quantity and composition are now easiest to determine.
2 - 3 days before the test you should refrain from vaginal sex. This is necessary to keep the vaginal microflora intact.
You must stop taking medications in any form for at least a week before taking the test. They can briefly change the microflora, so the analysis result will be incorrect. The effect of antibiotics is especially pronounced.
5 - 7 days before the test, you need to stop douching. The procedure helps to wash out mucous particles along with microorganisms from the vagina and cervix. That is, the result will be inconsistent with reality.
You should wash before taking a smear the night before, not in the morning. And for hygiene procedures it is better not to use shower gel or soap.
A couple of hours before medical procedures you should not urinate. This will help keep the local flora as it is.
If you suspect an infection the night before, you can have dinner with something salty or smoked, and you can take a little alcohol. This food helps activate microflora and acts as a provocateur. And during the study it will be easier to determine the composition of the bacteria.

The procedure for taking a smear is simple and painless. But if you know how it happens, it’s easier to figure out why you shouldn’t do it on critical days. The analysis consists of the following stages:

the woman sits in a gynecological chair, having previously exposed the lower half of her body;
the doctor inserts a special speculum into the vagina to see where to take material for analysis;
With a special tool, the doctor separates the cells of the vaginal mucosa and cervix and places them on laboratory glasses;
the material is transferred to specialists for study.

The amount of tissue taken for examination is very small, although some feel slight discomfort for a short time.

The procedure goes quite quickly. But this is only if nothing bothers her. That’s why the question arises: how long after your period can you take a smear test? It is important that its taking is not hampered by the discharge that still occurs immediately after it.

The need to take a microflora test on certain days is caused by several factors:

Inability to prepare for research.
If you take cells from the mucous membrane during menstruation, it is impossible to meet some conditions. It is impossible not to wash in the morning on the day of the test, and even without using gel. Some women at this time cannot do without painkillers, which is prohibited before taking the test.
Difficulties in collecting material.
First of all, discharge interferes with this. The doctor practically does not see where he takes the material from. The same circumstance determines whether it is possible to take a smear before menstruation. Shortly before them, the secretory function of the vagina and cervix is activated, so there is also a lot of mucus in the genital tract. And this can complicate the procedure. But still, transparent discharge does not interfere with the doctor’s ability to see the work space, so analysis is acceptable during this period. Moreover, if you take a smear before your period, this will provide expanded information about the microflora. After all, it is customary to study it at different periods of the cycle, especially when there is doubt about the diagnosis.
Incorrectness of the obtained result.
On critical days, it is inevitable that blood will be mixed with the smear. This not only makes it difficult to study the material in the laboratory, but can lead to a false diagnosis.

When does it become necessary to take a smear?

Almost every time you visit a specialist, you need to take a smear for flora. This is done for preventive purposes, since most diseases do not manifest themselves in any way at the initial stage. Patients, as a rule, are interested in what indications it is recommended to take a smear so that its results are accurate. The procedure time is set by the doctor; it is always different and is directly related to the patient’s complaints. In private clinics, you can undergo vaginal microflora examination an unlimited number of times, if desired.

The need to take an analysis arises under the following circumstances:

Pregnancy. In this case, the procedure is carried out repeatedly. After all, in order to control the development of the fetus, you need to know about the state of the reproductive organs. With any inflammation or bacterial infection, pathology and termination of pregnancy are possible.
Strange discharge. If they have a non-standard color (brown, yellow, green), have changed their structure (become cheesy or thick), or acquired an unpleasant odor, it is necessary to take a smear for infection.
Burning or pain in the perineal area. This may indicate the development of the disease.
Problems with menstruation. Then the patient will not just have a smear taken, but will be given a referral for a pelvic ultrasound and a blood test, since the source of the disorder must be established.
Preparing to conceive a child. It is advisable to cure inflammation and other pathologies before pregnancy, then the chances of bearing a child will increase.
Long-term use of medications, for example, antibiotics and contraceptives. Some of them destroy female microflora. When completing the treatment course, you need to take an analysis to detect failures in a timely manner.
Change of partner. The risk of infections increases if a woman has had more than 1 partner in a year.

When should you take a smear test for infections?

But if there is no urgency in conducting an examination, what day after your period should you take a smear? It is best to do this 2 - 3 days after their final completion. This time is optimal for two reasons:

there is a minimal amount of natural mucous discharge during this period, nothing will interfere with the procedure;
immunity has not yet recovered, and identifying the composition of microorganisms will be more accurate and easier.

When to take a smear after menstruation also depends on your overall health. A disease not related to the field of gynecology will require waiting until recovery. After all, it also affects the microflora, making it difficult to draw the right conclusion based on the analysis.

It's no secret that girls carefully prepare for a visit to the gynecological office. Knowing that the doctor will take a smear from her, the patient finds out the hygiene requirements in advance. Women stop taking antibacterial drugs and painkillers. The specialist does not advise a woman to go to him for examination on “special” days if there are no ailments. But sometimes menstrual flow is not an obstacle to studying the vaginal microflora. It won’t hurt you to figure out in which cases a trip to the doctor should be postponed “until better times.”

Why is collecting cells from intimate areas so important?

When you visit a women's doctor, you know that the examination will end with a smear. A scraping taken from the patient’s mucous membranes allows the gynecologist to obtain accurate information about the state of the microflora in its “hidden corners.” The procedure for taking a smear is simple. The doctor inserts a miniature speculum into the patient's vagina. Not all ladies and young ladies know whether a gynecologist can take a smear during menstruation. Using a special spatula, the gynecologist collects cells from the cervix and vagina. In some cases, it becomes necessary to take a scraping from the urethra. This material is placed on special laboratory glasses. Cell research will be carried out by specialists in a laboratory setting.

Some patients feel slight discomfort during the procedure. Most often, painful sensations in delicate areas indicate an inflammatory process.

A smear is necessary if the following events have occurred in a woman’s life:

pregnancy;
the appearance of a new sexual partner;
long-term treatment with antibiotics;
delay of menstruation;
discomfort and burning sensation in the perineum.

How is a smear taken?

the woman sits in a gynecological chair, having previously exposed the lower half of her body;
the doctor inserts a special speculum into the vagina to see where to take material for analysis;
With a special tool, the doctor separates the cells of the vaginal mucosa and cervix and places them on laboratory glasses;
the material is transferred to specialists for study.

The amount of tissue taken for examination is very small, although some feel slight discomfort for a short time.

How is a smear taken?

Any deviations are a reason for diagnosis

A woman may suspect that her genitourinary system is not in order if she has discharge of an unusual color. The patient may also be alerted by itching and soreness “there”. If possible, schedule a visit with your doctor the day after your period ends. This is a good time for research. The body's immune forces have almost no effect on the composition of the microflora of your vagina.

A gynecological smear will help you find out what diseases are preventing you from living in peace. If the doctor detects increased acidity in the vaginal environment, most likely you are suffering from thrush. The presence of chlamydia in a smear will “tell” the gynecologist that you are developing chlamydia. The sooner you recover from this infectious disease, the fewer problems you will have in the future.

Girls often ask if it is possible to take smears during menstruation. Experts advise postponing the collection of biological material if there are no “female-like” ailments. It is better to carry out a routine examination two to three days after the end of menstrual flow.

Useful video

Watch this video about how to take a smear for a woman’s flora:

https://youtu.be/N_VtTK7ctj8

Not all tests can be taken during menstruation. For example, general blood tests and cervical smears will be uninformative. It is also undesirable to conduct an ultrasound in the first 5 days.

It happens that after an examination by a gynecologist, a woman discovers bloody discharge in her underwear. The reasons for their appearance can be either completely harmless (for example, when taking a smear from the cervix, pregnancy), or indicate a disease.

Young girls are often unsure whether they can go to the gynecologist during their periods. The doctors themselves recommend postponing the visit, since the examination will be of little use. But there are situations in which the appointment should not be postponed under any circumstances.

An unpleasant odor during menstruation can occur due to non-compliance with hygiene rules, the peculiarities of the sebaceous glands, and due to diseases.

Each woman had to undergo a gynecological smear procedure. Using this analysis, you can promptly detect dangerous pathologies and get an idea of the vaginal microflora. Therefore, it is recommended to visit a specialist every year, even if there are no unpleasant symptoms. For the correct result of the study, it is necessary to choose the right period for collecting the material. Therefore, it is important to know whether you can take a smear test during your period.

Menstruation “confuses the cards”...

Specialists explain in detail to the young ladies the nuances of preparing for the examination. You should stop taking strong medications five days before your “date” with the gynecologist. Two days before the medical examination, you need to refrain from intimate contact.

Doctors advise girls to wash themselves six to seven hours before visiting the gynecological office. Ideally, all hygiene procedures should be completed in the evening, on the eve of collecting biological material. It is advisable to wash without using gel, using only water.

During the period of menstrual flow, a visit to the gynecological office is undesirable.

Let us remind you what menstrual blood interferes with:

it is more difficult for the patient to comply with the preparation rules. A woman who has started her menstrual period will find it difficult not to wash herself for a long time;
the gynecologist has difficulty seeing where the smear is taken from;
the presence of blood may distort test results.

Preparation for the procedure

It should be taken into account that a gynecological smear includes examination of material from the vagina, cervical canal, and in some cases, the urethra.

If a woman has planned a visit to the gynecologist, she should adhere to some preparation rules so that the result is as informative as possible.

Before the smear, it is recommended to wash your face the night before so as not to “smear” the result under the influence of intimate hygiene products.
It is better to refrain from depilation and do it a couple of days before the procedure.
It is advisable to avoid using daily pads.
Refrain from vaginal sex a day, or better yet, two days before the examination.
If material is collected from the urethra, do not urinate for an hour before examination.
Stop taking medications 7, or preferably 10 days before sampling. If you cannot stop taking certain medications, tell your gynecologist that you are being treated with certain medications at the time of the study.
On the recommendation of the gynecologist on the eve of the examination, you can perform a so-called food challenge for infections. This means that after consuming alcohol, smoked meats, and pickles, the pathological microflora is activated and is displayed as a sharply positive result in a smear. To provoke gonorrhea, gonovaccine is sometimes used; it is administered intramuscularly a day before the examination.

In what cases is menstruation not an obstacle to examination?

If you planned to take a smear during a routine examination, your period will not make you happy. But you are unlikely to get upset either. Girls who find themselves in a delicate situation reschedule their visit to the female doctor until another day. But when a woman is bothered by sharp pain in the vagina, it is unreasonable to wait for the “right moment”.

Let us remind you what ailments become a reason for urgently taking a smear from a woman:

the appearance of foul-smelling discharge;
prolonged menstrual bleeding;
increased body temperature;
discharge of an alarming color. Yellow or green mucus indicates the development of a pathological process in the genitourinary area;
strong feeling of burning, cutting in delicate areas.

As you already understand, in some cases, menstruation is not an obstacle to collecting cells from intimate places. When going to an appointment with a female doctor, take a diaper with you. She will need to be placed on a gynecological chair. Before the procedure, try not to urinate for an hour and a half. If this condition is met, the doctor will be able to obtain more reliable information about your microflora.

Taking smears during menstruation

Gynecologists believe that there is no period when it would be impossible to get tested during an examination. It is best to donate biological material 2-3 days after the bleeding stops. But there are situations that cannot be delayed:

prolonged menstrual bleeding;
admixture of pus in vaginal mucus;
foul-smelling discharge;
pain in the genitals.

These factors are a threat to a woman’s health, and if they are present, the examination will take place in any case. Also, some diagnostic schemes involve taking a smear daily, regardless of the day of the cycle. During menstruation, you can see the dynamics of the disease or identify the presence of pathogenic bacteria.

When taking a smear test during your period, you should be prepared for the procedure to take longer than usual. A diaper must be placed on the gynecological chair.

If you monitor your health and pay attention to changes in the body in a timely manner, you can prevent the development of dangerous complications. If for medical reasons it is possible to have a smear test during your period, the procedure should not be delayed. Bleeding will not interfere with material collection.

How to give a smear for PCR

PCR analysis is designed to identify hidden infections of the genitourinary system. The method is based on a polymer chain reaction. Pathogenic microorganisms are often the main cause of infertility. Testing for infections can be carried out on critical days.

Medicine uses a trick: the doctor advises the patient on the eve of the study to have a salty or smoked dinner. You can eat some pickled vegetables and drink a glass of wine. Spicy and smoked foods will act as “bait” for bacteria. Having succumbed to provocation, microorganisms will demonstrate increased activity. This means that a study of the vaginal microflora can easily determine the type of bacteria. Having received information about the causative agent of the infection, the gynecologist will select medications for you to eliminate it.

Compromise option

If you are going to have a smear test during your period, you should be prepared that the examination procedure will take longer than it did before. If the test reveals an infection, your doctor will recommend antibacterial drugs. To clarify the diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe an ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries.

If the “menstrual” smear does not seem informative enough to the doctor, the gynecologist will advise you to come for an examination after the end of the discharge.

A gynecological examination of a woman always ends with a smear. A common painless procedure that does not require special preparation. A woman goes to the doctor for various reasons. Some need an entry in their medical records, others to get an appointment with the right doctor, and others to find out pathologies of the reproductive system. Among women, the question often arises: is it possible to take a smear for flora, a test for a health certificate during menstruation. Yes and no. Depending on the reason for visiting a doctor.

The vaginal microflora in a healthy woman is saturated with lactic bacteria, which form a moderate acidic environment. Under the influence of unfavorable factors, immunity decreases and the number of pathogens that cause various diseases increases. A disease or pathological process in the reproductive system can be determined by analyzing vaginal discharge. For example, an extremely acidic vaginal environment indicates the presence of thrush, an alkaline environment indicates inflammation of the cervix and mucous membrane. During menstruation, the microflora changes somewhat. And the presence of blood in a woman prevents obtaining a reliable analysis. The doctor takes a gynecological smear from the walls of the mucous membrane. During menstruation it is impossible to do this without blood. The result will not be reliable. In any case, you will have to retake the test after the end of menstruation. A woman is examined if she has complaints, in order to prevent gynecological diseases.

Do they take a smear during menstruation?

The procedure is carried out only if there is no time to wait for the end of menstruation.
The differences are that there is no preparation before taking a smear during menstruation, and the procedure will take longer. Sometimes the doctor simply does not see where the material needs to be taken from. A smear can be taken during menstruation when the analysis must be carried out urgently. There are situations in which minor deviations from the truth do not play a role, and postponing the procedure is dangerous for the patient’s health.

The main thing is to follow a number of rules for preparing for examination during menstruation:

Skip washing before testing.
Check that there is a diaper so as not to stain the chair.
Do not forget about the standard preparation for a smear.

Every woman had to undergo a gynecological smear. This procedure allows you to identify various gynecological and sexually transmitted diseases and determine the microflora of the vagina. This is a fairly simple, quick and inexpensive way to monitor the condition of the genitourinary system. Every woman is recommended to have a pap smear every year, even in the absence of unpleasant symptoms.

A gynecological smear is an effective method for examining the condition of the female reproductive system.

A gynecological smear is given at almost every examination by a gynecologist. Often a smear is given for prevention, since many diseases are asymptomatic in the initial stages.

Many women are interested in when is the best time to take a smear so that it is reliable, and whether it is possible to take a smear during menstruation.

The timing of the smear is prescribed by the doctor; they are individual and depend on the specific disease: in some cases, smears are taken at any time, others require a specific day of the cycle.

A woman can take a smear test at a paid clinic at any time she wishes to check her health.

A doctor prescribes a smear in the following cases:

Pregnancy. During pregnancy, a smear of the flora is taken several times. This is necessary to check the condition of the woman’s reproductive system and to control pregnancy. Any bacterial, inflammatory disease can lead to impaired fetal development and termination of pregnancy.
Unusual discharge. It is recommended to undergo a gynecological smear if the discharge has an unusual color (yellow, green, brown), consistency (thick, curdled) or has acquired a pungent odor.
Itching, burning and pain in the perineum. The presence of itching and burning in the perineum may indicate the presence of an infectious, inflammatory disease. These signs require immediate investigation.
Menstrual irregularities. For various menstrual cycle disorders, a woman is recommended to undergo a full examination: donate blood, a smear, and have an ultrasound of the pelvic organs to identify the cause of the disorders.
Pregnancy planning. At the planning stage, a smear is necessary, as it allows you to detect disorders and inflammations in time and treat them even before the moment of conception, which increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Long-term use of drugs. Some drugs can disrupt the vaginal microflora. These drugs include oral contraceptives and antibiotics. After completing the course of treatment, it is recommended to take a smear in order to promptly detect and treat disturbances in the microflora.
Change of partner. If a woman has changed her partner or has had more than 1 partner over the past year and has not visited a gynecologist, it is advisable to take a smear test for flora.

Only a doctor can set the correct date for taking a smear

As mentioned above, the timing of a smear test varies from person to person. If taking a smear is not possible at the moment, the doctor will prescribe another time. Usually, a smear for prevention is taken immediately when visiting a gynecologist, without taking into account the cycle. If irregularities are detected, the next smear may be prescribed taking into account the cycle and course of treatment.

There are several types of smears: vaginal, cervical, urethral. Usually they are taken simultaneously:

It is believed that the optimal time for taking a gynecological smear is 7-10 days after the start of menstruation, that is, 2-3 days after the end of bleeding.
During menstruation, the smear is not taken, as bloody discharge can blur the picture. In some cases, this is possible, for example, if a woman needs to undergo smear tests on an ongoing basis to check for bacterial growth and disease development. During menstruation, a smear is taken if a woman has urgent complaints, pain and discomfort that require immediate examination.
Sometimes a woman's bleeding does not stop for a long time. In this case, a smear is also taken at any time, since it is necessary to determine the cause of uterine bleeding.
If the first smear reveals abnormalities, a course of treatment is prescribed. After completing treatment, a woman is recommended to wait until her period and take a smear on days 7-10 of the cycle.
During pregnancy, a smear test is taken at any time when necessary.
The timing of the smear test is affected by the use of various medications. It is not recommended to take a swab from the vagina and urethra while taking antibacterial drugs.

Despite the possibility of taking a smear during menstrual periods, one should not forget that such an analysis will have its own difficulties.

For example, before a smear it is recommended not to wash yourself with soap, but during menstruation this is impossible, especially if the discharge is heavy.

Using sanitary wet wipes will also ruin the result.

When taking a smear, due to the discharge, the doctor practically cannot see where exactly he is taking the material from. Blood invariably gets into the smear, so the result may be unreliable. However, when identifying bacteria and PCR analysis, menstruation does not affect the result in any way.

Often a smear is taken when visiting a gynecologist as a preventative check. In this case, there can be no preparation. If the smear is planned, the doctor will definitely warn you about the preparation methods.

Preparation affects the reliability of the result. The procedure itself is quite painless, the sensations can be compared to unpleasant. If severe pain is felt, this is due to the presence of inflammation, but not the smear procedure itself.

Basic recommendations:

A day or two before taking a smear, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse.
Before going to the doctor, it is not recommended to wash yourself with soap. This can be done in the evening. Harsh cleansers can disrupt vaginal flora. In addition, it is not advisable to use panty liners.
On the day of the smear test and the day before, it is not recommended to insert vaginal suppositories, use ointments and intimate lubricants.
If a smear is submitted for PCR, that is, to determine infections, it is recommended to provoke them. The day before the test, you need to eat smoked, salty, spicy food, which will help identify hidden infections.
It is not advisable to shave your bikini area on the day of visiting the doctor. Immediately after shaving, slight swelling, redness, inflammation, and scratches form, which can affect the result. It is best to do hair removal a day or two before visiting the gynecological office.

A vaginal smear is taken quickly and painlessly. The woman sits on a chair, and the doctor uses a speculum and a disposable spatula to take a little mucus from the vagina. The woman may not feel anything.

A smear from the cervical canal is accompanied by more unpleasant sensations.

The cervical canal is located close to the uterus, so taking a smear from this part is somewhat more difficult. Typically, this smear is necessary to determine cervical pathologies and the presence of cancer cells. A smear is also taken using gynecological speculum and a spatula.

A smear from the urethra is taken using a thin hook-shaped spatula. This procedure is unpleasant, but not painful. A burning sensation may be felt for some time after taking a smear. It is not recommended to urinate an hour before a urethral smear.

The smear has 4 degrees of purity. A smear of the first degree of purity is considered ideal. All indicators are normal. A smear of the fourth degree of purity indicates that the disease is already advanced, an inflammatory process is present and it is necessary to urgently begin treatment.

A gynecological smear includes many indicators, but their norm varies depending on the presence of pregnancy or menopause in a woman:

Leukocytes. These cells indicate the presence of inflammation. They can be present both in the vagina and in the cervical canal, urethra, but in small quantities.
Epithelium. Epithelial cells are present in any smear, but in moderate quantities. If the amount of epithelium is large, this indicates either an inflammatory process or hormonal disorders.
Gram-positive rods. They should only be present in the vagina. The more there are, the better. They are responsible for vaginal immunity. But a reduced amount of sticks indicates inflammation or dysbiosis of the vagina.
Gram-negative rods. These rods are absent in a healthy body. Their presence indicates inflammation or microflora imbalance.
Yeast mushrooms. Mushrooms should be absent from the smear. Their presence indicates candidiasis, or thrush.
Gonococci. These are gonorrhea pathogens, the presence of which in the body is very undesirable. Gonorrhea causes unusual discharge, pain in the perineum and urethra, discomfort during sexual intercourse, and can also lead to infertility and joint diseases.
Trichomonas. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease. The presence of any number of trichomonas in a smear indicates trichomoniasis. This disease does not often lead to complications, but in its advanced form it can cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
Chlamydia. Chlamydia should also be absent in the smear. Chlamydia is one of the most common causes of female infertility and can also lead to miscarriages during pregnancy.

A flora smear is often the first stage of examination. If abnormalities are found in the smear, then further examination is prescribed. In some cases, a gynecological smear is enough to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Analysis for health insurance during menstruation

To obtain reliable results regarding the microflora of a woman’s vagina, it is necessary to take an analysis when she is not menstruating. Regardless of why it is needed. In some cases, the doctor makes an exception if a woman urgently needs help from another specialist, but the gynecological examination was performed more than 6 months ago. Several days are allocated for the medical examination, and they may coincide with menstruation. The problem is solved mainly in two ways:

It's no secret that an entry in the health record can be made without a gynecological smear at all, for a fee. That's how it happens with us. Therefore, having menstruation is not a big problem. During and before menstruation, a smear is taken from the woman.

Ultrasound examination during menstruation

Using ultrasound, you can find out about many diseases at an early stage.
Such a study has virtually no contraindications. And besides, it is an accessible method for studying diseases. Ultrasound is completely safe for the patient. But the question arises: is it possible to do an ultrasound during menstruation? And if yes, then on what day should I do a pelvic ultrasound? In emergency cases, such a study in gynecology is considered the most informative. It is very important to know that the results of the study depend on the qualifications of the specialist and on the equipment itself. A good specialist will tell you when to do a pelvic ultrasound: before or after your period, or during it.

When is the best time to perform an ultrasound examination?

Examination by a gynecologist for prevention

For prevention, a woman needs to be examined by a gynecologist. This also applies to pelvic ultrasound, which is recommended to be performed every two years. This study is carried out after menstruation on days 5-7 of the cycle. It will be difficult to detect pathology in the uterine cavity if an ultrasound is performed closer to the onset of the critical days. You can make a mistake with the diagnosis by mistaking normal endometrial growth for a polyp or hyperplasia. From the middle of the cycle, functional formations on the ovaries can be mistaken for cysts.

Many people want to know whether it is possible to do a pelvic ultrasound during menstruation if the discharge continues on the 7th day. On such days, an ultrasound can be done if the discharge is residual.

To detect pregnancy

The reason for examining the pelvis during menstruation is its pathological nature, which mainly indicates pregnancy. The discharge is scanty, red or brown, and can last from two days to several weeks. Such discharge can occur when there is a threat to a normal pregnancy or during an ectopic pregnancy.

Suspicion of endometriosis

If you suspect endometriosis, you should do an ultrasound before your period. These days, it is possible to identify endometriotic ovarian cysts and the location of the lesions. Symptoms with which people consult a gynecologist for endometriosis:

Constant spotting brown discharge before and after menstruation;
Periodic pain in the lower abdomen.

Ultrasound should not be postponed in the following cases:

Suspicion of pregnancy with a short term, accompanied by bloody discharge (with clots, spotting, irregular)
Suspicion of ectopic pregnancy
Bleeding during menopause
For acute pain in the lower abdomen
For pelvic inflammatory diseases.

Analysis on the last day of menstruation

A gynecological examination on the last day of menstruation can be carried out, but the results of the analysis will be interpreted taking into account the presence of blood in the woman.

Why is it not recommended to take a smear during menstruation at this time? The microflora of the vagina after the end of menstruation remains far from normal. The smear shows an increased number of microorganisms that are considered pathogenic. A woman’s complaints are taken into account when visiting a doctor.

During menstruation, a smear is taken from the woman if menstruation is causing concern. It's not going as usual. Heavy or scanty discharge that lasts more than 7 days.

How many days after menstruation can you get tested?

The optimal period when a woman should have a gynecological smear is 5 days after the end of menstruation. At worst, after 3 days. The vaginal microflora returns to normal within a few days. To get a reliable picture, the doctor takes a smear without menstrual blood.

The analysis must be carried out in accordance with the general requirements:

the woman should carry out the washing procedure;
a few days before the examination you should stop taking medications;
It is not recommended to have sex 1–2 days before the test.

They do not wait for a favorable time for a gynecological examination in case of serious health problems. If there is bleeding, the doctor can also take a smear and send it for an ultrasound. During menstruation, a smear is taken if the situation requires it.

It is necessary to consult a doctor in a gynecological office every time the menstrual cycle causes concern.
The doctor will decide when to examine a woman and take a test. Facebook

On what day of the cycle is it better to take a smear test?

A woman must protect her feminine health and for this she needs to visit a gynecologist at least once a year. Often it is during such “routine” examinations that infectious processes or inflammatory diseases are revealed that the woman was not even aware of. Many gynecological diseases are hidden, are asymptomatic and are not always accompanied by pathological vaginal discharge. It is the result of the analysis of a vaginal smear or cervical smear that will help prevent the development of the disease from the initial stage.

Each examination of a woman by a gynecologist ends with a smear taken for bacteriological examination.

A flora smear (vaginal smear) is the most common analysis in gynecological practice. The doctor makes a painless scraping from the mucous surface of the vagina or cervical canal. Based on the results of the analysis, the following is determined:

the presence of fungi or other infection in the woman’s genital area, the number of leukocytes, if the result exceeds the norm, this indicates the presence of infection. The analysis determines the causative agent of the infection.
state of the vaginal environment. A woman’s vaginal microflora contains lactobacilli, which determine the acidic environment in the vagina. It creates obstacles for the proliferation of pathogenic organisms. Disruption of microflora can occur with diseases such as thrush, bacterial vaginosis, vaginitis.

A Papanicolaou smear (cervical smear) is an important test for identifying cancer of the uterus. During an internal gynecological examination, the doctor scrapes the deeper layers of cells in the cervix. This analysis helps to more accurately determine:

the condition of the cells lining the surface of the cervical canal. An accessible and painless method allows you to identify cervical cancer at the initial stage and eliminate the risk of further development of the disease
presence of human papillomavirus in the reproductive system

A woman should plan a visit to the gynecologist in advance, taking into account her menstrual cycle. The most favorable time for examination is the second week after the start of menstruation.

Usually, during menstruation, the doctor does not examine a woman or take a smear for examination. During this period, it is difficult for the doctor to assess the state of the vaginal microflora.

But it happens that a woman simply needs an examination. The doctor conducts an examination and takes a smear for analysis when:

The woman had health problems and they coincided with her period. This can happen during a rapidly developing inflammatory process. This is especially necessary when menstruation is late and it is necessary to prevent large blood losses.
A woman has certain diseases for which a smear is taken daily during menstruation, regardless of the amount of discharge. During menstruation, a favorable environment is created for bacteria, and they actively develop. It is during this period that one can observe the dynamics of the development of the disease or identify the presence of a certain type of bacteria.

If there are unfavorable factors that threaten a woman’s health, the gynecologist will conduct an examination in any situation. The doctor will carefully examine you, take a smear for analysis and, if necessary, send you for an ultrasound.

The best option for examination is to visit a doctor 6-7 days after the cessation of menstruation. What a woman needs to know when going for a gynecological examination:

a day before the expected gynecological consultation, abstain from sexual activity
take a shower before visiting a doctor, but do not douche, as the doctor needs to get a picture of the real state of vaginal discharge and take a smear for analysis
two days before your doctor’s appointment, do not take antibiotics or hormonal medications. If this was necessary, then such information should be provided to the doctor. Sometimes, to obtain the correct results, the test is taken two weeks after the woman’s treatment.
Do not shave your pubic hair. Irritation may begin and it will be difficult for the doctor to assess the real situation.

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A woman must be examined by a gynecologist if she experiences vaginal discharge, bleeding outside the cycle, prolonged bleeding during the cycle, pain in the lower abdomen or delayed menstruation.

When choosing a contraceptive method, it would also be a good idea to consult a doctor. He will help a woman choose the option of protection against unwanted pregnancy that suits her best.

A woman will need to consult a professional before planning to conceive. A timely examination will help to avoid complications and unpleasant moments during pregnancy.

Specialists explain in detail to the young ladies the nuances of preparing for the examination. You should stop taking strong medications five days before your “date” with the gynecologist. Two days before the medical examination, you need to refrain from intimate contact.

During the period of menstrual flow, a visit to the gynecological office is undesirable.

Let us remind you what menstrual blood interferes with:

it is more difficult for the patient to comply with the preparation rules. A woman who has started her menstrual period will find it difficult not to wash herself for a long time;
the gynecologist has difficulty seeing where the smear is taken from;
the presence of blood may distort test results.

A gynecological examination on the last day of menstruation can be carried out, but the results of the analysis will be interpreted taking into account the presence of blood in the woman.

During menstruation, a smear is taken from the woman if menstruation is causing concern. It's not going as usual. Heavy or scanty discharge that lasts more than 7 days.

The optimal period when a woman should have a gynecological smear is 5 days after the end of menstruation. At worst, after 3 days. The vaginal microflora returns to normal within a few days. To get a reliable picture, the doctor takes a smear without menstrual blood.

The analysis must be carried out in accordance with the general requirements:

the woman should carry out the washing procedure;
a few days before the examination you should stop taking medications;
It is not recommended to have sex 1–2 days before the test.

It is necessary to consult a doctor in a gynecological office every time the menstrual cycle causes concern. The doctor will decide when to examine a woman and take a test.

A woman must protect her feminine health and for this she needs to visit a gynecologist at least once a year. Often it is during such “routine” examinations that infectious processes or inflammatory diseases are revealed that the woman was not even aware of. Many gynecological diseases are hidden, are asymptomatic and are not always accompanied by pathological vaginal discharge. It is the result of the analysis of a vaginal smear that will help prevent the development of the disease from the initial stage.

in any case, there will be an increased number of leukocytes in the vagina, so the results may indicate false inflammation;
instead of epithelial cells, when taking smears from the cervix, you can simply take secretions, this way you can even miss cervical cancer in the initial stages and, even more so, milder diseases;
When examined by a doctor, due to the abundance of discharge (if it is the second or third day of menstruation), visibility is impaired, which also reduces the information content of the study.

Even if a woman has some kind of inflammatory process in the vagina, mixed with menstrual discharge, pathogens are more difficult to identify. Moreover, many in this case carry out intensive hygiene measures in the morning, including douching, which is not recommended.

Theoretically, a smear from the vagina and even from the cervix can be taken if menstruation has just begun, it has almost ended and only minor spotting remains. However, even in these cases, the reliability of such studies is reduced.

It is better to undergo examination by a gynecologist when no discharge bothers you. In principle, the day of the cycle is not of fundamental importance.

However, ideally it gives up if a woman comes back two or three days after her menstruation has completely ended.

At this time, it is possible to most clearly carry out not only the examination of the pelvic organs itself, but also a gynecological ultrasound, as well as smear collection.

How to prepare for a visit to the gynecologist:

The optimal time is the beginning and middle of the cycle. It is better to make an appointment with a doctor when no additional discharge will interfere with the examination. It is necessary to wait until the end of menstruation.
Within a day or two, you should give up intimate relationships. This is necessary for the research to be reliable. In addition, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections right before the examination may not be detected due to incomplete activation of microbes and their still small number in the woman’s genital tract.
Vaginal use of medications and douching should be avoided.
It is better to carry out hygiene measures the evening before, rather than in the morning. This way the doctor will be able to assess the nature of the discharge.
It is recommended not to urinate for two to three hours. A stream of urine can wash away some of the discharge, especially from the urethra.
If you suspect sexually transmitted infections, a woman can independently increase the likelihood of their detection - the day before, include salty, smoked, and spicy foods in her diet.