Assessment of vaginal cleanliness

Evaluation of vaginal cleanliness - what is it?

When estrogen, the female sex hormone, is secreted in women of reproductive age, the vaginal epithelial cells contain glycogen. The vaginal flora (especially Lactobacillus bacteria ) convert it to lactic acid, which maintains an acidic pH , and also releases hydrogen peroxide. All these processes prevent the development of pathogenic bacteria (aerobic and anaerobic), protozoa and fungi.

In addition to Lactobacillus, a small number of aerobic bacteria appear in the normal vaginal secretion, it is also possible to carry microorganisms normally present in the digestive system in the genital tract, e.g. Streptococcus agalactiae , which may pose a risk of infecting the baby through transmission at birth.

Any change in vaginal conditions (favored by changes in pH , temperature, hormone levels, insufficient hygiene, immunodeficiency, use of antibiotics, intrauterine devices, diabetes, multiple sexual partners) can lead to the development of vulvovaginal infections.

Vulvovaginitis can be caused by specific microorganisms that are not normally present in the genital tract (Candida fungi, Trichomonas vaginalis, HPV) or caused by the proliferation of the physiological flora of the vagina (increase in the number of anaerobic bacteria Bacterioides , Prevotella , Gardenella vaginalis in favor of lactobacilli Lactobacillus ). This infection is called vaginosis and occurs even in teenage girls who have not started sexual intercourse. Other causes of vulvovaginitis are diseases caused by sexually transmitted bacteria: Neisseria gonorrhoeae , Candida trachomatis or Streptococcus pyogenes .

Evaluation of the degree of vaginal purity consists in assessing the bacterial flora in the material taken from the vagina. Evaluation of the degree of vaginal cleanliness allows to detect the ongoing infection and implement treatment.

Evaluation of vaginal cleanliness - when to perform?

The test is performed for differential diagnosis of the causes of genital infections in women. The material for the test is collected during a gynecological visit, which can be supplemented with a pH measurement in the vagina and a smell test - adding KOH to a sample of vaginal discharge and releasing a fishy smell indicates an infection. Evaluation of the degree of vaginal cleanliness is also recommended as a follow-up after treatment of an intimate infection in order to assess its effectiveness.

The test is also performed for preventive purposes, three times during pregnancy. Untreated infections can lead to complications in pregnancy (late miscarriage, premature birth and others).

Evaluation of vaginal cleanliness - who should do it?

Women with symptoms of vaginal and vulvar infections:

• watery, grey, white or green vaginal discharge, especially after intercourse
• "fishy" smell from the vagina
• vaginal itching
• reddening of the vulva, swelling
• pain, burning when urinating
• pain during intercourse