Vaginal culture, which can also be known as endocervical culture, is a laboratory test used to diagnose possible infections in the female genital tract. It is usually requested when there are symptoms such as pelvic pain, inflammation of the vagina, excess flow, etc. These and other symptoms can be caused by isolated vaginal infections or be part of infections called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that generally require treatment because they can compromise the health of patients. There are different analyzes and tests that women should have during their lives to be sure that they are in good gynecological health and that they do not have vaginal infections and among all these analyzes is the vaginal culture. Women constantly ask themselves many questions before undergoing a clinical examination, therefore, today I will answer these questions once and for all: what is a vaginal culture? When should it be done and what is it for? How is it done and how to prepare? Pay attention!

Vaginal culture: what is it, when should I have it done and what is it for?

Vaginal culture is important to detect vaginal infections, sexually transmitted or not, which when they become chronic can lead to more serious cases such as pelvic diseases and/or even infertility. The vaginal culture is an analysis carried out in a laboratory at the request of your doctor, since it helps to diagnose possible infections that may be found in the female genital tract and their causes. Generally, this test is performed when there are certain symptoms such as discomfort that may include: - Significant increase or decrease in the amount of vaginal discharge. - Color change in vaginal secretion. - Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. - Change of consistency in the secretion. - Itching or pruritus in the vulva and/or vagina. - Pelvic pain. - Risk of a sexually transmitted infection. - Symptoms of diabetes. - Fever and other symptoms. Once you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, it is important to consult your gynecologist, he will tell you if it is necessary to perform a vaginal culture or perform a study of another type.

How is a vaginal culture done?

  • The vaginal culture is done in the office or in the laboratory, once the procedure is explained to you and the forms given to you by the laboratory are completed. The nurse will take you to the examination room, ask you to put on a patient gown and remove your underwear from the waist down, leaving her clothing in a space specifically designed for this purpose. You will be asked to lie down and place your feet in stirrups so that your knees are bent (gynecologic position) and the doctor will sit between your knees to begin an examination of your external genitalia, including the vulvar area and opening. Genitalia to detect any abnormality.
  • Next, if you have already had sexual intercourse, the doctor will perform a review of the internal genitalia by introducing a vaginal speculum (vaginal mirror), which is a device that is inserted into the vagina and keeps it open, allowing the examination of the vagina and cervix uterine (cervix). Lubricants are not used in these types of exams.
  • At that time, the doctor introduces a brush to take the sample according to the patient's symptoms, then the little brush is inserted into a tube that serves as transport to later carry out the corresponding culture, concluding the procedure. Then the nurse will ask you to get dressed.
  • The nurse or doctor will tell you when the result of the culture or study performed will be available, this can vary from 5 to 20 days depending on the study.

How to prepare for a vaginal culture? Recommendations

It is advisable to keep some simple tips in mind in the days before the test takes place to prepare you for the culture.
  • Do not perform vaginal washings, that is, cleaning the vaginal area with specialized products. It is recommended to avoid douching for at least 24 hours before the analysis.
  • Write down the symptoms that you have presented to discuss them with the doctor at the time of the test, as well as any questions you may have.
  • You should avoid having sex before the test or using vaginal products.
  • Do not self-medicate or use vaginal creams or medications before the vaginal culture as they could change the characteristics of the vagina, falsifying the results.
  • In addition, it is recommended that you empty your bladder and intestines before undergoing the test.
The mentioned points should be taken into account to prepare for the analysis and that there is no failure in it. You do not have to be afraid or nervous when you face this medical test. This is not a painful exam as long as you are relaxed. If you remain calm, the vaginal muscles will be less tense and therefore the doctor will be able to perform the examination more easily. It is possible, however, that you will feel some discomfort when inserting the speculum as well as when the swab touches the cervix to collect the evidence.

Treatment after a vaginal culture

  • This type of test is very useful for a doctor to identify if there is any type of bacteria, virus, or fungus proliferating in your vagina. Only with this deeper examination, professionals can propose the most appropriate treatment to put an end to the patient's condition.
  • It is very important that the doctor analyze your particular case and establish the treatment to be carried out since the vaginal ecosystem has its own self-regulation mechanisms that are very effective from the outset and inadequate treatment can lead to perpetuating the problem.

Extra tips: you should take into account that…

Vaginal infections can cause serious problems such as infertility, inflammatory processes of the pelvis (pelvic inflammatory disease), pain during sexual intercourse, some pregnancy complications, etc. However, we must remember that vaginal discharge is completely normal, especially when the woman is of childbearing age, so we should not be alarmed when reading the above, but it is important to consult your specialist so as not to worry or doubts. Most women have vaginal discharge, but not all discharge is normal. The amount of discharge is different for each woman. Some women have a little discharge from time to time. Others have discharge every day. The "normal" amount of your discharge can vary many times throughout your life. Vaginal discharge may be an indication of an infection if it: is itchy or itchy, causes inflammation, has a foul odor, is green, yellow, or gray in color, looks foamy, or looks like cottage cheese. Doctors still don't know all the reasons why women get yeast infections. They know that some types are acquired by having sex with an infected person. You may be at higher risk of getting infections if you: - Have sex without the protection of a condom. - He has diabetes. - Has multiple sexual partners. - He's taking antibiotics.