The study of the pathologies and physiology of the female reproductive system are the object of study of a specific branch of Medicine: Gynecology and Obstetrics.
A Gynecological examination is recommended for: Assess the health status of the woman’s genital system, Choose the most suitable method of contraception (birth control pill, hormonal and non-hormonal IUD, vaginal ring, patch, subcutaneous implant), Investigate suspected infertility in the woman and resulting difficulty in conception, find any pelvic floor problems (urinary incontinence, genital prolapse, chronic pelvic pain), choose the transition mode during the perimenopausal phase of the woman (the period before menopause), follow the woman’s During and after pregnancy.
The vaginal swab is a laboratory test used to check for the presence of microorganisms responsible for vaginal infections.
In order to make a vaginal swab that is as reliable as possible, it is recommended: not undergoing or discontinuing antibiotic or antifungal therapies in the week prior to vaginal swabbing, not having sexual intercourse in the 24 hours prior to vaginal swabbing, and avoiding vaginal irrigations (such as therapies with ovules et simila and baths in the tub in the 24 hours prior to vaginal swabbing). The vaginal swab should be performed a few days before the beginning of the menstrual cycle or a few days after its end.
Vaginal swabbing is also performed during pregnancy to check the regularity of vaginal bacterial flora and to ascertain the absence of any infection.
Vaginal swab results are available 7 to 10 days after execution.
