What does it mean in a smear of leukocytes entirely. Leukocytes in a smear. The degree of purity of the vagina

Leukocytes in the female body perform a protective function. Their presence indicates that local immunity is normal.

But sometimes tests reveal a large number of leukocytes in a smear. This clearly indicates the presence of certain diseases, which can be identified with a more thorough examination.

As a rule, a lot of these cells are formed when an inflammatory process occurs in the body. They rush to the affected area and there they begin to fight dangerous microbes. The more microbes, the more leukocytes are formed.

The reasons for the increased leukocytes in a smear may be different. It's possible it's an infection. Many polymorphonuclear pathogens can have a harmful effect on the body. Allergic exposures are another factor.

The norm of leukocytes in a smear

Leukocytes play an important role in a woman's health:

contribute to the fight against various viral and infectious pathogens;
contribute to the development of common pathological diseases.

The number of leukocytes in a smear should be up to 15 units in the field of view. This is considered the norm. The number of leukocytes in the urethra should not exceed 5 units, in the vagina - 10 units and in the cervix - 15 units.

If the level of leukocytes exceeds the norm and shows 20, 30, 40 or 50, then this indicates that there are inflammatory and infectious processes in the urethra.

Why white blood cells in a smear are increased: reasons

In women, the causes of elevated white blood cells in a smear can indicate various kinds of diseases, both internal organs and pathologies of the reproductive system.

With any inflammatory processes in the female body, the quantitative composition of leukocytes increases quite sharply. For example, inflammation of the vagina provokes precisely a sharp increase in the composition of leukocytes in a smear.

It is necessary to know that the more the analysis of leukocytes showed, the more acute is the condition of the present disease. If there is acute inflammation in the woman's body, in this case, up to a hundred leukocytes can be in sight.

So what does this mean? Most often, the situation when a woman's leukocytes in a smear are increased is caused by the following reasons:

- inflammation of the cervical (cervical) canal;
- the presence of an inflammatory process in the appendages (fallopian tubes or ovaries);
- inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina;
endometritis - inflammation of the uterine mucosa;
- inflammation in the urethra;
oncological pathologies of the genital area;
genital infections (,).

Usually, elevated leukocytes in a smear do not manifest themselves in any way for a long time. A woman may not even be aware that an inflammatory process is actively developing in her body until she passes tests during a routine examination.

Nevertheless, sometimes you can find these symptoms:

problems with emptying the intestines and bladder;
soreness in the anus and pelvic organs;
copious with an unpleasant odor;
disruptions in the menstrual cycle;
futile attempts to get pregnant.

If there are a lot of leukocytes in the smear, the specialist chooses a method of treatment based on the results of the patient's examination. In some cases, it is not possible to identify the cause of the increase in the level of leukocytes, and the doctor resorts to observation tactics - the patient is recommended to regularly go for examinations and carefully monitor her well-being.

Analysis methodology

In non-pregnant women, a smear test is recommended in the first days after the cessation of menstruation or shortly before its onset.

Violation of the technique of taking a smear can lead to the so-called. false positive results - elevated leukocytes in a smear in the absence of objective pathology. To avoid this, a woman must follow the rules for preparing for taking a smear.

These rules provide:

discontinuation of medication - both general and local action a week before taking a smear;
exclusion of intimate contacts 2-3 days before the analysis;
do not urinate 2-3 hours before sampling.

An intimate toilet is carried out the night before only with warm water, without douching and any hygiene products, which are also excluded 2-3 days before taking a smear.

Why is an increase in leukocytes dangerous?

The lack of adequate treatment and a prolonged inflammatory process leads to the following consequences:

Chronic diseases of the genital organs.
Damage to the urinary system and kidneys.
Benign and malignant tumors of the reproductive organs.
Ovarian dysfunction.
Cervical erosion.
Infertility.
miscarriages.
Fading pregnancy.
Mastopathy, fibroadenoma.

The diagnosis of leukocyte infiltration scares women. Ignorance about the disease terrifies any person, especially when it comes to the reproductive system or cardiac activity. Therefore, doctors often hear the question: "Leukocyte infiltration: what is it?". It is necessary to consider the issue from all sides in order to understand what kind of condition it is.

This condition means that there are too many leukocytes in the epithelial cells, according to the norm. These cells are white in appearance and their role is to protect the body from infections. That is, leukocytes are the cells of the human immune system.

They are also responsible for:

immunity in general;
absorption of foreign agents;
the fight against allergen-carrying particles;
detection of foreign agents in the blood.

According to this information, it becomes clear that leukocyte infiltration of the cervix is a condition that develops in the presence of an inflammatory process in the tissues. It is most common in cervicitis and vaginitis.

The diagnosis of leukocyte infiltration is made by women who have taken a smear at a gynecological examination. The resulting material is sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. A smear is obtained using a Volkmann spoon, after inserting a gynecological speculum into the vagina.

Where do they get the material for research? The doctor takes tissue from those places where he sees pathological changes. The resulting material is applied to a glass slide and dried, only then the smear is checked in the laboratory.

Preparation

Only a comprehensive examination will make it possible to detect the cause of leukocyte infiltration and cure the ongoing changes in the cervix. An increased number of leukocytes is treated with antiseptic and antibiotic drugs, as well as lacto- and bifidobacteria.

Treatment of leukocyte infiltration also depends on the cause itself. Having got rid of the disease, the level of leukocytes in the epithelium of the cervix will be restored. It is possible to have sex in this condition if additional tests have not detected a specific infection.

In gynecological practice, such a diagnostic method as a smear is used very widely and is used frequently. This is one of the main standard procedures to help assess the condition of the organs of the reproductive system in women.

Of course, absolutely all pathologies cannot be detected using this diagnostic method, but at least many of them can be suspected based on the smear results. That is why the analysis is paramount: it allows you to determine the course of further diagnostics, to select deeper and more informative research methods.

What do they pay attention to when deciphering the analysis?

Smear analysis allows you to evaluate the following indicators: leukocytes, squamous epithelial cells, key cells, mucus in the biomaterial, as well as the content of normal, pathogenic and opportunistic flora. The latter category includes yeasts of the genus Candida. From pathogenic microorganisms, using a smear on the flora, Trichomonas and gonococci can be detected.

A very important diagnostic indicator is the content of leukocytes. These cells of the immune system protect the body from foreign agents, whether they are microorganisms or destroyed or altered own structural elements.

It is leukocytes or white blood cells that rush to the pathological focus of inflammation in the body, wherever it is. And if the pathology develops in the organs of the reproductive system, these cells will go there.

In women, leukocytes in a smear for flora are always present, and their norm is a rather arbitrary concept. The fact is that in different parts of the genitourinary system, their permissible value differs. Most of the white blood cells in the cervical region; their smallest content is normally noted in the urethra.

However, for the diagnosis of inflammatory processes, it is important to evaluate not so much the number of leukocytes as their morphology. This is due to the fact that white blood cells, which have fulfilled their function of “cleansing” the body of pathogens, are destroyed. These white blood cells are called neutrophils.

Accordingly, the more of them in the smear, the stronger the inflammatory reaction.

In addition, it is important to take into account the fact that the concentration of white blood cells during the menstrual cycle changes under the influence of sex hormones, so if the leukocytes in the smear are slightly elevated, this is not necessarily a sign of a serious pathology.

In any case, the content of these cells should be assessed only in conjunction with other diagnostic criteria: the composition of the normal flora and opportunistic microorganisms, the presence or absence of pathogenic bacteria, the number of epithelial and key cells.

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As noted above, diagnostic material for a smear on the flora is collected from three points - the cervix, urethra and vagina.

And in each smear obtained, similar indicators are evaluated, but the norms of some of them differ depending on the area of localization. Below is a table explaining what is the norm for the content of leukocytes, normal and pathogenic flora, cellular elements and mucus in a smear in women.

Diagnostic criterion	Normal performance
Diagnostic criterion	Vagina (V)	Cervix (C)	Urethra (U)
Leukocytes (Le)	0-10	0-30	0-5
Slime	moderately		—
epithelial cells	5-10
key cells	—	—	—
Microflora	Gram-positive rods (bifidus and lactobacilli) ++++	—	—
Yeast (Candida)	—	—	—
Trichomonas (Trich)	—	—	—
Gonococci (Gn)	—	—	—

A smear that fully corresponds to the parameters of the norm is a rather rare phenomenon. However, minor deviations from the norm are allowed when it comes to the vagina. The urethra and cervix, if there are no pathologies, must be sterile - there should not be any microflora there. In relation to the vagina, the situation is ambiguous.

Depending on the content of various microorganisms, 4 degrees of purity are distinguished.

An ideal smear that does not contain leukocytes and pathogenic flora corresponds to the first. However, most women cannot boast of such results. Often in the vaginal discharge, individual leukocytes are found within the normal range (up to 10 pcs.), An insignificant content of epithelial cells and opportunistic bacteria. Such a picture is not characterized as pathological, and the smear belongs to the second degree of purity.

If gram-variable coccal flora, gram-negative rods or yeast cells are found in the vaginal discharge against the background of a decrease in the concentration of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (Doderlein sticks), this is a reason for further diagnosis. Such a smear is referred to the third degree of purity. Leukocytes in it exceed the norm, and also contains a lot of mucus.

In a smear of the fourth degree of purity of the Doderlein sticks (normoflora), there is very little or none at all, leukocytes cover the entire field of view, the content of mucus and epithelial cells is increased. In addition, pathogenic microorganisms are found in large numbers. This condition requires prompt treatment.

Causes of elevated leukocytes in a smear

If leukocytes are increased in a woman's smear, the reasons for this are associated with inflammatory processes. The greater the concentration of these cells, the more pronounced the process. However, this indicator should be evaluated in conjunction with other diagnostic aspects.

For example, an increase in mucus content is noted with the development of infections. So the body seeks to "clear itself" of pathogens. An increase in the number of epithelial cells, as well as leukocytes, warns of inflammation.

According to some laboratories, the content of these elements is allowed up to 10 in the field of view, but this indicator varies depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle and its values \u200b\u200bare not to be interpreted without regard to other diagnostic signs.

The key cells are called epithelial cells dotted with gardnerella bacteria. This is the so-called "bacterial sand". If such cells are detected in a smear, there is a high probability of developing bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis).

The detection of a large number of candida in a smear against the background of inhibition of normal flora is a sign of thrush. This is due to the fact that with a decrease in the concentration of Doderlein sticks that produce lactic acid, the pH of the vagina rises.

This condition leads to the active growth of opportunistic flora, including Candida. In an acidic environment, these microorganisms cannot multiply, and thus bifidobacteria and lactobacilli inhibit the process of vaginal colonization.

Gonococci and Trichomonas are pathogenic microorganisms. Under no circumstances should they be in the smear. The detection of these bacteria signals the development of gonorrhea or trichomoniasis.

Conception triggers a cascade of processes in a woman's body, and in order for all of them to proceed smoothly, a balanced work of the endocrine organs that produce hormones is important. Changing their balance causes powerful changes in the work of organs and systems.

So, sex hormones - progesterone and estrogens - stimulate the work of squamous epithelial cells. They begin to actively synthesize glycogen, which supports the reproduction of normoflora. By destroying this compound, Doderlein sticks produce a large amount of lactic acid, which acidifies the environment, and thus provides protection against infections.

However, against the background of a physiological decrease in immunity during pregnancy, this measure is often not enough. Many future mothers, when the balance of hormones changes, begin to suffer from thrush or other pathologies caused by opportunistic microorganisms.

Against this background, an increased content of leukocytes is noted in the smear. Often the concentration of such cells in the vagina in pregnant women exceeds the norm - up to 10 pcs. in one field of view.

If their content is not more than 15-20, and the expectant mother does not experience any signs of pathology, and the rest of the smear indicators are normal, you should not worry.

It is important to note that the concentration of leukocytes in the urethra and cervix should not change. The norms of these indicators are the same as for non-pregnant women. Elevated white blood cells in the urethra are a sign of inflammation. This condition requires diagnosis and treatment.

During pregnancy, the white blood cell count should be monitored especially carefully, as it warns of the manifestation of chronic pathologies. It is better for a future mother to undergo an examination once again.

Proper preparation for a smear test

Like most diagnostic studies in medicine, a flora smear requires preparation. Going to the gynecologist, a woman should remember that the result of the analysis will be reliable only if the following recommendations are followed:

observe sexual rest before the delivery of the biomaterial for at least 2 days;
refuse to use lubricants, vaginal suppositories, creams on the eve of the study;
do not wash with the use of gels and other means for intimate hygiene;
refrain from taking the test after a course of antibiotics (at least 10 days);
do not urinate less than 2 hours before visiting the gynecologist;
do not take the test during menstruation.

Intimacy, any topical application, antibiotics distort the data on the real state of the microbial biocenosis of the genitourinary system in a woman.

In the process of urination, diagnostically significant objects of research are washed off: cellular elements, microorganisms, which also changes the overall picture. Menstruation, on the other hand, makes it difficult to obtain material for diagnosis - it will be "contaminated" by a large number of red blood cells.

Indications for taking a smear

A smear in women involves taking biomaterial not only from the vaginal mucosa. Samples for analysis are also taken from the urethra, cervix.

After the onset of sexual activity, every woman should undergo this diagnostic procedure regularly: at least 1 time per year. In addition to preventive examinations, a smear should also be taken during pregnancy. If there are no alarming symptoms, the expectant mother will have to undergo this procedure twice: at the very beginning of pregnancy when registering and in the third trimester, after 30 weeks.

However, a significant reason for taking a smear is the appearance in any woman of both a pregnant woman and no following symptoms:

change in color and consistency of secretions;
the appearance of discomfort during urination;
itching in the groin area;
unpleasant odor of discharge;
burning sensation in the vagina;
abdominal pain at rest or during intimacy.

In addition, it should be remembered that prolonged antibiotic treatment can affect the vaginal microflora in a negative way: cause the death of beneficial bacteria, which will be replaced by opportunistic inhabitants. Against this background, candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis often develop and they can be diagnosed using a smear on the flora. That is why it is advisable to take such an analysis after completing a course of antibiotic therapy.

Women, unlike men, have to visit a doctor who treats the genitourinary system more often. So, during pregnancy, the expectant mother should regularly go to the gynecologist and take some tests. When applying for a job or an educational institution, now they also require the conclusion of a gynecologist. In this article, we will talk about what leukocytes are in a smear. The rate of content of these bodies will also be indicated below. You will find out why a smear is taken for flora and how this procedure goes.

Vaginal swab

This analysis is given at each visit to the doctor. It is worth noting that the study is carried out quite simply and quickly, but nevertheless it can say a lot about the state of the female reproductive system. That is why gynecologists prescribe this analysis in the first place.

How is a smear taken for flora?

A swab is taken at least three times during pregnancy (the rate of leukocytes will be indicated below). If there are any deviations and treatment is required, then a re-analysis is always taken a few weeks after the course of drug therapy.

The analysis is very simple. The woman is offered to sit on the gynecological chair and relax. The doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina and takes material from the cervix, from the walls of the vagina and from the urethra. When deciphering the result, the place where the material was collected from is necessarily taken into account.

The timing of the study and the data obtained

A smear for flora is examined quite quickly. Within one or two working days you will be provided with the results. Remember that it is the doctor who must decipher them. Surely a woman alone will not be able to understand all the data and correctly interpret the conclusion.

Usually, the result always indicates the names of the studied elements and the resulting value. So, the number of leukocytes and the state of the epithelium are necessarily established. The analysis examines the presence or absence of cocci and pathogens of trichomoniasis.

Further studies are more detailed. They are carried out only when necessary.

Leukocytes in a smear: normal

After receiving the result, we can confidently draw a conclusion about the state of the female reproductive system. When decoding, it is necessary to take into account the day of the cycle, the presence of pregnancy and colds. So, what is the rate of leukocytes in a smear in the fairer sex?

Usually the number of white cells in the field of view should not exceed 10. So, if the analysis says that single leukocytes were found, the smear is “normal”. In women who have just finished menstruating, the number of these cells may be slightly higher. In this case, it does not exceed 25 units in the field of view. These data are also considered absolutely normal. However, it is worth notifying the doctor in advance about a recent menstruation.

In expectant mothers, the level of white bodies can also be increased. If you are expecting a baby and passed a smear on the flora, the norm allows leukocytes in an amount of no more than 30 units in the field of view. This applies to all sites from which the material was collected.

In the presence of a viral or bacterial disease, the level of white cells may increase slightly. Moreover, the more acute the infection, the higher the value will be. That is why doctors do not recommend taking a smear on the flora during an illness. If there is no other way out, then you need to warn the doctor about the existing pathology.

The degree of purity of the vagina

After receiving the result, you can preliminarily draw some conclusions. Most often, doctors subdivide the representatives of the weaker sex according to the degree of purity of the vagina. This classification directly depends on the number of leukocytes and other impurities. So, if leukocytes are found in a smear, is this a norm or a pathology?

First degree

In this case, the result of the analysis is the following data. Leukocytes are found in the amount of several units in the field of view. The microflora is represented by beneficial bacteria. There are no cocci, pathological mucus and Trichomonas. In conclusion, it will be indicated: smear analysis (leukocytes) - "normal".

Second degree

There are also single cells of white bodies in the field of view. However, beneficial microflora is presented on a par with cocci and yeast fungi. Usually, in the absence of complaints of itching and unusual discharge, a woman is recognized as absolutely healthy. However, if there are unpleasant symptoms, then minor treatment is required. If such a microflora is found in a future mother, then she is prescribed therapy without certain symptoms.

Third degree

In this case, the result of the analysis may be the following data: the number of leukocytes exceeds the norm (more than 30 cells in the field of view), there are cocci, yeasts and other pathogens. Such a result is always recognized as a deviation from the norm. The woman is being treated.

Degree four

This is the very last step. In this analysis, a large number of leukocytes are present. Useful microflora is depleted, pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms are detected. Upon receipt of such a result, additional diagnostics is necessary, after which the woman is prescribed appropriate treatment.

Leukocytes in a smear: deviations

If you passed a smear for flora and leukocytes were found in it in large numbers, then this is a deviation. In this case, a woman is assigned a number of additional tests. In this case, it is imperative to take into account the presence of a permanent sexual partner and the method of protection. If the fair sex is not "friends" with such a means of protection as condoms, then there is a possibility of an infection that is transmitted through sexual contact.

So, with an increase in the level of leukocytes, it is recommended to pass a detailed analysis of the flora, conduct a study for the presence of sexual diseases, and also do a bacterial culture. After receiving the results, you can talk about the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. What can cause an increase in the level of leukocytes in a smear?

Bacterial infections obtained through sexual contact (mycoplasma, trichomonas, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and others).
An inflammatory process in the vagina against the background of a decrease in immunity (for colds, during pregnancy, and so on).
Diseases of the uterus and appendages (endometritis, salpingitis, adnexitis).
A decrease in the level of beneficial bacteria against the background of the reproduction of cocci and fungi (thrush, gardnerellosis, and so on).
The development of tumors of a benign or malignant nature.

Conclusion

Now you know what white blood cells are in a smear. The norm is always indicated on the form with the result of the analysis. If you deviate from it, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible and carry out appropriate treatment. Otherwise, you can get serious complications. Take your tests on time and be healthy!

Taking bacterioscopy of discharge from the genitourinary organs (smear on the flora) is an integral part of every examination by a gynecologist. The examination is used both to determine the leukocytes in a smear, and to assess the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy. The method combines simplicity, non-invasiveness and informativeness.

Leukocytes - what is it and when can they be detected

This name refers to a whole group of human white blood cells that perform a protective function in the body. When pathogenic microorganisms appear in the genitourinary tract, leukocytes also penetrate from the bloodstream through the capillary wall. They neutralize foreign flora during the process of phagocytosis. If there are too many bacteria, white blood cells are destroyed, causing local inflammation. If the infection is not stopped (by antibiotic therapy, for example), then the number of dead white cells increases, forming pus.

Normally, leukocytes can be found in a woman's gynecological smear in small quantities or slightly increase for physiological reasons. A significant deviation from the norm, accompanied by signs of phagocytosis (the presence of destroyed white cells) is a sign of the presence of an infection caused by pathogens of various types (bacteria, proteus, viruses, fungi).

The norm of leukocytes in a smear

A smear from the vaginal mucosa is a mandatory attribute of the examination, regardless of the patient's complaints. It can be taken from three points, respectively, the rate of leukocytes will be:

0-5-10 - when taken from the urethra (U);
0-10-15 - from the vagina (V);
0-30 - from the cervix (cervical canal, C).

Normal results will also be:

15-20 (V) - during pregnancy;
35-40 (V) - a few days before the onset of menstruation.

The number of leukocytes is also taken into account when determining the degree of purity of the vagina, the norm is indicators of 1 and 2 degrees:

1 degree - leukocytes 0-5;
2 degree - leukocytes - 5-10;
3 degree - more than 10, but less than 50;
Grade 4 - leukocytes entirely.

3 and 4 pathological deviations are also characterized by an increase in the indicators of opportunistic and pathogenic flora, mucus and epithelium.

Reasons for the increase in women

Departure from the norm can be caused by the causes of several groups, primarily inflammatory processes in the reproductive or urinary organs (if a swab is taken from the urethra):

The pathogenic microflora that causes the listed diseases can be represented, including (but not necessarily) by infections that enter the body during sexual intercourse. These same pathogens can cause their own specific pathologies (STDs). They can be divided into 4 groups. In group 1, bacteria can cause:

Gonorrhea(gonococci) and chlamydia(chlamydia) - can cause cervicitis, endometritis and proctitis.
syphilis(pale spirochete) , venereal lymphogranuloma and inguinal granuloma(Klebsiella) - common to these venous diseases are specific skin manifestations (ulcers).
Ureaplasmosis and mycoplasmosis- cause vaginitis, may be accompanied by inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs. They are characterized by abundant gray or whitish secretions with a "fishy" smell.
Tuberculosis of the genital organs(Koch's wand) - the infection can enter the body not only sexually, but also by the lymphogenous or hematogenous route (in the presence of other foci). It can be asymptomatic, or be expressed in the absence of menstruation and a sharp decrease in weight, subfebrile temperature, acute pain and night sweats.

Group 2 - these are protozoal infections represented by Trichomonas. It ranks first in prevalence among sexually transmitted diseases. Trichomoniasis is characterized by pain syndrome (during intercourse and urination), profuse discharge of a yellow-green hue with the smell of "fish", swelling, itching, and.

Group 3 consists of viral infections:

HIV - causes the course of AIDS and other concomitant diseases;
herpes simplex viruses of the second type and human papillomaviruses - pathologies have pronounced skin manifestations;
cytomegalovirus - develops almost imperceptibly, causeless fever is possible.

To the 4th group (fungal infections), first of all, thrush should be attributed. The main cause of candidiasis is a decrease in general immunity, but the disease is also transmitted to the sexual partner, which allows it to be included in the list. Symptoms are expressed in itching, burning, curdled discharge, pungent odor from the vagina, as well as intimacy.

The reason for the deviation from the norm can be oncological diseases of the genital area - the key symptom will be spotting without physiological causes. However, routine inspections are a more effective detection measure.

The reason for the increase in leukocytes in the smear may also be vaginal dysbacteriosis, which develops against the background of active reproduction of conditionally pathogenic microflora - Escherichia coli, gardnerella, fungi. If the disease is not accompanied by other inflammations, a woman may not have any complaints at all, or there may be foamy, off-white discharge with a fishy smell, which intensifies after intercourse or before the onset of critical days.

The causes of dysbacteriosis can be:

hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy or its interruption, menopause, as well as endocrine disorders;
decrease in general and local immunity;
uncontrolled use of antibiotics;
passion for douching;
physical and mental overwork;
chemical and radiation methods of therapy;
frequent change of partners, oral contacts, intimate microtraumas;
foreign bodies in the vagina (hygienic tampons);
frequent use of local spermicidal contraceptives;
deformation of the vaginal vault due to anatomical features, complex childbirth or surgical interventions;
intestinal dysbiosis.

Allergic reactions can also cause an increase in white blood cells, mucous membranes can respond to:

intravaginally administered dosage forms or douching, including their organic components (herbs);
intimate cosmetics (lubricants);
partner's sperm (rarely).

A general allergic reaction of the body, regardless of the cause, can provoke an increase in the level of white blood cells.

Also, irritation of the external genital organs, causing local inflammation, can occur against the background of:

non-compliance with hygiene;
hypothermia or overheating;
wearing uncomfortable underwear
the use of chemicals without consulting a doctor;
systemic diseases (diabetes, hepatitis, pathology of the urogenital area).

A noticeable increase in leukocytes during pregnancy requires more attention, as it can indicate hidden pathologies that have become aggravated against the background of body restructuring and a physiological decrease in general immunity.

Functional can be provoked by intimate contact, less than a day before taking a smear, taking certain medications, or a recently installed intrauterine device (7-10 days before the test).

Diagnostic methods

The primary measure is often a second smear, which allows to exclude improper preparation for analysis or other physiological factors. If the leukocytes are again far from the norm, then the following diagnostic measures are justified:

You may also need examinations and consultations of narrow specialists - an endocrinologist, or an allergist.

Therapy is carried out in three main directions:

treatment of a systemic disease of an infectious nature, as well as endocrinological or immune disorders;
local funds - aimed at combating pathogenic microflora in the external genital organs;
restorative and preventive measures - strengthening the immune system and maintaining normal microflora in the body.

The following medications correspond to the first direction:

antibiotics and antiviral drugs - if we are talking about a common or venereal infection;
hormonal drugs (if dysbacteriosis is caused by endocrine disruptions).

Local funds can be represented by:

douching - they must be carried out carefully, with a course of no more than 4-5 days. Miramistin, potassium permanganate solution, chlorophyllipt or chlorhexidine are suitable as medicines;
ointments - for the treatment of urogenital herpes (Zovirax);
candles that eliminate foreign flora - Clotrimazole, Pimafucin and analogues are indispensable in the fight against vaginosis and thrush;
suppositories that neutralize local inflammation - Polygynax.

After the end of treatment, for recovery and prevention, the following are used:

suppositories and vaginal tablets that restore the natural balance of microorganisms - Laktozhinal, Vagilak;
probiotics, lacto- and bifidobacteria for oral administration - Linex, Lactobacterin, Acilact - are designed for a long course of treatment.

A difficult task will be the choice of adequate therapy during pregnancy - antibacterial and antifungal agents may be contraindicated during certain periods of fetal development. Therefore, it is worth paying more attention to diagnostics in order to timely identify processes in the early stages.

The uncomplicated course of the disease allows the use of safer traditional medicine, for example:

warm baths from decoctions of herbs - St. John's wort, aloe, chamomile, oak bark, sage, calendula. The water should not be hot;
douching using the same herbs;
"Homemade" sea buckthorn candles. To prepare them, 10 grams of oil must be supplemented with beeswax and stirred during heating in a water bath. Then add 3 g of pine resin. Now it remains to pour the composition into molds and cool.

You can use these prescriptions only after consulting a doctor. If an allergic reaction is noticed, this type of treatment will have to be abandoned.

An increase in leukocytes in a smear should not cause panic. However, subsequent diagnosis and therapy should be taken seriously, avoiding uncontrolled use of antibiotics or douching. Properly built treatment is the key to a quick recovery and recovery of the body.