^

Health

Flat epithelium in the smear in women and men

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 22.11.2021
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

The flat epithelium in the smear is a medical concept, which is operated by physicians examining the health of the reproductive system of women and men. The detection of epithelial cells in the biomaterial is carried out by laboratory means, and their quantity can be told to a specialist both about the normal state of the sexual sphere and about the various pathological processes taking place inside and outside the human body. To obtain such information, a person must pass a smear to a cytology, which is often called a smear on the microflora.

What is a flat epithelium?

For a gynecologist or urologist, the flat epithelium in the smear on the microflora is an important source of information, although the doctor himself can not consider these microparticles when taking a smear. The cells and layers of the epithelium are found during the study of a biomaterial taken from the surface of the cervical canal and from the vaginal walls in women or from the urethra in men under a microscope.

Almost all of our body is covered with some protective shell, which we call skin. But the skin in the mouth, around the eyeball, in the vagina, in the urethral canal, etc. Somewhat different, because it does not consist of such a durable material. Such a delicate skin, covered with mucous secretions, is usually called the mucosa, and its surface layer, which covers the epidermis, is epithelium.

Despite the fact that the mucous membrane is abundantly supplied with blood vessels, which explains its bright pink or red color, there are no such vessels in the epithelium. Nutrition of epithelial cells is carried out through the basement membrane.

Despite the fact that the thickness of the epithelium does not exceed 150-200 microns, this coating in the internal organs is considered to be multilayered, i.e. Cells in it are arranged in several layers. Flat epithelium - this is just the closest surface layer of the mucous membrane, consisting of epithelial cells of a flat shape.

There are 3 types of ectheliocytes: surface, intermediate and basal, located at different levels. The lower layer is called basal, closer to the epidermis, and a layer of cylindrical (basal) cells that perform a protective function is attached to it.

But our body is constantly in motion and undergoes an update, as for the cells of the epithelium. Basal cells in the process of division (proliferation) form a layer of cells (intermediate cells), having a complex shape with outgrowths and spines and located one above the others. Over time, these cells become flat and go to the surface layer, which is updated regularly every 5-7 days. The old cells at the very surface of the epithelium are exfoliated and come out together with the mucus and other physiological excreta.

This is the doctor who detached from the main mass, the dead, flat epithelium, and subsequently finds out in the smear. It would seem that there is nothing surprising and pathological in this, because this is a natural process of purification and renewal of the mucosa. In fact, everything depends on the number of detected epithelial cells, and both increase and decrease in their number are considered dangerous in comparison with the norm.

Epitheliocytes of a flat form are found in smears in both men and women, regardless of whether they are all right with the genitourinary system. Since the renewal of the epithelium is considered to be a physiologically conditioned process, it is not surprising that some amount of flat epithelium will be detected even in a healthy body.

Analyzes: how to prepare properly

Sometimes the flat epithelium in the smear can testify not so much about the disease or any non-pathological changes in the body as about the wrong preparation for the delivery of an analysis or an incorrect swab. A gynecologist or urologist can prescribe an analysis for a microflora if the patient turned to him for pelvic pain, reddening and edema of the external genitalia, unusual discharge, and symptoms such as burning, itching, pain during urination or intercourse.

Such studies can be prescribed as part of a routine examination or in the planning of pregnancy. In parallel, urinalysis is usually prescribed, which helps to identify the underlying diseases of the entire urinary system. But they can also manifest themselves in the appearance of epithelial cells and leukocytes in the urine , while the smear allows you to judge only the inflammation in the place of its capture (urethra, vagina or cervical canal).

But no matter what kind of analysis, it is necessary to conduct hygienic procedures before it is carried out, i.e. Thoroughly wash the external sexual organs with water without using soap and other hygiene products. If you plan to take a smear from the vagina, women think that you need to thoroughly wash and everything inside with douches. In fact, this can not be done, since the results of the analysis will be distorted (it will not show the real content of leukocytes and the epithelial cells that have separated from the walls).

For smear results to be reliable, it is recommended that two days before the procedure, they refuse to have sex and use contraceptives. Visiting a toilet for a small need must occur no later than 1.5-2 hours before the procedure.

Gynecological examination and taking a smear are not valuable if they are carried out on menstruation days. And yet it is believed that the study will be more reliable if it is carried out within the first week after the end of menstruation. In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the results will be completely different, and you can simply overlook the pathology.

Proper preparation for the analysis will help the doctor make a reliable diagnosis, and the patient should not be upset if the analysis shows an inaccurate result due to non-compliance with the above requirements, which often happens. The reason for the large number of unreliable results is the lack of knowledge about the preparation for analysis and the haste of doctors, who often take a smear without preliminary preparation.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

Who to contact?

Non-pathological causes of changes in the number of flat epithelium in the smear

The norm of the flat epithelium in the smear differs somewhat depending on the sex of the patient. A swab from the vagina or cervical canal in women should contain a visible epithelium in an amount of 5-15 units. The difference in figures is explained by the fact that the epithelial surface layer does not update daily, therefore at the time of cell renewal, more cells appear in the smear, and in the intervals the number of dead cells decreases (they are excreted naturally from the body).

In urogenital smear in men should be found from 5 to 10 units of epithelial cells. Since the smear is taken from the urethra, which serves simultaneously as the urethra, it should be borne in mind that some of the epithelial cells will be washed with urine, so epitheliocytes in the amount of 13-15 units can already talk about pathological processes in the reproductive sphere in the patient.

As we already mentioned, epithelial cell renewal is considered a normal natural process, so dying cells should be present in the urogenital smear. Their absence or deficiency is just as alarming as the increase in the number of mature epitheliocytes separated from the surface of the mucosa with a small nucleus and a large cytoplasm. But we need to understand that not always the change in the number of epithelial cells in the smear testifies to a serious pathology.

Risk factors for an increase or decrease in the number of flat epithelium in the vagina or urethra may be:

  • Drug therapy and contraception. The quantitative indices of the flat epithelium in the smear can be affected by the intake of oral contraceptives and hormonal agents, including anti-inflammatory drugs from the discharge of glucocorticosteroids.
  • Menopause in women. The decrease in the production of estrogens and the age-related changes in the reproductive system of women lead to the fact that the number of flat epithelium in the smear gradually decreases. In the pre-climacteric period, epithelial cells in the material taken from the surface of the vaginal mucosa or cervical canal can be detected in an amount of 1-3 pieces (single flat epithelium in the smear), and when menopause occurs, and generally absent.
  • Phases of the menstrual cycle. The hormone estrogen responds to the renewal of cells of internal genital organs in women. When its production is maximum (the middle of the menstrual cycle), the number of cells of the flat epithelium in the smear increases. In the second half of the menstrual cycle, the body prepares for possible conception, therefore, the production of the hormone progesterone responsible for the normal course of pregnancy increases. Against this background, the processes of updating the vaginal mucosa slightly subside and the amount of epitheliocytes in the smear decreases slightly.
  • Piercing in an intimate area.

As we can see, in terms of the number of squamous epithelial cells in a woman's body, one can judge her hormonal background. Any of its violations will be reflected in the results of the analysis even before the first signs of the disease, caused by imbalance of hormones, appear.

Increase or decrease of the flat epithelium in the smear as a symptom of the disease

So, the analysis of the smear for cytology can show a normal (in transfers of 5-15 units), an increased or decreased content of epithelial cells in a material taken for examination from the urethral canal or internal genital organs. If the number of flat cells is within normal limits, there is nothing to worry about. In a properly taken smear, there should be a flat, cylindrical and glandular epithelium that lines the mucous membrane of internal organs, but within the limits of the norm.

But indicators above or below the limits of the norm should already alert the doctor and the patient, because they can point to some pathological processes occurring in the body of a man or a woman. And the sooner these processes are revealed, the less harm they will bring.

Flat epithelium in a smear in women

Most epithelium in large numbers indicates an inflammatory process with localization in the internal genital area:

  • Vaginitis (inflammation of the vaginal tissues),

This fairly common disease usually does not occur asymptomatically, therefore the flat epithelium in the smear in large quantities is not the only manifestation of the disease. Usually a smear with such indicators is taken when a woman seeks a doctor with complaints about:

The main cause of vaginitis is pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora, which got inside the vagina and began to multiply actively due to imbalance of the microflora of internal genital organs, mechanical damage, hormonal disorders, etc. As for the secretions, their character (color, smell and other indices) will depend on the type of pathogens occupying the vagina (gonococcal or trichomonas infection, activated opportunistic microflora, fungi, etc.). If the cause of the disease is gardnerella, in addition to the flat epithelium, the key cells will be detected in the smear. Since vaginitis is a disease of the inflammatory plan, the number of leukocytes will also be increased.

  • Cervicitis (inflammation with localization in the cervical canal of the cervix),

This inflammatory disease can occur clearly or in a latent form, so a doctor can accidentally detect a raised superficial flat epithelium in a smear during a routine examination. If the pathology proceeds in acute form, then the woman will indicate such symptoms:

  • quite abundant mucous or purulent discharge from the vagina (their nature again depends on the causative agent of the disease, which can be either bacteria or viruses, and fungi, for example, actinomycetes),
  • blunt pain in the lower abdomen, which are not permanent.

An examination on the gynecological chair will show the redness and swelling of the tissues near the entrance to the cervical canal. If the cause of the disease is gonococcal inflammation and its symptoms will be particularly pronounced, while chlamydia provoke a slow inflammation with less noticeable symptoms.

Trichomonads strongly damage the mucous membrane, as a result of which microscopic hemorrhages appear on it. They also contribute to the appearance of modified cells in smears. Therefore, when a squamous epithelium without atypia is found in the smear, trichomonas infection can be excluded. But we must remember that again, it is important not so much the quality of epithelial cells as their number, although the presence of atypical cells can help the diagnostic physician to suspect trichomonads in the development of the disease, which subsequently will have to be confirmed by bacterial analysis.

But if the unmodified flat epithelium in the smear and then causes caution, it appears in excess quantities, then what can we say about cells that have an atypical structure. The presence of atypical cells does not necessarily indicate trichomonas infection, but this is no reason to relax. After all, the modified epithelial cells can also indicate the development of the oncological process, so more detailed study of them is required. If atypical cylindrical epithelial cells are identified, then it may be cancer of the cervix.

In the viral nature of cervicitis, it is usually primarily suspected of the herpes virus or human palilloma. Herpevirus makes the surface of the cervix bright red and loose in appearance, it can appear transparent bubbles, which, bursting, leave behind a small red wound (sores). When papillomatosis on the tissues of the cervix, you can also notice ulceration, and sometimes it forms pathological growths ( condylomas ).

If the cause of inflammation of the cervical tissues are radiant fungi ( actinomycetes ), a yellowish granular deposit is found on the lesion site, and Candida fungi leave behind a white mass resembling cottage cheese (granular and with an acidic odor), which is very easily removed from the reddened surface.

A similar plaque is observed with leukoplakia (hyperkeratosis) - a disease in which keratinization of the mucous membrane occurs (in normal mucosal keratinization processes are not characteristic). But in this case, unlike a fungal infection, whitish or grayish plaque (it can be formed both on the cervix and on the mucous membrane of the vagina) is removed with difficulty, and in the smear there are scales of flat epithelium, which represent the cytoplasm of a cell without a nucleus.

By the way, sometimes in a smear doctors detect not individual cells, but layers of flat epithelium. If these are individual formations, there is no need to worry, because the cells of the epithelium of the uterus and the vagina are arranged in layers, so it is not surprising if they leave the total mass during the cell renewal as a whole site. But if there are many such layers, this can be evidence of dysplastic processes in the uterus (dysplasia, erosion, endometriosis, cervical leukoplakia, precancerous conditions and cervical cancer), so further research and consultation by a gynecologist, and possibly an oncologist, are mandatory.

Acute cervicitis is characterized by the presence of a large number of leukocytes (leukocytosis) in the smear, lymphocytes and histiocytes appear, and a cylindrical and flat epithelium is found. In this case, the cells of the cylindrical epithelium (basal layer) have an enlarged nucleus, and the flat epithelium of the surface layer in the smear has dystrophic changes (for example, scales without nuclei appear).

If the disease is lethargic for a long time, cells of the cylindrical epithelium, having different sizes and signs of destruction of the cellular structures, will be detected in smears in large amounts.

  • urethritis (an inflammatory process in the urethra of the urethra, which can be diagnosed in both sexes).

Urethritis is a disease that can have a different nature. Infectious form of the disease is an inflammation of the urethral walls caused by bacteria. About nonspecific urethritis is said, if the disease is provoked by the reproduction of a conditionally pathogenic microflora. These are staphylococci, streptococci, Escherichia coli and other representatives of this group.

Specific urethritis is a disease caused by bacteria that are transmitted sexually ( gonococci, trichomonads, chlamydia, mycoplasma, gardnerelles, etc.), or fungi of the genus Candida. Sometimes the virus causes herpes and human papillomaviruses (viral urethritis) to cause inflammation of the internal tissues of the urethra .

The non-infectious form of urethritis is usually a complication of already existing diseases: cystitis, urolithiasis, tumors during the urethra, trauma (often this happens with catheter placement, cystoscopy, etc.), congestion in the blood vessels of the pelvic region, diseases of the allergic or gynecological plan. Non-infectious urethritis can be provoked even by the first sexual experience.

Chronic urethritis occurs in 50% of cases without the appearance of any symptoms that disturb the woman, and it can be detected only by means of a smear taken from the urethra. Most often, the urethritis of women proceeds against the background of cystitis, in connection with which they refer to a doctor. Often cystitis just becomes a complication of urethritis, which takes place in a protracted form, especially if it is a contagious pathology.

For acute urethritis are characterized by:

  • discomfort in the implementation of the act of urination (a woman may experience itching, burning, feeling of constriction or contraction of the tissues of the urethral canal),
  • irregular aching pain at the very bottom of the abdomen,
  • discharge from the urethra (not vaginal!), which, depending on the causative agent of the disease, can have a different character (mucous or purulent, which causes an unpleasant sensation in the morning that the urethra tissues are stuck together)
  • the appearance in the urine of blood particles, as a result of severe irritation and ulceration of inflamed tissues,

A feature of urethritis is that the patient does not experience symptoms of general malaise. There are mainly local symptoms. And to identify the disease can be by chance, finding a flat epithelium in the urine, where it should not be, or can be observed, a small number of separated epithelial cells, previously lining the organs of the urinary system (no more than 3-4 units).

A flat epithelium in the urine is often found during pregnancy, when the body of a woman, and especially the urinary system, experiences excessive loads. The appearance of a large number of detached epithelial cells speaks primarily of the inflammatory process that takes place in the present or past tense.

If you exclude gynecological problems (and the proximity of the urethra and vagina lead to the fact that the secret of both organs can be mixed, it is therefore very important to prepare for urine and smear analysis), the cause of an increased number of epithelial cells in the urine may be:

  • cystitis (inflammation of the walls of the bladder, which also has a superficial layer of epithelial cells that can slip from the walls of the body as a result of inflammatory processes);
  • urethritis (inflammation of the mucous urethra, of which we have already written),
  • Nephropathy of pregnant women is a manifestation of late toxicosis with an increase in arterial pressure, edematous syndrome and the appearance of protein in the urine, epithelial cells of various layers of the kidneys, red blood cells, etc.

Both in pregnancy and at other times, the appearance in the urine of components that are not natural to it can provoke nephropathies caused by incorrect functioning of the immune system, medication, certain endocrine diseases (eg, diabetes mellitus ), etc., in which urine is found in urine a large number of flat epithelium.

It must be said that due to inflammatory processes in the kidneys and bladder, the flat epithelium in the urine can be found not only in women, but also in men. It is clear that in the smears from the urethra the doctor can again detect such cells.

trusted-source[9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16]

The flat epithelium in the smear in men

In men who seek a urologist usually for various discharge from the penis, as well as such unpleasant symptoms as itching, burning and inflammation of the tissues in the area of the urethra, a smear on the microflora is taken from the urethra. In mucous, whitish or purulent bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms, as well as cells of flat and cylindrical epithelium that can be removed, can be detected. Mucous urethra has a slightly different design, so a small number of basal cells is not a pathology.

If the amount of epithelial cells in the smear is higher than normal, it is a matter of tissue destruction. So a large number of flat epithelium, as in the case of women, most often speaks of an inflammatory process in the genitourinary system. In this case, you need to take into account not only the organs of urination (kidneys, bladder, urethra).

The inflammatory process can also be localized in the seminal sacs (inflammation of the testicle or orchitis ) or the prostate gland (inflammation of the prostate or prostatitis ) that are attributed to the genitals. And since the organs of the urinary and reproductive systems have a common outlet (urethra or urethra), the reasons for the discharge from the penis in men may be greater than for women whose exits, although located nearby, are still separated, which facilitates diagnosis when correct taking of the smear.

If it is an inflammatory process, the swabs will also necessarily have an increase in the level of leukocytes (more than 5 units in the field of vision), which are released by the immune system to fight infection. Bacteriological studies in this case also reveal pathogens of the disease, which again suggests that the appearance of flat epithelium in the smear is not accidental.

If no smear or leukocytes are found in the smears, it means that we are talking about hyperkeratical processes (leukoplakia, etc.), which can be localized in various parts of the mucosa throughout the body. But you need to understand that the amount of flat epithelium may slightly increase in comparison with the norm as the human body ages. Let men do not express this process so clearly, but nevertheless some doctors note some changes in smear analyzes that are not related to diseases of the genitourinary sphere.

In both women and men, the increase in the number of epithelial cells in the smear may be temporarily increased due to the use of local remedies. In this case, the situation can be considered as an unusual manifestation of an allergic reaction to the drug. By analogy, itching, redness and flaking can appear on the skin, which is also explained by the rejection of superficial epithelial cells.

As for the reduced number of epithelial cells in the smear, this is considered an alarming symptom for young women. When menopause comes to reduce such cells in the analysis results in a decrease in the production of the female hormone estrogen, which is considered to be a physiologically conditioned age process. Violation of the hormonal balance in the direction of reducing the production of estrogens in young women before menopause is fraught with big troubles in the form of a violation of the internal environment of the vagina and activation of the pathogenic microflora.

With estrogen deficiency, a gradual atrophy of the cells of the vagina occurs, which manifests itself in the absence of natural ovulation secretions, vaginal dryness during intercourse, small vaginal smearing bleeding, burning and itching in the vagina, frequent urge to urinate. All these are quite dangerous symptoms, which can have sad consequences and cause infertility of women of childbearing age. Therefore, it is undesirable to leave such symptoms without attention.

Consequences and complications

In a smear on the microflora, you can find various types of epithelium: flat surface, transitional, cylindrical, which lays the cervical canal and is periodically displaced by cells of the flat epithelium. In the fact that these cells are present in biological material, there is nothing pathological. This is the result of physiological processes occurring in the body. Women can have fewer such cells, more women, but this is also due only to the structure of their sexual organs. And if the number of cells of a particular species when studying a biomaterial under a microscope does not exceed 15 units in the field of view, there is nothing to worry about.

But if the indicators are overstated or below the norm - this is an excuse to take care of your health. Especially when it comes to women of reproductive age.

The increased amount in a smear of a flat epithelium often speaks nevertheless about inflammatory processes in a urethra or a vagina - the bodies which surface is covered by a gentle mucous membrane. And as we know, not one inflammatory process, and the more prolonged it does not pass without a trace. Timely treatment of acute inflammatory process, which can indicate a large number of cells exfoliated flat epithelium, helps to prevent possible complications.

For example, the transition to the chronic form of vaginitis, threatens in the future with inflammatory processes of the vulva, erosion of the cervix, inflammation of the endometrium, which in turn can eventually lead to dysplastic processes ( dysplasia of uterine tissues, endometriosis, cervical cancer ). In childhood, vaginitis is fraught with the fusion of small and large labia in girls.

Inflammatory process can lead to densification of mucosal tissues. In it, metabolic processes, cellular respiration, mucosal tissues are atrophied. Cracks and erosions can appear on the mucous membrane, which not only become an obstacle to getting pleasure during sexual intercourse, but also become a breeding ground for infection multiplication. If vaginitis itself is not always caused by an infection, then the appearance of various lesions on the mucosa will provoke its attachment.

Infection, especially of a bacterial nature, has properties to cover all large areas, i.e. It will move upward, affecting the organs of the urinary system.

Identical consequences can also have chronic cervicitis. Infection will gradually spread to other organs, causing inflammation of the appendages, bladder, peritoneum. Its result can be the appearance of adhesions on the internal organs and the development of cancer (cervical cancer against the background of inflammation develops not so often, but still such a danger exists). In addition, the very appearance of a large number of cylindrical and flat epithelial cells in the smear can indicate an initial stage of cancer and without the symptoms of cervicitis.

Urethritis in women, in the vast majority of cases caused by an infectious factor, although urethral damage can be provoked by urolithiasis, can cause a violation of the vaginal microflora, inflammation of the bladder and even kidneys if the infection rises to them.

In men untimely or poor-quality treatment of urethritis (and those more than any of its medical measures) causes many unpleasant consequences that will affect the sexual life:

  • the development of prostatitis, and as a consequence of prostate adenoma,
  • the appearance of vesiculitis, orchitis and colliculitis (inflammatory processes in seminal vesicles, testicles or seminal tubercle),
  • the development of balanoposthitis (inflammation of the penis in the foreskin region), etc.

Prolonged flow of inflammation in the urethra can lead to the appearance of strictures, i.e. To the narrowing of the urethra, which creates problems with the excretion of urine from the body and often requires surgical intervention.

In patients with inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system, sexual and psychological problems begin. Pain during sexual intercourse causes a denial of sexual intimacy, a constant dissatisfaction with sexual partners. Begin quarrels and scandals in the family, which can also be considered a remote consequence of careless attitude towards the appearance of a large number of epithelial cells in the smear.

Although no less problems of the sexual plan can be observed in women with an insufficient number of epithelium in smears, in which a lack of lubrication in the vagina leads to the appearance of pain and irritation of the mucous during sexual intercourse.

But the pathologies in which the composition of the smear changes, and have much more unpleasant consequences, if we consider that they sometimes become an obstacle to conceiving a child. And infertility of one of the spouses often leads to the disintegration of the family.

As we see, the detection of squamous cells of squamous epithelium in amounts other than normal can be considered not only an indicator of pathological processes in the body, but also an opportunity to start effective treatment in time and prevent the development of dangerous complications.

trusted-source[17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27], [28]

Prophylaxis and prognosis

When it comes to human diseases, the prognosis of their treatment depends on many factors, so it is never 100% effective. The flat epithelium appears in a smear taken from the genital organs of men and women, depending on its quantity, may indicate various pathologies caused by hormonal disorders, inflammations, infection, malfunctions in the immune system, etc. It is clear that treatment in each case will be considered individually, and its effectiveness depends on the competence of the doctor.

But the prognosis of treatment is influenced not only by the prescribed treatment. An important role is also played by the time for seeking help. The earlier the disease is identified, the more likely it will be to say goodbye to it without consequences and complications. This applies to both inflammatory pathologies and oncological diseases, where it is no longer even about health, but about the life of the patient.

It is clear that the fulfillment of the doctor's requirements will necessarily affect the prognosis of treatment. If the patient does not want to undergo a full course of treatment, it is usually not necessary to count on a good persistent result. There is a big risk that after a while the illness will return.

Let us not go into details of the consequences that a person can wait if he does not take any measures to treat the disease. It is better to talk about how to make treatment more effective.

In the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system, it is very important:

  • Observe the hygiene of the genitals. I'll have to wash myself even more often than usual, especially during menstruation.
  • More often you will have to change your underwear and intimate hygiene products (tampons, pads).
  • All medical procedures should be carried out after the hands are thoroughly washed using soap. To wash hands is necessary and after carrying out of medical manipulations.
  • The genitals, where the infection hides, require care with the use of a separate towel. Lusha, if it's a disposable napkin. Otherwise, the towel will have to be washed and ironed daily with a hot iron.
  • Special attention should be paid to underwear. It should be made of natural tissues, "breathing", because the "greenhouse" effect created by synthetics, only promotes the propagation of pathogenic microflora.
  • During the treatment of the disease, sexual contact should be avoided. This will help prevent secondary infection and spread of the infection to other people, in particular to the sexual partner. Failure to comply with this requirement is one of the reasons for the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. Some patients believe that if they started treatment, they are no longer contagious. Especially dangerous is unprotected sex.
  • It is important to understand that if two people regularly live sexually, and one of them has an infectious disease disease, both partners should be treated. Even if we are not talking about sexually transmitted diseases, for example, candidiasis or vaginitis caused by a conditionally pathogenic microflora, some preventive measures in the form of treating the penis with antiseptics effective against bacteria and fungi will not interfere. Especially when you consider that not everyone can boast of strong immunity.
  • Treatment procedures prescribed by a doctor should be performed regularly and in full. It is impossible to finish the treatment only because of the disappearance of the symptoms of the disease. It is necessary to undergo a full therapeutic course and then, if necessary, resort to preventive measures.

But any disease is easier to prevent than cure. It is this truth that must be guided in your life, so that it has less unpleasant moments.

To avoid infectious and inflammatory diseases of urogynecological nature, not so much is needed. It is worth paying attention to your sex life. Even if the sexual partner is a constant you need to closely monitor your health. After sexual intercourse, hygiene procedures can help prevent possible infection.

If it is a question of casual sexual relations, it is necessary to use high-quality personal protective equipment (condom). And again, do not forget about the hygiene of the genitals, trying to take a shower in the near future.

To prevent reproduction of opportunistic microflora, which very much likes places where it is warm and humid, the wearing of linen from natural fabrics will help. The cause of irritation of tender tissues can be increased humidity, as well as allergens contained in flavored pads, synthetic underwear, some means for intimate hygiene, which should be avoided.

With regard to the prevention of diseases in which the squamous epithelium in the stroke is quantitatively different from the established norm, here, foremost is the observance of intimate hygiene, proper nutrition, providing the body with useful substances necessary for strong immunity, caution in sexual intercourse. An important role is also played by maintaining the overall health of the body and timely treatment of infectious diseases, regardless of the location of their localization. One must always remember the ability of the infection to spread through the body with blood and lymph flow, in order to prevent such danger in time.

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.