What is a smear in men? If you answer the question briefly, then this procedure can be called a kind of analysis. Doctors call the urogenital smear in men a discharge from the urethra, which they examine, as a rule, to diagnose an inflammatory process. For example, with urethritis of various etiologies (gonorrhea, bacterial urethritis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis).
When specialists examine the urethra, as a rule, the composition and number of cellular elements always depend on the duration and severity of the inflammatory process. The inflammatory state of the urethra (urethral mucosa) itself is expressed by the presence in the urogenital smear of more than four polynuclear neutrophils.
What diseases are detected, and what does the smear test show for the infection that the doctor takes from men from the urethra?
A smear from the urethra is usually made and used to detect a serious disease of the urethritis, or a complex male prostatitis disease . If these diseases are suspected, the doctor immediately prescribes the delivery of tests. Also, a smear in men is taken in order to clarify the disease, which is transmitted sexually (to identify its pathogen or its angigens)
If necessary, a simple microscopic examination of the urethra (smear) is supplemented by a special (cultural) study (determining the quantitative composition in the genital tract of certain microbes) and the PCR diagnostic method. This method allows you to accurately determine the majority of infections that are transmitted due to sexual contact.
How is a smear taken in men and does it hurt?
This question worries all the guys and men who are facing this procedure for the first time. As a rule, a smear in men is taken with a special probe or medical swab. It is carefully inserted by the doctor into the urethra no deeper than three centimeters. To be honest, the procedure itself is somewhat unpleasant and can be very painful. For several hours after the doctor has taken the material for the smear, a man may have various pain sensations. For example, a burning sensation or some discomfort in the penis (especially the head).
In some cases, before sampling the material for the smear, the doctor may recommend a special massage of the prostate gland. It is carried out directly through the rectum. Sometimes it is recommended to massage the urethra, which is done using a probe.
Before you go to the procedure, you need to:
1. Refuse sexual intercourse at least two days before the examination.
2. Hygiene of the genitals should be performed in the evening, and in the morning before the examination you do not need to wash.
3. It is recommended not to urinate two to three hours before visiting a doctor.
About a week before the planned examination, stop using any medication.