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Staphylococcus in a smear in women is the detection of an opportunistic bacterium in the vaginal microflora. To identify it, it is necessary to take mucous secretions during a gynecological examination.
The smear is sent for bacteriological examination, which determines the presence or absence of opportunistic microflora.
The fact that this bacterium is found in a smear of a woman is not any pathology, but only if its content does not exceed 1% of the total number of microorganisms present there.
The norm and deviations from the norm are determined by the degree of purity of the smear.
Symptoms of staphylococcus in a smear in women
If the number of staphylococci detected in a female smear is minimal, then she will not experience any signs of the disease.
However, in the presence of predisposing factors, staphylococci can begin to actively grow, which will lead to the following symptoms:
Itching in the genital area.
Allocations of a different nature, most often with an unpleasant odor.
Pain during intercourse.
The impossibility of a good night’s rest, as the feeling of itching and burning intensifies at night.
Increased irritability, nervousness.
Possible rashes in the labia minora, like pustules.
However, all these symptoms occur only if the number of staphylococci in the smear is significantly higher than normal. In addition, overestimation often serves as a signal that a woman has some kind of sexually transmitted infection. Therefore, it makes sense to undergo a complete examination and eliminate the cause of the growth of staphylococcus aureus in the vagina. As a rule, against the background of the growth of coccal flora, there is an increase in the number of leukocytes in the smear, with a minimum content of lactobacilli.
Causes of staphylococcus in a smear in women
Staphylococcus can enter the vagina in several ways, including:
Performing intimate hygiene. The bacterium normally exists on the skin of even an absolutely healthy person; when washing, it, together with water, is able to penetrate the mucous membranes of the vagina. In the presence of favorable conditions for it, the bacterium will begin to multiply. In addition, staphylococcus aureus can be introduced from the intestines as a result of improper washing or self-care after a bowel movement.
Entering the vagina due to unskilled actions of medical workers. As a result, for example, a gynecological examination using non-sterile instruments can lead to infection. Surgery is another way of infection with a bacterium. Although this route of infection is quite rare and amounts to no more than 1%.
Unprotected intercourse.
For a long time, staphylococcus can absolutely not show its presence. However, under the influence of a number of provoking factors, the bacterium begins to actively multiply.
Risk Factors
The impetus for the development of the inflammatory process can be:
Diseases of the genital area;
Long-term drug therapy;
Relapses of chronic diseases;
Weakened immune defenses, HIV;
Injury to the mucous membrane of the vagina;
Disruptions in the hormonal system;
Dysbacteriosis of the vagina, etc.
A common cause of the appearance of staphylococcus aureus in a smear is the regular use of tampons. It is the synthetic materials from which these hygiene products are made that are a favorable place for the reproduction of bacteria. As a result, an increase in the number of staphylococci and their suppression of the beneficial microflora of the vagina.
Treatment of staphylococcus in a smear in women
In most cases, it is not necessary to eliminate the bacterium, since in minimal quantities it is not able to cause an infectious process. However, if its indicators exceed the norm, it is necessary to undergo a therapeutic course, which should first of all be aimed at eliminating the factor that led to the shift in the vaginal flora.
It should be understood that the analysis of a smear for flora and the detection of an excess of staphylococcal infection in it is only the initial stage in the diagnosis of the disease. To clarify the diagnosis, additional studies will be required, for example, diagnostics by PCR, which makes it possible to detect even latent infections of the genital tract.
The treatment regimen is selected individually and depends on the nature of the disease. Most often, a woman is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs and local treatment. It comes down to regular sanitation of the vagina using antiseptic solutions. For this, miramistin, chlorphyllipt, streptomycin are used.
The choice of vaginal suppositories is carried out by a doctor. It depends on the nature of the disease. Often prescribed are candles such as Terzhinan, Pimafucin, Genferon or Vokadin. They have a wide spectrum of action, are able to suppress both microbial and fungal flora.
Prevention of staphylococcus in women
In order to prevent staphylococcal infection from entering the vaginal cavity, it is necessary to follow simple rules, including:
Practice protected sex using a condom.
Get rid of gynecological inflammatory processes in a timely manner.
Properly carry out intimate hygiene, in particular, when washing, movements should be directed from front to back. The same rule applies to the implementation of hygiene procedures after the act of defecation. Hands must always be clean.
You should refuse not only the regular use of tampons, but also the wearing of synthetic underwear.
To undergo diagnostic procedures in the field of the reproductive system, you should contact only trusted clinics that comply with sanitary and hygienic requirements.
Douching should not be carried out without medical advice.
It is important to stop taking antibacterial agents without a doctor’s prescription.
Compliance with these rules will allow the beneficial bacteria present in the vagina to prevent the growth of staphylococcus aureus, and it will be detected in a smear in the minimum allowable titers.