In the package, we detect sexually transmitted diseases from a gynaecological sample that can cause vaginal complaints and other gynaecological problems, as well as pelvic pain and even difficulty conceiving.

There are many microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) in the intimate area of ​​the female body, which make up the vaginal flora. Lactic acid-producing Lactobacilli provide an acidic medium (pH 3.8-4.4) that is favourable to the normal vaginal bacterial community but unfavourable to pathogens.

The natural balance of the vaginal flora is influenced by many factors: age, hormonal cycle, sex life, bathing habits, diet, smoking. With a balanced flora, the vagina has a natural protective, self-cleaning function and is resistant to pathogens.

If this balance is upset, infections can develop, which can lead to vaginal complaints and other gynaecological problems, lesser pelvic pain, difficulty conceiving, and, in addition, affect the quality of life and sexuality.

Disruption of the normal vaginal flora leads to bacterial vaginosis. In this case, there are no microorganisms in the vaginal secretions that would not occur in healthy women, but their amount and relative proportions change.

Bacterial vaginosis is not always accompanied by inflammatory symptoms, but other discomforts do occur, such as:

• burning, itchy feeling,
• irritation, reddened skin,
• abundant, dense, unpleasant-smelling, off-white vaginal discharge,
• frequent urination

Changes in the vaginal ecosystem can be a risk factor for sexually transmitted infections as well.

• Candida, Trichomonas vaginalis,
• typical bacteria (Gardenerella vaginalis, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, members of the genus Bacteroides, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, intestinal bacteria),
• atypical bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealythicum),
• viruses (human papillomavirus, Herpes simplex, Herpes zooster).

This protozoan multiplies in the epithelial cells of the genitals. It is mostly transmitted with sexual contact, but the disease can also be transmitted in swimming pools, with the use of shared toilets or towels. Infected men are often asymptomatic, women may experience an unpleasant-smelling, greenish-yellow vaginal discharge, and may experience pain and urinary complaints related to sexual intercourse.

In both sexes, the infection can cause urinary tract disease, arthritis, and if left untreated, serious complications can occur. In women, it is accompanied by vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis and lesser pelvic inflammatory disease. It is also a dangerous pathogen during pregnancy and childbirth for women and the unborn child, which can also cause miscarriages, premature births, and postpartum infections. Maternal infection can cause pneumonia and respiratory failure in the newborn.

The pathogen of gonorrhoea is a bacterium that infects cells in the mucous membranes of the genitals, urethra and rectum. Initially it is asymptomatic, but it can cause urinary complaints and later spreads to the internal genitals, resulting in infertility, so timely antibiotic therapy is very important.

This bacterium lives and multiplies inside the cells of the infected body. During sexual intercourse, the infected party passes it on to their partner. It is a major cause of cervicitis, but as a contagious infection, it can spread and cause pelvic inflammatory disease, blockage to the fallopian tube, and infertility. Many times, it causes no symptoms at all, if it does, it appears as a purulent-bloody vaginal discharge.

Genital disease is most commonly caused by type II herpes virus, however, both groups also occur around the genitals.

In the vast majority of cases, blisters appear in groups within 3 to 20 days of infection, accompanied by a burning, itchy sensation, which become painful, epithelial-deficient, or ulcerated after a few days.

In women, they are most common on the vulva, but often spread to the vagina and cervix. Pain when urinating may indicate an infection that also affects the urethra. Once the symptoms have passed, the virus migrates to the ganglia, where it remains for a lifetime, so it can be transmitted asymptomatically. If the immune system weakens, it can cause symptoms again at any time.

This bacterium is the causative agent of syphilis. It is most commonly transmitted sexually or can be passed on to the foetus by the mother. Sexually transmitted infections usually result from direct contact with a so-called syphilitic chancre, which is a hard, painless ulcer that occurs on the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals.

Its course consists of several stages, the first symptoms appearing 2-3 weeks after infection. One or more ulcers appear on the body surface that was in contact with the partner, in case of women, on the vagina. Because the ulcer does not cause pain, it often goes unnoticed. Alternatively, approx. 6 weeks after the infection, red rashes appear all over the body.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is commonly found in the genital or gastrointestinal tracts of up to 35% of healthy women. Pregnant women infected with GBS can pass the bacteria to their newborns at birth. This infection can lead to neonatal sepsis and/or meningitis. Therefore, it is essential to screen for and understand the clinical presentation and treatment of GBS infections.

In addition to newborns, GBS can also cause invasive infections in immunocompromised individuals, such as pregnant women or immunocompromised adults with malignancy, diabetes, or HIV infection.

H.d., or Chancroid, is an infection of the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, characterized by papules, painful ulcers, and enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes, leading to pus. Diagnosis is usually clinical, as culture of the pathogen is difficult. Treatment is with macrolides (azithromycin or erythromycin), ceftriaxone, or ciprofloxacin. H. ducreyi can also cause non-genital skin ulcers in children and adults.

Gardnerella vaginalis is an anaerobic/facultative anaerobic bacterium that lives in the normal vaginal flora. Normally, the vaginal flora is dominated by Lactobacillus species, but when organisms such as Gardnerella begin to overgrow and become the dominant species, it leads to bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Gardnerella vaginalis is sexually transmitted between partners and can form a biofilm on the inner surface of the vagina that promotes the development of BV. BV is the most common cause of abnormal, copious, foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Clinically, BV is associated with preterm birth and an increased risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Candidiasis is a very common vaginal infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida that are naturally present in the gut. They can also be present in other parts of the body, such as the mouth, skin, and vagina. The most common cause of candidiasis is Candida albicans.

Candida is usually present in small amounts in everyone and does not cause problems but it is possible for Candida to overgrow and cause symptoms.

The infection develops when there are hormonal and homeostatic changes in the body. It can be transmitted sexually, but it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Symptoms of candidiasis in women may include: vaginal itching, discomfort or irritation, vaginal discharge, redness and/or swelling of the vagina or vulva, stinging or burning sensation during urination.

From the surface of the cervix, the vaginal wall, and the initial section of the cervical canal, the gynaecologist takes a secretion sample (smear) using a cell sampling device (cytological sampling brush), which is applied to a slide.

It is important to note that it is contraindicated to use all kinds of medications around the genitals (ointments, brushes), antibiotics and fungicides before performing the test, as these may distort the test results.

Screening should not be performed during menstruation, and sexual intercourse should be avoided the three days prior to the examination.

On the 5th working day following the examination.