Preparation for providing STD, gynecological or urological specimen

The collection of specimens for various microbiological tests is an important part of screening and examination for STD, gynecological or urological diseases.

The underlying cause of discharge, burning, itching, stinging sensations during urination, perineal and pelvic pain may be infection by any of a variety of pathogens, which cannot be determined or differentiated based on signs and symptoms alone; diagnosis therefore requires laboratory testing.

At the same time, we also test for the sensitivity of the isolated pathogen to antibiotics or antifungal medications, which provides useful information for the selection of the most effective treatment.

Since proper collection of specimens is an essential prerequisite of an exact diagnosis, please comply with the instructions provided below.

Information and advice for female patients

Examination of the secretions of the vagina and cervix are not possible during menstruation. Please take this into account when making an appointment.

If your complaints arise with varying intensity within a menstrual cycle, please attempt to come for specimen collection on days when symptoms are most pronounced; this increases the likelihood that the cause of your complaints can be determined.

Please do not douche or use ANY TYPE of suppository, cream or solution on the affected area for one week before the examination, and do not take antibiotics, antifungals or any other medication which may adversely affect the pathogen! Otherwise, a false negative result will be obtained, making the examination pointless.

Sexual intercourse is to be avoided for 3 days before the examination.

The patient lies on the gynecological exam table, the area to be examined is exposed with the use of a speculum and specimens are taken using special sampling swabs from the cervix, the vagina, as well as the skin of the pudendum, if necessary. In the case of sexually inactive women (virgins) or young girls, a cotton swab will be inserted into the vagina, so as not to injure the hymen. Some pathogens proliferate on the cervix (e.g., Chlamydia, HPV), while others invade the vaginal mucous membranes (e.g., yeast, Trichomonas).

Examination of the urine is necessary to clarify the cause of an inflammation or infection of the urinary tract. If the purpose of the examination is to test for pathogens in the urethra, then the first-void (first 30 milliliters) urine are required, which should be passed into the sterile container provided. If we suspect urinary tract infection, then a midstream urine specimen is required. In this case, the external genitalia are washed, after which the first-void urine is passed into the toilet, followed by urination into the sterile container provided, and finished by passing the remaining urine into the toilet.

If the complaint is inflammation of the skin of the genitals, a specimen will be taken from the affected area with a cotton swab.

Some pathogens are tested for by demonstrating the presence in the blood of antibodies produced against the pathogen. Blood is taken for the examination, before which it is not necessary to fast.

Test results for genital specimens are produced within 7 days (8 days for HPV). The results of serological examinations can be expected within 1-2 weeks.

Please make an appointment to personally receive the test results and to discuss the course of treatment.

Since our clinic is not covered by State Medical Insurance (OEP), patients must pay charges for the individual laboratory examinations in addition to the regular fee for the office visit.

In the event that a sexually transferred disease is confirmed, it is imperative that the sexual partner(s) also be examined and treated! Our clinic provides coordinated management and treatment of couples.

Information and advice for male patients

Please do not urinate for at least two hours before the examination. Urine washes the secretions out of the urethra, preventing the collection of a proper specimen.

Some examinations are based on urine, others on urethral discharges. The examining physician will determine which test material is required to diagnose your problem.

Urethral discharge specimens are taken with a thin swab, which may result in discomfort for several seconds.

If the examination of prostatic discharge is required, prostatic massage will be carried out before taking a specimen. The patient lies comfortably on his side with legs drawn up, while the physician gently stimulates the prostate and the seminal vesicle through the anal wall for several seconds. The resultant secretions pass through the urethra and can be obtained either through the urine or directly by cotton swab.

Suspected inflammation of the epididymis or testicles requires microbiological examination of the semen. The specimen can be produced into a sterile container following 3-5 days of abstinence. Before producing the sample, hands and the genital area should be washed. A separate facility is available within our clinic for producing a specimen, but specimens produced at home are also acceptable if they are delivered to the office within a few hours and are refrigerated at 4°C until delivery.

Examination of the urine is required to clarify the reasons for the inflammation and infections of the urinary tract and internal sexual organs.

If the purpose of the examination is to test for pathogens in the urethra, the specimen is taken from the first-void (first 30 milliters) urine, which is to be collected in the sterile container provided. If we suspect urinary tract infection, then a midstream urine specimen is required. In this case, the first-void urine is passed into the toilet, followed by urination into the sterile container provided, and finished by passing the remaining urine into the toilet.

If the complaint is inflammation of the skin around the genitals, a specimen will be taken of the affected region with a cotton swab.

Screening of men for HPV involves taking a specimen from the internal epithelium of the glans and the foreskin using a cytological brush. The procedure can involve slight discomfort, but it is not painful.

Some pathogens are tested for by demonstrating the presence in the blood of antibodies produced against the pathogen. Blood is taken for the examination, before which it is not necessary to fast.

For at least one week before the examinaton, do not take antibiotics, antifungals or any other medication which may have an adverse effect on the pathogen, nor should you use any creams, solutions or disinfectants on the affected region. Otherwise, a false negative result will be obtained, making the test pointless.

Test results for genital specimens are produced within 7 days (8 days for HPV). The results of serological examinations can be expected within 1-2 weeks.

Please make an appointment to personally receive the test results and to discuss the course of treatment.

Since our clinic is not covered by State Medical Insurance (OEP), patients must pay charges for the individual laboratory examinations in addition to the regular fee for the office visit.

In the event that a sexually transferred disease is confirmed, it is imperative that the sexual partner(s) also be examined and treated! Our clinic provides coordinated management and treatment of couples.