On this page
Preparing for diagnostic tests
Effective, targeted treatment depends on identifying the exact pathogen. The bacteria or fungi behind recurring symptoms (discharge, irritation, lower abdominal pain) can only be reliably detected if the sample is taken correctly.
The most important steps before the sample is taken:
- No medication: Do not use antibiotics, antifungal pessaries, creams or topical solutions in the 7 days before the test. These can mask the infection and give a false-negative result.
- Vaginal hygiene: Stop vaginal douching (irrigation) 1 week before the sample is taken.
- Intimacy: Sexual abstinence is recommended for 3 days before the test.
- Cycle planning: Samples cannot be taken during menstruation. Ideally, plan your visit for a day when you have symptoms but no bleeding.
Types of sample:
- Urine test:
- If the urethra is affected: The first part of the urine stream (about 30 ml) is needed.
- If cystitis is suspected: A midstream urine sample is requested (the first and last part of the stream goes into the toilet, the middle part into the sterile container).
- Specialist sampling: We take the sample from the cervix and vagina with a gentle speculum examination and a special swab. For virgin patients we use a thin cotton swab and keep the hymen intact.
- Blood test: For antibody testing you do not need to fast.
Important: If the result is positive, your partner must be tested too. At Sabjanics Medical Center couples can also be treated together at the same time.