Urethral discharge culture
What is a Urethral Discharge Culture?
A urethral discharge culture is a lab test to identify the type of bacteria causing a urethral infection. Urine is not always accurate unless the symptoms are very severe. The culture of urethral discharge can help determine whether antibiotics or other treatments are necessary.
The urethra is the tube in the genital area that carries urine out of the body. People with urethral infections often have a yellow or green-colored discharge coming from the urethra. This discharge may be accompanied by itching, burning, pain, or other discomfort.
Preparation for Urethral Discharge Culture
To prepare for a urethral discharge culture, your doctor will likely ask that you refrain from any sexual activity for 24 hours before the test. This will help ensure that the test results are accurate. Additionally, you may need to do any of the following:
- Refrain from using vaginal douches or medications before the testing.
- Clean the area around the opening of the urethra with an antiseptic solution.
- Avoid urinating immediately before the test.
Procedure for Urethral Discharge Culture
The procedure for a urethral discharge culture is typically quick and painless. During the procedure, your doctor will use a cotton swab to collect a sample of the discharge from the urethra. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
The lab will use microbiological techniques to identify different types of bacteria that may be present in the urethral discharge. The results of the culture will help to diagnose any type of infection and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Types of Urethral Discharge Cultures
Urethral discharge cultures are typically done to diagnose sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma. Other types of infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and fungal infections, can also be diagnosed with urethral discharge cultures. The types of infections that can be detected using urethral discharge cultures include:
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Mycoplasma
- Ureaplasma
- Trichomonas
- Cytomegalovirus
- Herpes simplex virus
- Fungal infections
Risks of Urethral Discharge Cultures
Urethral discharge cultures are generally safe and pose few, if any, risks. Minor irritation or discomfort at the site of the sample collection is possible, but this should subside quickly. Additionally, some people may experience a small amount of bleeding at the site of the sample collection.
Why Urethral Discharge Cultures are Done
Urethral discharge cultures are done for several reasons. The most common reason to have a urethral discharge culture is to diagnose and treat STIs. Additionally, urethral discharge cultures can be used to diagnose other urinary tract infections and to screen for possible reproductive system health problems.
When to Get a Urethral Discharge Culture
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a urethral infection, it is important to seek medical attention. Some symptoms of a urethral infection include pain, burning, itching, and/or a yellow or green-colored discharge. It is also important to get tested for STIs if you are sexually active.
Additionally, people with a weakened immune system should be tested for possible urinary tract infections more frequently. If you are worried that you may have a urethral infection or other urinary tract infection, talk to your doctor about having a urethral discharge culture.