During a vaginal examination, the health care provider uses a swab to take samples of mucus and cells from the endocervix. This is the area around the opening of the uterus. The samples are sent to a lab. There, they are placed in a special dish (culture). They are then watched to see if bacteria, virus, or fungus grow. Further tests may be done to identify the specific organism and determine the best treatment.

In the 2 days before the procedure:

• Do not use creams or other medicines in the vagina.
• Do not douche. (You should never douche. Douching can cause infection of the vagina or uterus.)
• Avoid intercourse.
• Empty your bladder and bowel.
• At your provider's office, follow instructions for preparing for the vaginal exam.

You will feel some pressure from the speculum. This is an instrument inserted into the vagina to hold the area open so that the provider can view the cervix and collect the samples. There may be a slight cramping when the swab touches the cervix.

The test may be done to determine the cause of vaginitis, pelvic pain, an unusual vaginal discharge, or other signs of infection.

Organisms that are usually present in the vagina are there in the expected amounts.

Abnormal results indicate the presence of an infection in the genital tract or urinary tract in women, such as:

• Genital herpes
• Chronic swelling and irritation of the urethra (urethritis)
• Sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

There may be slight bleeding or spotting after the test. This is normal.

Vaginal culture; Female genital tract culture; Culture - cervix

Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.

Swygard H, Cohen MS. Approach to the patient with a sexually transmitted infection. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 264.

Updated by: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.