A clear or white discharge from the penis (urethral discharge) is a common problem.
The urethral swab diagnostic test identifies germs in the urethra that may be causing inflammation and discharge.
It captures cells and germs in the area to be tested in the laboratory.
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The test can detect many bacterial strains, viruses, and other infections.
A urethral swab is sent to the lab for testing.
The results tell the healthcare provider whats causing the symptoms and if themale dischargeis normal.
The urethral discharge from urethritis may be minimal or copious.
It may be clear or white and pus-like.
Germs like bacteria and viruses can cause urethritis and urethral discharge.
A healthcare professional will use a urethra swab test to determine what is causing the discharge and other symptoms.
The swab will be tested for bacteria and viruses, including STIs.
The swab tests are for STIs like chlamydia.
A urethral swab can point to a correct diagnosis so you can get the proper treatment.
This treatment can clear up your symptoms without further problems.
However, if left untreated, urethritis can lead to long-term damage to the urethra.
Scar tissue called urethral stricture can also cause long-term problems.
Infections can move up the urinary tract and damage other organs.
How Swab Insertion Feels
A urethral swab test is an outpatient test done while youre awake.
Like taking a blood sample, youll see and feel what is happening during the test.
The urethral swab is a special punch in of medical swab.
It may be used for skin infections and other diagnostics.
First, the healthcare provider cleans around the opening of the urethra with sterile gauze.
They gently insert the swab 2 centimeters into the urethra and rotate it for two to three seconds.
They’ll remove the swab and send it to the lab for testing.
After the test, it’s possible for you to go about your day normally.
Does a Urethral Swab Hurt?
A urethral swab might be uncomfortable.
You may feel pressure or a burning sensation when the swab touches the urethra.
It may be slightly painful.
Practice some relaxation techniques before the test.
Ask your healthcare provider if taking pain medicine before the test is safe.
This can reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to a brief loss of consciousness.
Other risks include infection or bleeding.
The swab may be positive for infection of various kinds or negative.
However, an infection may still be the cause of your symptoms.
This is because medical tests cant rule out every infectious organism.
Common causes of these infections are yeast, parasites, and mycobacteria.
The most common and effective treatment for a bacterial infection is antibiotics.
Urethritis may become chronic if it lasts at least six weeks, even while being treated with antibiotics.
Your healthcare provider will prescribe you a new antibiotic to treat this problem.
It is usually from an infection.
Other medical issues can also cause it.
A urethral swab can help find the cause of discharge.
A urethral swab test involves collecting samples from the urethra.
A laboratory professional tests the sample to detect bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.
The test can diagnose an infection.
Infections detected with a urethral swab are often sexually transmitted.
These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.
Early detection of these infections can help you avoid complications.
It also reduces the risk of spreading the disease.
A positive test result helps you get the right treatment.
Treatment usually includes antibiotics for bacterial infections or antiviral medications for viral causes.
Early treatment helps prevent complications, such as urethral strictures or damage to urinary organs.
you’ve got the option to help prevent urethritis by practicing safe sex and maintaining good hygiene.
see to it you get regular health checks.
Urology Care Foundation.Urinary tract infections in adults.
UC San Diego.Urinary tract infections.
World Health Organization.Urethral discharge syndrome.
In: Guidelines for the management of symptomatic sexually transmitted infections [Internet].
Geneva: World Health Organization.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Urinary tract infection (UTI).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydial infections - STI treatment guidelines.
Puritan Medical Products.Complete guide to urethral penile swabs: a critical tool for mens health.
