Tests of functional diagnostics

To assess the function of the ovaries are widely used tests of functional diagnostics: hormonal colpocytodiagnostics (smear on the hormonal mirror), study of the condition of the mucus of the cervical canal, measurement of basal temperature.

Hormonal cytodiagnosis (smear on the hormonal mirror)

Epithelial cells of the vaginal mucosa have the property to change, "ripen", under the influence of female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone in accordance with the phases of the menstrual cycle, therefore, after examining a smear on the hormonal mirror, we can conclude about the degree of saturation of the female body with sex hormones.

Depending on the estrogenic saturation of the organism, different types of cells separate from the vaginal wall in different ratios: surface, intermediate, basal and parabasal. The method of colpocytodiagnostics is based on the determination of the quantitative relationship and features of the cell structure.

The material for examination is taken from the vaginal wall with a gynecological spatula or a special brush, then applied to the glass and sent to the laboratory with a mandatory indication of the woman's age, the day of the menstrual cycle or the period of pregnancy.

It is important that a woman does not have sexual intercourse for 2-3 days before taking a smear, and she did not undergo any diagnostic and treatment procedures in the vagina, since the smear will be uninformative.

This method is used to diagnose the threat of abortion (especially with habitual miscarriage), menstrual irregularities, as well as monitoring the results of hormone treatment.

Studying the condition of the mucus of the cervical canal

During the menstrual cycle, the amount and properties of the cervical mucus vary due to the action of estrogens and progesterone. The greatest amount is allocated in the middle of the cycle during ovulation, the smallest during menstruation.

1. Symptom of mucus tension . If tweezers get slime from the cervical canal, then with accurate dilution from the mucus a thread is formed, the length of which depends on the viscosity of the mucus. The maximum length of the thread will be in the period of ovulation, when the viscosity of the mucus is greatest. The length of the thread is measured in centimeters (the higher the level of estrogens, the greater its length). In the second phase of the cycle, the thread tension symptom decreases and completely disappears before menstruation.

2. Symptom "pupil" . During the menstrual cycle under the influence of the estrogen hormone, the muscle tone of the cervix changes and the diameter of the external opening of the cervical canal. Expansion of the external opening and the appearance of mucus in it begins with 8-9 days of the menstrual cycle, until 14 days the opening widens as much as possible (up to 3-6 mm in diameter). A drop of slime that emerges from it, when illuminated against a pink mucous background, seems to be a "pupil" - a positive "pupil" symptom. In the following days the amount of mucus begins to decrease and by the 18-20 day of the cycle this symptom disappears, the cervix becomes "dry". Such changes are characteristic only in the normal menstrual cycle. The symptom of the "pupil" reflects the production of estrogen by the ovaries. Absence of a symptom indicates a weak estrogenic effect, and a long-lasting symptom - an increase in estrogen levels above normal.

3. Symptom of "fern" . Neck mucus when dried in air has the ability to crystallize. The intensity of crystallization depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle, that is, the estrogenic effect of the ovaries. Slime is taken with forceps, which is inserted into the cervical canal to a depth of 5 mm, then applied to a slide, dried and examined under a microscope.

4. The change in basal temperature (BT) is based on an increase in temperature under the influence of the hormone progesterone. Basal temperature woman measures herself, observing the following rules:

   Basal temperature is measured in the rectum in the morning by the same thermometer, without getting out of bed and not emptying the bladder. In the first half of the menstrual cycle, the temperature is below 37? (By 0,2-0,3?), After ovulation it rises and keeps within the limits of 37,1-37,4?, Then again decreases before menstruation. The woman marks the basal temperature values ​​on the graph, with a normal cycle the graph has two prongs. Observing the basal temperature chart, one can assess whether or not ovulation occurs. If ovulation does not occur, the basal temperature does not increase, and the plot will not have teeth.

   This test is simple, easily accessible and fairly objective, but it should be remembered that it can be affected by any non-hormonal causes (diseases accompanied by an increase in body temperature). In addition, the measurement of BT should be carried out not less than for 2-3 menstrual cycles - only then this method can be diagnostically valuable.

   Sometimes using this method, you can suspect a threat of termination of pregnancy in a period of up to 12 weeks. If the temperature on the chart is 37.4-37.5? Pregnancy is normal. If there is a decrease, you should immediately consult a doctor.