Definition
The urethra is a tube that carries both urine and semen out of the body from the penis. A urethral secretion test is typically conducted to detect microorganisms or abnormalities in the urethra, such as urethritis or bacterial infections.
This test helps identify any bacteria that could be causing urethritis. The urethra serves as the pathway for urine to leave the bladder and exit the body.
Indications
Your doctor may recommend this test if they observe fluid discharge from the urethra. This test can also detect infections caused by sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Contraindications
The urethral secretion test is generally safe, with moderate risks. There are no specific contraindications associated with this test. It is important to discuss the procedure with your doctor to understand the steps involved.
Preparation Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for a urethral secretion test. You don’t need to fast unless you’re also undergoing another test that requires fasting.
However, you will be asked to refrain from urinating for at least one hour before the test. Ideally, the sample should be collected at least two hours after urination, as urinating beforehand could flush out bacteria and lead to less accurate results.
Inform your doctor if you are experiencing any specific conditions or if you are taking medications that may need to be paused before the test.
Test Procedure
The procedure for the urethral discharge test is relatively quick but may cause some discomfort or pain. First, the doctor will conduct a physical examination of the patient's genital area. The patient will be asked to clean and dry the outer genital region with water. Then, the doctor will guide you to gently wipe the urethral area using a sterile cotton swab to collect any pus. The swab will be placed in a special container for transportation to the laboratory for further analysis.
You may experience some discomfort during the swabbing process, and in some cases, it can cause fainting due to nerve stimulation. Once in the laboratory, the sample will be cultured and examined under a microscope.
The results will be reviewed by the doctor, who will use them to determine the diagnosis and plan the appropriate treatment. If necessary, additional tests may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. If the results are positive, the doctor will immediately recommend treatment options or therapy to address the condition.
Normal and Abnormal Values
Normal test results show no bacterial growth or a negative culture. Abnormal results are indicated by a positive bacterial culture, which shows bacterial growth.
Results and Suggestions (Follow-up Test)
The results of the urethral secretion test depend on the shape and color of the bacteria identified during the examination. If the test results are normal, it means there is no urinary tract infection. Abnormal results may suggest the presence of a urinary tract infection, which could include conditions like gonorrhea or chlamydia.
In some cases, other types of bacteria may be detected besides gonorrhea or chlamydia. It’s important to discuss your test results with your doctor for further interpretation.
Consult the Right Doctor
If the urethral secretion test returns abnormal results, you should consult a general practitioner for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The doctor may recommend additional tests, such as liver function tests, to assist in the diagnosis. If necessary, you may also need to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation.
Looking for more information about laboratory, radiology, and other examination results? Click here!
- dr. Monica Salim
Urethral Discharge Culture. (2021). Retrieved 07 August 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003750.htm
What You Need to Know About Male Urethral Discharge Testing. (2019). Retrieved 07 August 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/urethral-discharge-culture
Urethral Discharge Culture. (2023). Retrieved 07 August 2023, from https://mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/urethral-discharge-culture
