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Endocervical culture

Vaginal culture; Female genital tract culture; Culture - cervix

Endocervical culture is a laboratory test that helps identify infection in the female genital tract.

How the Test is Performed

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.

How to Prepare for the Test

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.

How the Test will Feel

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.

Why the Test is Performed

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

Normal Results

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

What Abnormal Results Mean

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

Risks

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

Open References

References

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.

Text only

  • Female reproductive anatomy

    Female reproductive anatomy - illustration

    Internal structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. External structures include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris.

    Female reproductive anatomy

    illustration

  • Uterus

    Uterus - illustration

    The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth.

    Uterus

    illustration

  • Female reproductive anatomy

    Female reproductive anatomy - illustration

    Internal structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. External structures include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris.

    Female reproductive anatomy

    illustration

  • Uterus

    Uterus - illustration

    The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth.

    Uterus

    illustration

Tests for Endocervical culture

 
 

Review Date: 8/23/2023

Reviewed 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.

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