DEPARTMENT OF GYNAECOLOGY PATIENT INFORMATION TRIPLE SWABS

Patient Information Leaflets

BHNFT251 May 15 2 cols.indd 1 19/05/2015 16:26 As part of your investigations today we will be doing routine tests for and Gonorrhoea. A high vaginal swab is also taken; this is a sample from the to rule out infection.

This means the doctor or nurse will take a swab from the (neck of the womb). This procedure may cause you some mild discomfort. If you are pregnant it will not affect your pregnancy.

Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is a common presenting symptom and may be either physiological or pathological. Although many cases of vaginal discharge are not caused by sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and do require treatment, STI’s may present with vaginal discharge.

A normal physiological discharge is a white or clear, non-offensive discharge that varies with the menstrual cycle.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is possible for it to be present in the body for years without causing any symptoms and sometimes is only found by routine testing.

Symptoms – • Bleeding in between periods. • Increase in vaginal discharge. • Painful intercourse. • Abdominal pain.

BHNFT251 May 15 2 cols.indd 2 19/05/2015 16:26 Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria called neisseria gonorrhoea. The bacteria can be passed from one person to another through vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also be passed from mother to baby during birth.

Results and Treatment

Your swabs are sent to the laboratory for testing and the results will usually be available within 72 hours.

If the results of your tests are positive, a nurse will advise you about any treatment you may need. If the chlamydia or gonorrhoea swab is positive a member of staff from the GU Medicine Department will contact you.

These infections can easily be treated with antibiotics. This can be either a single dose or a course over a number of days. Sexually transmitted infections if left untreated can lead to permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus and surrounding tissues. This damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancies.

BHNFT251 May 15 2 cols.indd 3 19/05/2015 16:26 If you require any further information or have any questions please discuss these matters with the nurse before leaving the clinic or contact

Gynaecology outpatient department on - 01226 432217 a cut made low across the abdomen and would be RestEarly Pregnancyand exercise Gynae Assessment on - done because of difficulties removing the womb 01226 433972 through the vagina. Your doctor will discuss this risk You will need to rest at home for about 2 weeks. You with you further. This risk of bowel injury is don’tWard need 14 toon rest - 01226 in bed, it432261 is important to keep your legs 4 in 10,0000. active and wear the anti emboli stockings provided for 6 weeksGynaecology following yourSpecialist operation. Service Gradually on -building up All operations carry some risk of death (approximately 1 your01226 activities 431895 over the next few weeks. You area advised in 4000). This risk will depend upon your general health not to drive for 4 weeks following your operation. This is and will be discussed with you in detail by your doctor. to help with healing and to reduce discomfort. How soon will I recover? You will usually stay in hospital for approximately 2-3 days. Your total recovery time will depend on your body and the usual time is 6-8 weeks. If you require a Department of sick note for work this will be given on discharge for 2 weeks. Your own GP will give you a note after this if you Gynaecology: are still not fit for work.(Change to) Subsequent sick notes can be obtained from your GP. If you have any problems at all after you have gone home you can Vaginal ring ward 14 – 01226 432261 for advice or seek help from your GP. Hysterectomy You will be advised before you leave hospital if you need to come back to the outpatient clinic. Not everyone will need to come back. Vaginal bleeding You will have a wound inside your vagina, which will be closed with dissolvable stitches that do not need to be removed. If you have any vaginal bleeding, it is usually coming from this area and is normal. If you have any heavy bleeding or an unusual vaginal discharge seek advice from your GP or contact ward Patient Information 14 – 01226 432261. Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Gawber Road, Barnsley S75 2EP Tel: 01226 730000 Leaflet Fax: 01226 202859

Author: Department of Gynaecology Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Next Review: May 2017 Gawber Road, Barnsley S75 2EP BHNFT251 Tel: 01226 730000 Fax: 01226 202859

Updated January 2014 Date originated: December 2005 Next review: January 2017

BHNFT X8

BHNFT251 May 15 2 cols.indd 4 19/05/2015 16:26