Interpreting My Recent Test Results
At 27 years old, I stand 5 feet 3 inches and weigh 219 pounds, having recently given birth to my third child. Currently, I am taking only one medication for weight management—phentermine. During my latest check-up at the OBGYN, the doctor inquired whether experiencing discharge during my pap smear is typical for me. I recounted that in my previous relationship, I had issues with bacterial vaginosis (BV), but I haven't faced this problem since marrying my current husband. Previously, I dealt with chlamydia, contracted from my ex-partner who was unfaithful, which required treatment on two occasions due to reoccurrence; however, that was several months ago, and I haven't had any problems since then. Now, I've received test results indicating an abnormal finding on the white blood cell (WBC) wet prep and a rare result for bacterial wet prep. Tests for conditions like syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and yeast infections returned negative results. I'm quite puzzled about what these findings could signify. Can anyone provide clarity on this?
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 5:50:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel confused about your recent test results, especially given your medical history and recent experiences. Here’s a brief overview of what your findings might mean and actionable steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Your abnormal findings related to white blood cells (WBCs) may indicate an inflammatory response.
- Negative results for common infections suggest that the cause may not be a typical infection.
- Monitoring your symptoms closely is essential for better understanding your situation.
Explanation:
An abnormal WBC count in a wet prep can indicate inflammation, which sometimes relates to various factors, including non-infectious causes. Common reasons for increased WBCs can include irritation, inflammation from hormonal changes (especially after childbirth), or residual effects from past infections. Since the tests for common infections returned negative, this supports the idea that something less straightforward could be happening.
Given your history of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and chlamydia, it's good news that those tests were negative, indicating no current infections. However, the presence of WBCs may prompt your healthcare provider to consider monitoring or further testing to rule out other potential conditions, like cervicitis or other inflammatory responses.
Next Steps:
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Track Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in your vaginal discharge, potential odors, pelvic pain, or changes during urination. Keeping a symptom diary can help correlate these occurrences with your health status.
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Follow-Up Appointment: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your OB/GYN to discuss these results in detail and clarify if any further testing (like cultures or additional imaging) is needed.
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Stay Informed: Ask your doctor about what the specific findings might mean in your context. They might want to discuss routine screening for other STIs or conditions if necessary.
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Self-Care: Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle with hydration, balanced nutrition, and physical activity, which can help overall health postpartum.
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Communicate: Openly discuss with your healthcare provider any concerns or questions about the medications such as phentermine and how they may impact your health post-pregnancy.
Remember, while it’s natural to be concerned about these findings, many women experience changes postpartum. Keeping in close contact with your healthcare provider will help navigate any questions or concerns you may have.
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