You might be asked to provide a urine sample at routine gynecological visits and prenatal check-ins. Obtaining and handing over this sample isn’t really the most fun. It can be awkward, messy, and frustrating if you just don’t have to “go.”
A urine screening is important, however. It reveals multiple diseases, including bladder malignancies, liver dysfunction, and renal disease. It can also be the fastest and simplest way to confirm a pregnancy!
If you already know you’re pregnant, a urine screening can reveal problems including preeclampsia and placenta percreta.
At Capital Women’s Care in Silver Spring and Laurel, Maryland, your health and well-being are our team’s top priorities. Take a moment to better understand why a urine screening is such an important aspect of your visit.
Why urine samples matter
Even if you feel healthy and vibrant, your urine can reveal essential information about your health that might not be apparent from the outside. Urine samples can provide:
Early detection of conditions
Your urine can provide early indications of potential health issues. For instance, protein in your urine might signal preeclampsia during pregnancy, a condition that requires careful monitoring to ensure both you and your baby stay healthy.
Infection screening
Your urinary tract is no stranger to infections, and some of these can be tricky to detect without a proper urine sample. A simple urine test can identify urinary tract infections (UTIs) or even asymptomatic bacterial infections that, if left untreated, could lead to more severe complications.
Pregnancy monitoring
Urine samples are particularly important for expectant mothers. They help monitor hormone levels, detect gestational diabetes, and assess kidney function. If you have any of these conditions, the Capital Women’s Care team helps you manage and promote a safe and healthy pregnancy.
General health insights
Your urine can offer insights into your overall health. Conditions like diabetes and kidney diseases are often detected through urine tests, allowing us to intervene early and provide necessary care.
What it’s like to give a urine sample
When you arrive for your appointment, our friendly staff provides you with a sterile container in which to collect your urine sample. Don’t worry — it’s a quick and straightforward process.
We explain how to use a sanitary wipe to clean your vaginal area and catch the urine midstream. Once you’ve collected the sample, you hand it over to our medical team for analysis.
Privacy and confidentiality are a priority
Rest assured, your privacy and confidentiality are paramount to us. We handle your urine sample with the utmost discretion and share the results only with authorized medical personnel who are involved in your care. We adhere to strict privacy regulations to ensure your information remains secure.
Now you have a better idea of why we ask you for a urine sample at your OB/GYN appointments. We use the sample to get valuable information about your health and to detect potential problems early, when they’re most treatable.
If you need a routine well-woman exam, are seeking prenatal care, or have concerns about your pelvic organs, contact Capital Women’s Care today to set up an appointment. Call or use this website to request your appointment today.
