Ureaplasmas urealiticum are considered the smallest microorganisms that have the ability to reproduce and exist independently. They are intermediate between bacteria and viruses.
Ureaplasmosis. How does disease occur?
Ureaplasma urealiticum (the normal value of its content is up to 10 to the fourth degree) is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism. It can be in the urogenital tract for quite a long time without provoking diseases. However, at any time, under the influence of internal or external factors, the activity of the pathogen can be activated. As a result, an inflammatory process begins both in the body of the person in which it is present, and in the body of his sexual partner. After all, the infection is transmitted through sexual contact. In addition, infection of the fetus in the womb and the newborn during passage through the birth canal is likely. Ureaplasma urealiticum can provoke pathologies in the genitourinary system along with other diseases. In particular, it is likely that gonococcal, chlamydial, trichomonas and otherinfections.
Symptoms of ureaplasmosis
Signs of pathology are often absent. Such an asymptomatic course of the disease significantly complicates its timely detection and treatment. The development of pathology may be accompanied by scanty transparent discharge from the vagina, discomfort during urination. In the case of inflammation in the appendages or uterus, the disease manifests itself in pain of varying intensity in the lower abdomen. When the infection enters during oral sexual contact, the symptoms are pharyngitis or tonsillitis with all the signs characteristic of them. The first manifestations of pathology, as a rule, are insignificant. They go by fairly quickly. At the same time, ureaplasmas urealiticum remain in the body and can continue to be active. Against the background of reduced immunity, the disease begins to worsen. In this case, the symptoms become more pronounced.
Infection detection
Infection is difficult to diagnose in many cases. In this regard, experts recommend regularly taking an analysis. Ureaplasma urealiticum, found in bacteriological culture, does not yet indicate the onset of the inflammatory process. Today, various methods are used to detect infection. The first step is to examine the genitals. In the process, symptoms of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vulva and urethra are determined. With the help of special gynecological mirrors, the vagina and cervix in women are examined. The doctor may prescribe a bimanual examination of the appendages and uterus. The analysis is prescribed if there are signs of infectious inflammation, infertility, pathology of pregnancy, spontaneous abortions. In order to detect ureaplasma urealiticum, a swab can be taken from the affected mucosa, a blood test is performed to detect antibodies.
