There are many bacteria and hidden infections in our body, which we sometimes do not even think about, because they do not show any signs of their presence. But this is all for the time being. One of these latent infections is ureaplasmosis, the causative agent of which is a specific microorganism ureaplasma. What it is, we will find out together now.
Ureaplasma is the causative agent of the infectious disease ureaplasmosis. In most cases, it is transmitted sexually, rarely domestic. But there are exceptions, a child from a sick mother during childbirth can become infected with it. The smallest bacteria live on the mucous membrane of the genital organs, or rather in the urinary tract, and the baby moves along them to get into the light. As a rule, the ureaplasma bacterium can sit in the body of a child for quite a long time and show no signs until favorable soil arises for it - a decrease in immunity.
Signs
The incubation period of an infection caused by ureaplasma (what it is, you already know) can usuallylast from a week to a month. In men, it is in most cases localized in the urethra and foreskin. It manifests itself as follows: in the morning, when urinating, cloudy discharge may appear, itching worries. If the bacterium has penetrated the prostate gland, then men may experience all the signs of prostatitis: decreased erection, nagging pain in the perineum.
Women are a little different. Ureaplasma settles in the vagina, this is evidenced by frequent and painful urination, abundant discharge (at first transparent, and then with a yellowish tint), an unpleasant odor appears. If it enters the uterus, then pulling pains in the lower abdomen may disturb, which will intensify during menstruation.
After some time, these symptoms may subside, but this does not mean that the ureaplasma has left you. As soon as favorable soil arises, it will immediately make itself felt. The reason for this can be reduced immunity, hypothermia, stress and much more. Therefore, do not delay treatment. When the first signs appear, be sure to seek medical help.
Diagnosis
Only an analysis for ureaplasma can confirm the presence of bacteria in the body. It is carried out by several methods:
- Analysis for tank seeding. In women, it is taken from the walls of the vagina and the cervical canal, in men - from the mucous membrane of the urethra. This analysis determines not only the type of bacteria, but also its susceptibility to antibiotics.
- PCR method (polymer chainreactions). This method of checking for the presence of a specific microorganism ureaplasma (what it is, see above) is used only at the first visit to the gynecologist. But as for the re-analysis, which is taken after the course of treatment, it will no longer be informative. Because this bacterium can be present in small amounts in the natural microflora of the vagina.
Indications for testing:
- Pregnancy.
- Infertility.
- Inflammatory changes in the urogenital tract.
Treatment
If a patient has ureaplasma, the doctor will be required to conduct additional tests to determine the nature of the disease. In order for the treatment to be effective, a course of drugs is prescribed immediately to both partners. Usually, in order to eliminate an infectious disease caused by the ureaplasma bacterium (what it is, we already know), doctors prescribe antibiotics and immunomodulators. During treatment, you need to give up alcohol, spicy and s alty foods. It is also advised to refrain from sexual activity. At the end of the course of treatment, tests are repeated to make sure that the problem is solved.
