Mycoplasmosis in women is a group of infectious diseases caused by pathogens of the genus Mycoplasma. However, since these microbes enter the normal microflora of a person, inflammation develops only if they combine with other microbes.
Nowadays, several different types of mycoplasmas are known , but only some of them can harm the body. Women are considered the most vulnerable to infection, since it is they who have a lower protective barrier due to the anatomical structure of the body.
What is mycoplasma
Mycoplasmas are a unicellular microorganism belonging to the class of mollicuts. This bacterium has no hard shell. It is protected from environmental influences by a thin film, which can only be seen under a microscope. The composition of these microorganisms includes proteins and lipids. They help attach to other cells. After attachment, mycoplasma develops due to the resources of other cells. As a result, parasitic cells become protected from the immune system.
Since mycoplasma cells are small, they can penetrate many of the body's protective barriers, and can also take any form. In addition, they very quickly change their modification, so it is difficult to detect under a microscope.
Getting on the mucous membrane, mycoplasma provokes inflammatory reactions. It has some features that distinguish it from other cells, namely:
- sensitive to antibiotics;
- develops without other cells;
- stimulates or inhibits the immune system;
- provokes diseases of the urogenital tract.
In each organism, this bacterium manifests itself in a specific way. This disease can be very dangerous, especially in women.
What are the types
What is mycoplasmosis in women? Photos of the symptoms of the disease presented in the article show that this is a rather painful and unpleasant ailment. Pathogenic microorganisms - mycoplasmas provoke the development of the disease. They are a cross between viruses and bacteria. Only a few types of mycoplasma can infect the body. These include:
- Mycoplasma hominis - provokes the occurrence of sexual diseases.
- Mycoplasma genitalium - urogenital diseases.
- Mycoplasma penetrans - provoke the development of HIV.
All these microorganisms are pathogens of the genitourinary system. This type of mycoplasmosis in women is the most common. In addition, there is also Mycoplasma pneumonia - mycoplasma, which affects the respiratory tract, affecting the bronchi, lungs, and larynx.
Urogenital type of disease
Urogenital mycoplasmosis in women develops approximately 3 days after the virus enters the body. Often, infection occurs through sexual contact, but contact is not excluded. Asymptomatic, acute and chronic types of the disease are distinguished. It manifests itself in the form of minor vaginal discharge. In addition, pain in the lower abdomen and genital itching can be disturbing. Perhaps a violation of the menstrual cycle.
The chronic type of the disease sooner or later leads to various complications. That is why it is very important to recognize the symptoms of mycoplasmosis in women in a timely manner and conduct complex treatment.
Respiratory disease
Respiratory mycoplasmosis in women is an infectious disease that affects the respiratory tract. According to statistics, approximately 20% of pneumonia diseases were triggered by this parasite. The source of the disease is an infected person. In the acute course of the pulmonary form, the pathogen is excreted from the body approximately 10-11 days after the onset. In chronic disease, this period is 12-13 weeks.
The transmission of the virus occurs mainly by airborne droplets, but a common way of infection is also possible. After a disease, a person develops immunity that lasts for 10 years. The incubation period is 1-2 weeks.
At the initial stage of the course, the symptoms resemble flu or viral infections. As a result of this, there is an increase in temperature, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy nose. After a few days, the infection descends into the bronchi. In this regard, the cough intensifies, it becomes paroxysmal. Sometimes this happens with the release of sputum. Subsequently, the lungs are involved in the pathological process, and pneumonia occurs.
With weak immunity, a variety of complications can develop. In addition, the transition of the disease into a chronic form is possible. In this case, a periodic examination of the patient is required to prevent the formation of irreversible pathological processes.
Causes of occurrence
Since mycoplasmas are not very stable in the environment, therefore, it is almost impossible to get infected through the household. The most common cause of mycoplasmosis in women is sexual contact without a condom. In representatives of the weaker sex, such an infection is observed quite often due to the structural features of the genital organs. The first symptoms appear literally 4-7 days after infection.
There is an opinion that mycoplasmas do not pose a particular threat to the body, but they can provoke the development of a complex disease, especially when the immune system is weakened. In addition, bacteria can multiply and spread rapidly throughout the body. To prevent complications, it is necessary to know the causes, symptoms and treatment of mycoplasmosis in women in order to achieve a good result in the treatment.
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of mycoplasmosis in women largely depend on what kind of bacteria provoked the development of the disease. Mycoplasma genitalium bacteria are very dangerous, as they cause the occurrence of infectious diseases. Signs of the course of the disease are very often manifested when urinating. A woman feels some soreness, as well as burning sensation in the genitals. In addition, sharp pain during sexual contact may occur. Often, infection does not immediately appear, but only after 7-10 days, when the incubation period passes. In some cases, this period can be 1 month.
The bacteria Mycoplasma pneumonia provoke the development of pneumonia. The disease is quite slow. At first, a sign of mycoplasmosis in women can be only a cough and a slight secretion of sputum. Often the temperature remains within normal limits, but sometimes it can reach 38 degrees. In addition, a runny nose can be observed, as well as a sore throat. During the inspection, you may notice reddening of the pharynx. If the inflammation has reached the bronchi, then wheezing, accompanied by hard breathing, is heard. In the most severe cases, there may be complications in the nervous system and heart.
It is worth noting that the bacteria Mycoplasma hominis are located in the urogenital tract of each person. However, if certain conditions exist, then dangerous pathologies begin to develop. As a result of the course of the disease, pain is felt during urination, and yet in some cases, the course of the infection may be asymptomatic.
Diagnostics
There are no clinical signs of mycoplasmosis. In general, symptoms are limited by the presence of inflammation of the genital and urinary tract. That is why the diagnosis is made on the basis of laboratory tests. Gynecological examination is also necessary.
Mycoplasmosis can be combined with many other sexually transmitted infections, as well as a violation of microflora. Symptoms and treatment of mycoplasmosis in women are largely dependent on the bacteria that trigger the disease. Therefore, it is important to correctly determine the full range of possible lesions.
During the diagnosis, the gynecologist initially conducts a conversation with a woman, determining the presence of chronic diseases, sexually transmitted infections, as well as the peculiarity of the existing symptoms. In addition, a gynecological examination of the cervix, vaginal mucosa and external pharynx is required. In this case, mucopurulent discharge, inflammation and swelling of the vaginal mucosa are detected. In addition, during the examination, the doctor analyzes mycoplasmosis in women by taking a smear from the mucous membrane.
The PCR study of the biological material of the obtained smear is considered to be the most informative tool, and bacteriological examination is also required to determine concomitant infections.
PCR diagnostics is characterized by the fact that this method has high accuracy in determining even a small number of microbes. With its help, it is possible to identify the genetic material of bacteria.
A serological test is performed to detect antibodies to a specific pathogen. However, this method does not provide accurate information regarding the activity of the infection and how effective the therapy will be.
Microscopic and bacteriological examination helps to determine the presence of concomitant diseases. As a result of a comprehensive diagnosis, the most appropriate treatment of mycoplasmosis in women can be prescribed.
Medical treatment
Above we talked about the symptoms. Treatment of mycoplasmosis in women, drugs will be discussed later. Medicines for the treatment are prescribed purely individually, depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease. The basis of treatment is the use of antibacterial agents of various groups. In some cases, resort to the use of combinations consisting of several antibiotics, probiotics and immunostimulating drugs.
In the treatment of mycoplasmosis in women, drugs are exclusively selected by the attending doctor, and their administration should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. Self-medication can provoke a deterioration in well-being and the development of antibiotic resistance. It is important to treat both sexual partners. In particular, such drugs as Clarithromycin, Doxycycline, Levofloxacin, and Josamycin can be prescribed.
In addition, drugs that stimulate the immune system are required. For this, immunostimulants, nootropic drugs, vitamin complexes are prescribed. Since antibiotics in the treatment of mycoplasmosis in women can destroy beneficial microflora, additional use of probiotics is required. The most famous drugs from the group of probiotics are considered such as "Bifidumbacterin", "Hilak Forte", "Linex". The course of administration and duration are determined by the attending doctor purely individually.
Traditional treatment
It is very important to know how to treat mycoplasmosis in women in order to achieve a good result and prevent the development of complications. With the course of an uncomplicated urogenital form of the disease, alternative methods of therapy can be used. There are several recipes that well help with a low-symptom or asymptomatic infection.
Well helps decoction of goldenrod grass. To do this, take 3 tbsp. l medicinal raw materials, pour 3 tbsp. boiling water and insist for 45 minutes. Take half a glass 4-6 times a day for 21 days.
In addition, you can prepare a herbal collection of pear, chamomile and pine uterus. To do this, pour 15 g of herbal collection 3-4 tbsp. boiling water and insist for about 45-50 minutes. Take 0.5 tbsp. 5 times a day for a month.
Mycoplasmosis during gestation
In pregnant women, the disease is detected much more often than in women who are not in an interesting position. There is an opinion that mycoplasmosis often manifests itself as a result of changes in the hormonal background, as well as many other processes affecting the immune system. The presence of this disease provokes the onset of premature birth or spontaneous abortion.
Urogenital mycoplasmosis often provokes postabortion and postpartum complications, which are difficult and difficult to treat. In addition, mycoplasmas are able to penetrate the fetal bladder and uterine lining. This condition provokes premature birth and early abortion. It is generally accepted that the asymptomatic course of the disease is most dangerous for a pregnant woman, and also contributes to the development of complications.
A child can become infected from the mother while in her womb, or during childbirth. Mycoplasmas can be localized in the respiratory system and spinal cord of a child. To prevent such consequences, it is necessary to conduct a screening for genital mycoplasmosis. It is advisable to do this before planning pregnancy. Treatment of mycoplasmosis during pregnancy should be carried out in such a way as to prevent infection of the fetus, it must be complete and it is important that the drugs do not harm the fetus and the woman. In addition, the use of vitamin complexes is required, in particular, such as Vitrum Prenatal, Pregnavit, Elevit. In addition, treatment of the sexual partner is required, since all the symptoms of mycoplasmosis can return again.
What diseases does the bacterium provoke
With the course of mycoplasmosis, a woman begins to suffer from diseases such as:
- urethritis;
- vaginitis;
- endometritis;
- adnexitis.
Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra. Painful sensations increase during urination. They appear in the form of pain, burning, itching. Vaginitis is a defeat by bacteria of the vaginal mucosa. In this case, the woman feels burning and itching of the genitals, an unpleasant smell, purulent-mucous discharge. Sexual intercourse is very painful.
Endometritis is a disease characterized by infection of the mucous membrane of the cervix and uterus. A woman feels very strong discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen. Between menstruation, bleeding may occur. Endometritis very often leads to infertility in the early stages of pregnancy.
Adnexitis is an inflammation of the uterus. With the course of adnexitis, swelling of the fallopian tubes occurs. As a result of this, tubal infertility can occur.
Mycoplasmosis Complications
Infectious mycoplasmosis becomes the cause of many gynecological problems. In women, inflammation affects the cervical canal, causing salpingitis, and causes soreness in the vagina.
With the course of the disease in a latent form, it is very difficult to determine. The latent form of the disease can lead to polyhydramnios, miscarriages, and also leads to many other complications. If mycoplasmosis becomes chronic, infertility can occur. Bacteria can lead to the development of arthritis, pyelonephritis, encephalitis.
Preventive measures
Knowing the causes of mycoplasmosis in women, it is possible to carry out comprehensive prevention, which will prevent the development of this disease. Preventive measures mean relationships with only one sexual partner. When having sex with multiple partners, you must use a condom as a barrier method of protection.
In addition, it is important to timely diagnose and treat genital infections. Mycoplasmosis can provoke the development of very dangerous diseases, so preventive measures must be taken. If mycoplasmosis is detected, it is important to perform complex therapy, which will achieve very good results.