Ureaplasmas urealitikum are considered the smallest microorganisms with the ability to reproduce and independent existence. They are in an intermediate place between bacteria and viruses.
Ureaplasmosis. How does the disease occur?
Ureaplasma urealiticum (the normal value of its content is up to 10 in the fourth degree) is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism. It can be in the genitourinary tract for a sufficiently 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, the inflammatory process begins both in the body of the person in which he is present and in the body of his sexual partner. After all, the infection is transmitted through sexual contact. In addition, it is likely that the fetus becomes infected in the womb of the mother and newborn during passage through the birth canal. Ureaplasma urealiticum can provoke pathologies in the genitourinary system along with other diseases. In particular, the addition of gonococcal, chlamydial, trichomonas and other infections is likely.
Symptoms of ureaplasmosis
Signs of pathology are often absent. Such an asymptomatic course of the disease significantly complicates its timely detection and treatment appointment. The development of pathology can be accompanied by scanty transparent discharge from the vagina, discomfort during urination. In case of inflammation in the appendages or uterus, the disease manifests itself in pains of varying intensity in the lower abdomen. With the penetration of infection during oral sexual contact, the symptoms are pharyngitis or tonsillitis with all their characteristic signs. The first manifestations of the pathology are usually insignificant. They pass quickly enough. In this case, ureaplasma urealitikum remain in the body and can continue active work. Against the background of reduced immunity, the disease begins to worsen. In this case, the symptoms become more pronounced.
Infection detection
In many cases, infection is difficult to diagnose. 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. First of all, an examination of the genitals is carried out. In the process, the symptoms of inflammation of the mucosa of the vulva and urethra are determined. Using 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 in the presence of signs of infectious inflammation, in infertility, pregnancy pathology, spontaneous abortion. In order to detect ureaplasma, urealiticum can be taken with a smear of the affected mucosa, a blood test is performed to detect antibodies.