Nature has thought of everything to the smallest detail in the creation of our body. Millions of various bacteria live on the human body, which not only do not harm health, but carry beneficial properties. But when do microorganisms help, and when do they become dangerous pathogenic flora? We will talk about bacteria such as cocci. They are conditionally pathogenic, therefore, they can both help and be the cause of the development of inflammatory processes.
Norms and deviations of indicators
Normally, the vaginal epithelium is lined with lactobacilli, they are also called doderline sticks. Their percentage component should be at the level of 95%. The remaining 5% should be peptostreptococci and bifidobacteria. It is this bacterial content in the smear that provides an acidic environment that protects against pathogenic microflora.
If cocci are found in a smear on the flora within a few units, then they are not dangerous and are considered a kind of norm. Cocci are considered opportunistic microflora. This means that, being in the body in small quantities, they are absolutely safe and do not require special treatment. But under the influence of various negative factors, which you will learn about below, the sticks begin to multiply, violating the acidic environment. In this case, it is possible to detect cocci in a smear in women by laboratory means. How could this be dangerous? Let's figure it out.
What is the danger?
Cocci found in a smear: what is it? With a change in the acidic environment towards alkaline, the amount of useful flora decreases sharply. This leads to a decrease in the protective functions of the body to pathogenic microbes. First of all, vaginal dysbiosis develops, which leads to inflammatory processes, for example, endometritis and erosion. If a pregnant woman has pathogenic microflora (cocci in a smear), it is dangerous because the rods can penetrate the uterus, genitourinary and intestinal systems. This leads to inflammatory processes in the infected organs, causes a number of unpleasant symptoms and often requires antibacterial treatment. All this can negatively affect the development of the fetus, up to a miscarriage or premature birth.
Types of infections
Sticks (cocci) in a smear come in many forms and can cause various infectious diseases:
- Staphylococcal infection (is the most common). Various microorganisms cause the disease, of which only 3 are dangerous to humans. Of these, Staphylococcus aureus is most common, which can have a negative effect on the body, especially babies and pregnant women. This type of coccal infection is very resistant to antiseptics and many antibiotics, which complicates the treatment process.
- Streptococci penetrate through the membrane to the fetus of a pregnant woman and provoke self-abortion.
- Enterococcus is a bacterium of the gastrointestinal tract. When it enters the pelvic organs, inflammatory processes develop.
- The presence of a gonococcus in a smear on the flora indicates the presence in the body of a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea.
Causes of cocci in the smear
Cocci in a smear - what is it and what can be the causes of the disease? In medicine, the following possible causes of the development of the problem are distinguished:
- decreased human immunity (for example, during pregnancy or a cold);
- long-term use of antibacterial drugs, especially without strengthening the body with bifidobacteria;
- uncontrolled use of contraceptives;
- a sharp change in the hormonal background (during pregnancy, with various hormonal diseases);
- cocci in a smear on the flora can appear during unprotected intercourse with an infected partner;
- douching without a doctor's prescription;
- non-observance of personal hygiene;
- tight underwear made of non-natural materials.
Symptoms of coccal infection
The analysis indicated the following: microflora - cocci in a smear. But do you feel any symptoms? Quite often, a person does not even guess about the development of coccal rods, since the disease proceeds without severe symptoms. Most often, complaints appear even when bacteria are in large quantities in the body . This condition can manifest itself as follows:
- copious dense discharge of milk or yellowish color;
- unpleasant odor;
- itching, burning, discomfort in the genital area and anal opening.
Cocci in men
Found cocci in a smear in men? The stronger sex is also susceptible to infection. But, unlike the female, the disease is usually transmitted sexually from an infected partner. A man may be disturbed by itching, pain during urination and during intercourse, sometimes redness or rashes on the genitals appear. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to pass a smear from the urethra and anus. If cocci are detected, treatment is carried out using antibiotics.
Cocci during pregnancy
Cocci in a smear - what is it and can they have a negative effect on the course of pregnancy? Decreased immunity, hormonal changes, and a tendency to anxiety in a pregnant woman are a favorable environment for destabilizing the vaginal microflora and, consequently, the development of coccal infection, which is a real danger for both the mother and the unborn baby.
In addition to unpleasant symptoms in the form of excessive discharge, vaginal dryness and burning, infection poses a risk of bearing: sticks can cause miscarriage, bleeding, placental abruption, premature birth. Cocci in the smear during pregnancy cause a number of complications in the process of labor. In addition, both in the womb and during passage through the birth canal, a baby can become infected, which will negatively affect its development and health. Therefore, at least twice during pregnancy, the gynecologist conducts a smear on the microflora of the woman. The first analysis is carried out during registration, and the second - at the 30th week. And if any symptoms appear, the doctor will prescribe an unscheduled analysis.
Cocci treatment during pregnancy
In some cases, when only a few cocci were found in the smear during pregnancy, the doctor will advise you to pay more attention to personal hygiene, perhaps prescribe vaginal suppositories with lactobacilli to restore the flora (for example, “Atsilak” or “Hexicon”). Sedentary baths from medicinal herbs with antiseptic properties, such as chamomile, help to reduce cocci in the flora. And also the gynecologist will recommend a coccal infection test for a woman’s sexual partner. If he finds a stick, both partners undergo treatment.
The undesirable use of antibacterial drugs is difficult and complicates the treatment of a pregnant woman for coccal bacillus. But with a serious stage of the development of the disease, they can not do without their help. Since the negative consequences of the spread of infection into the uterus and genitourinary system exceed the risk of taking antibiotics.
Cocci in children
In children, especially girls, cocci in a smear are increasingly found. What is it, what is dangerous for a child and how to treat? This phenomenon is explained by the special sensitivity of immature flora to various pathogenic microorganisms against the background of unbalanced nutrition, intellectual and physical overload, and non-compliance with hygiene rules. In this case, it is better to take care of preventive measures in advance: to prevent children from using low-quality products, to teach how to care for their bodies. The doctor may prescribe washing with medicinal decoctions of herbs, baths with chlorophyllipt and ingestion of preparations containing lactobacilli.
Infection treatment
If sticks (cocci) are found in the smear in a small amount, while there are no symptoms, special treatment is not required. But in this case, the doctor’s control and regular analysis of the flora is required.
In the presence of a disease and the identification of a large number of pathogenic microorganisms, first of all, the doctor will refer the patient to additional tests to determine the pathogen. Based on the results, a specialist can prescribe treatment with antibacterial drugs of the tetracycline group, macrolides or fluoroquinolones. Before taking medicines, it is necessary to take an analysis to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics.
Local treatment is carried out using suppositories with metronidazole or ointments with clotrimazole. In addition to taking medications, the doctor will prescribe douching with warm decoctions of herbs: chamomile, calendula, celandine.
Watch your health - take regular medical examinations in a timely manner and do not forget about preventive measures. If you find a coccal stick, be sure to consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.