At the appointment with a gynecologist, various infectious diseases in women are often diagnosed. For example, ureaplasmosis is considered one of the most common problems of the weaker sex. This disease is an inflammatory infection that occurs in the genitourinary system. It is provoked by special gram-negative bacteria. Different types of ureaplasma in medicine practically do not occur in the form of independent ailments, they are often found along with mycoplasma and chlamydia.
Disease Description
The body of any person is not at all sterile: millions of various microorganisms live on its mucous membranes, skin and intestines. Some of them bring benefits to the body by participating in vital processes, others are neutral, and still others can become dangerous if the reproduction is too active. It is to such microorganisms that ureaplasma is attributed. According to statistics, it is present in the body of 80% of women, without bringing any discomfort.
Varieties
How many types of ureaplasma exist? Today, 14 varieties of these bacteria are known, among which only 3 can lead to the development of problems. Doctors distinguish several types of microorganisms that cause severe inflammation of the female appendages. What type of ureaplasma is dangerous? One of these varieties is called urealitikum. A subspecies of this type of pathogen is ureaplasma parvum. And completes the list of pathogenic bacteria of this type of microorganism spice.
However, experts do not share these concepts with each other, because it is customary to deal with these microbes in the same ways and with similar medicines. All these bacteria are able to easily penetrate into the blood and mucous membranes. But most often the genitals and urinary canals become the habitat of microorganisms of this type. As a rule, all types of ureaplasma are conventionally combined into one category called Species.
Causes of pathology
Adults become infected with ureaplasmosis, usually through sexual contact, among which is the oral-genital mode of transmission. In addition, a vertical path is likely: from mother to child with fetal development. But to become infected with this disease through household items is almost impossible.
Favorable soil for the reproduction of all kinds of ureaplasma in women, as well as the high rate of spread of bacteria in the genitourinary system, is based on several reasons:
- strong weakening of the immune system;
- abortion or bearing a baby;
- hormonal surges during menstruation;
- infectious pathologies of a chronic nature.
Is ureaplasma transmitted sexually? On their own, bacteria of this type do not lead to serious complications, but interacting with pathogens of other diseases, they can become a prerequisite for the development of various pathologies. Among other things, the causes of ureaplasma in women can be abortions and other invasive interventions, as well as too frequent a change in sexual partners. Pathogens are activated along with other microbes that penetrate the female organs during unprotected sex.
Classification of ureaplasmosis
The main criteria for determining this disease in women is the nature of the course and the severity of the pathological condition. What type of ureplasm is dangerous? Experts answer this question by talking about different forms of pathology.
- Carrier of ureaplasma. In many women whose examination revealed these bacteria, no symptoms of inflammation were detected.
- The acute form of ureaplasmosis. It is extremely rare, accompanied by a clear clinical picture in the form of problems in the genitourinary system and intoxication of the whole organism.
- Chronic disease. With this form, a woman is completely absent or partially shows symptoms of acute inflammation. But at the same time, malfunctions of reproductive function, painful urination are possible.
Symptomatology
Typically, signs of ureaplasma are detected in the female body by accident, more precisely, during the diagnosis of other pathologies. In other cases, the symptoms of this disease are recognized without any particular problems.
- A yellow discharge with a specific odor indicates the presence of ureaplasma in the body. In the normal state, the discharge does not have any shade.
- Common symptoms of ureaplasmosis are sharp pains in the lower abdomen during sex and after completion of the process.
- Pain syndrome for no reason can also be.
- If the infection occurred through the oral-genital route, then the symptoms characteristic of ordinary sore throat may appear: sore throat, plaque and inflammation of the tonsils.
- Rapid urination, which causes a burning sensation and discomfort.
But even if ureaplasma does not bring any pain, you should still get rid of it without fail. Turning to a specialist in time, you can prevent the development of pathology, avoid all sorts of complications, including the chronic form of the disease.
Diagnostics
Identification of pathogens of ureaplasmosis is carried out by several methods. The patient must make a list of certain tests that confirm or deny the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the body. Specialists use several basic techniques for detecting ureaplasma in female organs.
- PCR analysis (polymerase chain reaction) is deservedly considered the most accurate way to detect not only this pathology, but also many other infectious diseases. If bacteria were detected using this technique, the diagnosis does not stop there. Only this method is not used to test the effectiveness of treatment of urealiticum.
- A serological technique is also a good option for detecting harmful microbes. During this examination, antibodies to bacteria are detected.
- Bacteriological culture is taken to determine the number of pathogens of ureaplasmosis.
- MIF and ELISA are the final methods of diagnosing this pathology.
How does the analysis take
Anamnesis fees occur according to the standard scheme. First of all, the gynecologist takes a smear for ureaplasma from the vagina, the cervical region or the urethral mucosa. Sometimes urine and blood are taken from a patient to detect a disease. A woman should take into account several important rules for preparing for testing:
- a few weeks before the scheduled date, you must stop taking antibacterial medications;
- if you have to give a smear from the urethra, doctors advise not to defecate for two hours before collection;
- if a woman has menstruation, doctors do not take tests;
- blood should be given only on an empty stomach, otherwise the results may be erroneous;
- if urine surrenders, it is advisable to collect a liquid that has been inside for at least six hours.
How and what types of ureaplasma should be treated
It is worth saying that this infection is part of a group of diseases that are almost impossible to eliminate forever. After all, every woman is already born with some microflora, which does not change throughout her life. Treatment of ureaplasmosis is aimed at minimizing the number of dangerous parasites by simply destroying most of these bacteria.
In other words, if the patient saw the name "ureaplasma" in any column of the test results, this does not mean that treatment is necessary. After all, as already mentioned, not all varieties of these bacteria are dangerous.
Drug treatment regimen
A variety of medications can be used to combat an unpleasant disease. The most effective groups of medicines (almost always used to get rid of pathology) are tablets and suppositories from ureaplasma. These drugs are conditionally divided into several categories:
- lincosamides, which include "Dalacin" and "Linkomycin";
- tetracyclides - Tetracycline and Doxycycline;
- macrolides, the most common of which are Sumamed, Rulid and Erythromycin.
The entire treatment process with a confirmed diagnosis of Ureplasmosis is divided into 2 types: systemic therapy, which includes taking antibiotics and tablets, as well as local stabilization in the form of using vaginal suppositories. And you can achieve a really good result by resorting to a successful combination of these techniques. Among the drugs, women are often prescribed:
- the most effective candles are Genferon and Hexicon;
- medicines to strengthen the immune system - Timalin and Lysozyme.
The standard treatment regimen for developing ureaplasmosis consists of several stages.
- The specialist prescribes immunostimulating and antimicrobial medicines.
- The microflora of the vagina and intestines, which is injured by the disease, is stabilized. For this, the patient should take beneficially influencing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
- All the time the struggle with ureaplasma a woman should refrain from sexual activity.
- The doctor also determines the local therapy in the form of rectal and vaginal suppositories.
- In conclusion, a special diet is drawn up, which excludes fatty, fried, spicy dishes, a large number of spices and alcohol.
By the way, unlike many other diseases, treatment in this case is completely independent of the causes of ureaplasma in women. The treatment regimen almost always remains unchanged.
Prevention
Measures to prevent the development of ureaplasma:
- refusal of intimacy with casual partners;
- the use of barrier methods of contraception;
- constant support of the immune system through hardening, taking vitamins and maintaining a healthy diet;
- therapy of the disease not only in women, but also in her sexual partner;
- observance of intimate hygiene.
Probable complications
With a prolonged course of pathology, women can experience chronic inflammation in the appendages, which can lead to infertility, premature birth and miscarriages. If the situation is aggravated by the infection of the partner, he may also face reproductive problems.
Sometimes chronic inflammation, autoimmune and vascular processes in the walls of the uterus cause placental insufficiency. As a result, the normal development of the fetus, the likelihood of developing anomalies, are disturbed.