How does ureaplasma urealitikum enter the human body ? What are these diseases that develop against the background of the activity of this microorganism? What is the danger of such an infection? These questions interest many. Indeed, according to statistics, about 40% of the world's population are carriers of these bacteria.
Ureaplasma urealitikum - what is it?
Ureaplasma is a microorganism belonging to the group of mycoplasmas. A feature of such pathogens is their intermediate position between viruses and unicellular organisms. Ureaplasmas differ from other representatives of their group in their ability to break down uric acid to ammonia.
There are two ways in which ureaplasma urealiticum is transmitted. What are these transmission methods? First of all, it is possible to catch pathogenic microorganisms during sexual intercourse with an infected person without the use of appropriate protective measures. On the other hand, transmission from mother to child through amniotic fluid or during childbirth is possible.
The main symptoms of ureaplasmosis
Ureaplasma penetrates the urogenital tract of a person. But the mere presence of this bacterium in the body is not enough to cause disease. Most often, the inflammatory process develops against the background of a local or systemic decrease in immunity, for example, with another disease, hypothermia, etc.
There are various complications to which ureaplasma urealitikum can lead. What are these pathologies and what are their symptoms? In men, the activity of such microorganisms provokes the development of urethritis - inflammation of the urethra. Such a disease is accompanied by redness of the head, itching and burning in the urethra, pains that intensify during urination, as well as the appearance of secretions. In the absence of timely treatment, the infection can spread to other organs of the urinary system, in particular, the prostate gland, kidneys, etc.
Ureaplasma urealiticum in women often proceeds secretly. The clinical picture depends on which tissues or organs were affected. Symptoms include scanty vaginal discharge. If the infection spreads to the urethra, pain and burning appear during urination. In some cases, ureaplasma causes inflammation of the tissues of the uterus and ovaries, which is accompanied by pulling cramping pains in the lower abdomen.
In addition, the activity of ureaplasmas often causes infertility, as well as spontaneous abortion in the early stages.
Treatment methods
If during tests you have found ureaplasma urealitikum, you should immediately consult your doctor. Naturally, additional studies will be needed here to help determine which organs were affected. In addition, the activity of ureaplasma is often associated with other infectious diseases, in particular chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, gonorrhea, etc.
For treatment, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used, such as macrolides and tetracyclines. Immunomodulatory therapy will be useful, which enhances the body's defense and helps the immune system fight bacteria. In most cases, therapy lasts about a month, after which it is necessary to pass repeated tests. Both partners should be treated.