In this article, we will consider how ureaplasma, which is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism, is transmitted. He, in the presence of various predisposing factors, forms such a pathology as ureaplasmosis. Two main varieties of the pathogen are classified: parvum and urealitikum. This disease is one of those that are sexually transmitted. Now this pathological condition is quite widespread, it can lead to a number of complications.
Quite often, people ask how ureaplasma is transmitted and what will help to avoid this. This is what will be discussed in this article.
Pathogen Description
Ureaplasmosis is caused by gram-negative microorganisms, which in their characteristics are located between viruses and bacteria. In their structure, a lipid membrane is secreted, which hides the cell wall, but does not contain DNA.
It has already been noted above that ureaplasma is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism that is localized in the organisms of so many people, but which does not always cause pathological conditions. For its reproduction to occur, it is necessary to reduce the body's resistance, as well as microflora disturbances.
Many people wonder if ureaplasma is transmitted through a kiss.
These microorganisms are able to live only on the mucous membranes of the genitourinary organs. Bacteriological tests help to detect the presence of microorganisms in the process of diagnosing diseases of inflammatory origin, for example:
- cervical erosion;
- adnexitis;
- prostatitis;
- colpitis;
- cystitis.
It is believed that ureaplasma is transmitted from woman to man. Is it so?
Microorganisms are characterized by the ability to penetrate into the cytoplasmic surface of leukocytes, spermatozoa and epithelial cells, causing defects in their functional abilities. Quite often, the pathogen is found along with other diseases that are transmitted during sexual intercourse, for example, with gardnerellosis, trichomoniasis and chlamydia.
Acute and chronic nature of the disease
The pathological condition can be either acute or chronic, without any noticeable clinical symptoms. Even if some signs appear, they are very reminiscent of manifestations of other painful conditions and processes, in connection with which ureaplasmosis can be diagnosed only by means of a number of specific tests, for example, by PCR.
Let's see if ureaplasma is transmitted orally.
Infection methods
To know about ways to prevent infection, you must first be aware of the transmission of ureaplasma. Often young people ask how exactly it is possible to get sick, whether this pathology with saliva is transmitted. It is worth saying that there is no difference in the transmission of both varieties.
Thus, infection with the disease can occur:
- in a vertical way, that is, from an infected mother to the fetus during pregnancy;
- contact-household way;
- through sexual contact.
Is ureaplasma transmitted orally? All transmission pathologies will be described in detail below.
Vertical path
The fetus can get this disease genetically, by transmitting the infection through the placenta, or by moving the fetus through the birth canal of an infected mother.
Information from observations and studies suggests that almost thirty percent of girls have an inborn infection. Regarding boys, we can say that this figure is much lower.
The child who received this infection does not show any defects in the functioning of the body. There were even cases when the cure took place on its own. How is ureaplasma transmitted?
Sex
The maximum number of cases of infection of people occurs precisely through sexual contacts, since so many do not even realize that they have ureaplasmosis, so they spread it further.
Information obtained during the research shows that the probability of infection is reduced by almost five times in those who prefer safe sex. That is why there should not be questions regarding the possibility of contracting a disease with a condom. When used correctly, it is almost impossible to become infected.
Is ureaplasma transmitted through saliva?
The source of the pathology is infected, and the factor of its transmission is the biological fluids in the human body in which the pathogen is located. These include: vaginal discharge, prostate secretion, sperm. Is ureaplasma transmitted to men?
A rather interesting point that needs attention is that previously women were considered the main distributor of the infection, but this is not entirely correct. Bearers can equally be representatives of the weaker sex, and men.
The described methods of infection are the main ones. This is because the pathogen exists and propagates only on the mucous organs of the genitourinary system. Favorite localization in the female body is the vaginal environment, and in the male, the prostate and urethra.
Additional reasons for the development of ureaplasmosis are also non-traditional sexual orientation:
- Oral sex. There is a lot of controversy about infection with this method, but there is no single answer. But there is still a minimal risk of transmission to humans. It is important to know that ureaplasma is transmitted sexually.
- Anal sex. It is necessary to immediately draw attention to the fact that the sexual partner can become infected in this way, but all this almost immediately disappears, since the causative agent of the disease cannot be located and multiply on the rectal mucosa.
If we summarize the above information, we can say for sure that you can get infected with ureaplasma, mainly through sexual contact. Is it true that ureaplasma is transmitted by contact-household means?
Contact household method
Due to the fact that the microorganism does not have a shell, its pathogenic signs are lost in the external environment. With confidence we can say that ureaplasma is not transmitted through the household. That is why it is impossible to pick up this disease in a sauna, bathhouse and pool.
We have already dealt with the main methods of transmission of infection , but the question often arises of whether ureaplasma is transmitted through such biological body fluid as saliva, for example, during a kiss.
The answer to this is quite simple, because the most convenient location for microorganisms living in the body is the mucous membrane of the urogenital organs, so it is impossible to get infected with saliva. There is some risk during oral sex, especially in the presence of ulcerative processes in the human oral cavity. Microorganisms through them enter the bloodstream, and then spread throughout the sick body.
Contributing Factors
The penetration of infection into the body is not a 100% guarantee of the further development of the pathological process. For ureaplasma activation to occur, special conditions are required, including:
- decrease in body resistance;
- imbalance of microflora;
- exposure to frequent and prolonged stressful situations;
- the presence in the body of infections localized in the genitourinary organs;
- exposure to radiation;
- deterioration in the quality of life;
- non-compliance with hygiene standards for genitals;
- lack of balanced and balanced nutrition;
- pregnancy, childbirth;
- long-term antibiotic therapy.
It is necessary to focus on the fact that with a decrease in the resistance of the human body in almost all cases, the occurrence or exacerbation of the present bacterial diseases is observed. A negative effect on the immune system is also exerted directly by the disease. Regarding the time of carrying the baby, we can say that in this case the body receives a double load, which is due to the restructuring of its usual rhythm and activity.
Additional reasons
Ureaplasmosis can also occur due to:
- too long physical exertion;
- excessive alcohol consumption;
- emotional upheaval.
An especially dangerous factor that contributes to the occurrence of ureaplasmosis is a promiscuous intimate life. This is due to the fact that a lot of various pathogenic microorganisms enter the mucous membrane of the genitals, provoking the formation of inflammatory processes in the body.
The specificity of the disease in regular sexual partners
It is well known that the presence in the body of one of the sexual partners of this pathology leads to the occurrence of the disease in the second in ninety percent of cases (if sexual relations are carried out without protection). But the diagnosis of the pathogen should not in all cases be cause for concern, especially if clinical symptoms do not appear, and the antibody titer increases. With such a pathological condition, drug treatment is not required.
It is necessary to turn to medical measures only if there are strict indications. It should be noted that regardless of whether pathogens are present or absent in the sexual partner, treatment should always be taken by both. Thanks to this, possible infection in the future can be prevented.
During treatment, any kind of sexual contact is prohibited. Permission is given only after the therapy is over, but by the time the control examinations are carried out, intimate life should be limited. In addition, after treatment it is necessary to protect yourself with barrier contraceptive methods, that is, condoms.
Preventive measures
The main method by which possible infection can be prevented is safe sex, that is, using condoms.
The main attention should be paid to the state of the human immune system, as well as microflora. It is necessary to avoid factors that can provoke its imbalance. It is important to keep in mind:
- refuse random sexual relations, even if sexual contact has taken place, douching should be carried out as soon as possible using antiseptic solutions, and also consult a specialist;
- having a regular partner is desirable;
- regularly undergo preventive examinations to exclude the possibility of pathology.
Medicines for ureaplasmosis
What drugs are better to use?
- Antibacterial agents from the tetracycline group (Doxycycline and Tetracycline), Lincosamide (Dalacin), Macrolide (Summamed, Macropen, Klacid). The therapeutic course lasts an average of about two weeks.
- Immunomodulating drugs: Dekaris, Timalin, Takvitin. Treatment for three weeks.
- Local products in the form of applications, ointments and suppositories.
- Probiotics that can maintain the gastrointestinal tract microflora in a normal state.
- Preparations that restore the microflora of intimate organs.
Medications are prescribed only by a gynecologist or urologist.
We examined how ureaplasma is transmitted in women and men.