Ureaplasmosis in women
The content of the article:
- Causes of ureaplasmosis in women and risk factors
- Forms of the disease
- Symptoms of ureaplasmosis in women
- Diagnostics
- Treatment of ureaplasmosis in women
- Possible complications and consequences
- Forecast
- Prevention
Ureaplasmosis in women is an infectious disease caused by ureaplasma (Ureaplasma urealyticum), a membrane parasite that occupies an intermediate position between unicellular microorganisms and viruses. Ureaplasmosis affects both women and men. Most often, the disease is diagnosed at the age of 15-30. The presence of a pathogen in the human body does not always lead to the development of ureaplasmosis. Ureaplasma urealyticum belongs to opportunistic microflora, that is, a small amount of ureaplasma can inhabit the urogenital tract of healthy people without causing any pathological processes. However, in the case of favorable conditions for itself, ureaplasma multiplies and becomes the cause of the development of inflammation. Usually the pathological process is due to the presence of a secondary infection (chlamydia, gonococcus, Trichomonas,herpes simplex virus, etc.). Asymptomatic ureaplasmosis can manifest itself with a weakening of the immune system, which can be caused by stressful situations, hypothermia, pregnancy, chronic diseases, etc. Ureaplasmosis is a disease mainly of the reproductive system, but other internal organs, joints and skin can also be involved in the pathological process. With ureaplasmosis in women, the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries are most often affected. About half of all women are carriers of ureaplasma.but other internal organs, joints and skin can also be involved in the pathological process. With ureaplasmosis in women, the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries are most often affected. About half of all women are carriers of ureaplasma.but other internal organs, joints and skin can also be involved in the pathological process. With ureaplasmosis in women, the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries are most often affected. About half of all women are carriers of ureaplasma.
Ureaplasma urealyticum - the causative agent of ureaplasmosis
Causes of ureaplasmosis in women and risk factors
The main causes of ureaplasmosis in women are early onset of sexual activity, promiscuous sexual contacts, a history of sexually transmitted diseases, and gynecological diseases. Ureaplasmosis is transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse, in addition, infection can occur through the contact-household, transplacental route in the prenatal period of development, from mother to child during childbirth.
In the case of carriage of ureaplasma, the activation of the infectious and inflammatory process is facilitated by the following factors:
- secondary infection;
- endocrine system disorders;
- disorders of the immune system;
- pregnancy and childbirth;
- surgical interventions;
- radiation therapy, chemotherapy;
- stress; and etc.
Forms of the disease
Depending on the nature of the inflammatory process, ureaplasmosis in women is classified as follows:
- sluggish;
- subacute;
- acute;
- chronic.
In addition, it is possible (and more common) to carry ureaplasmas.
Symptoms of ureaplasmosis in women
With the carriage of ureaplasma and the latent course of the disease, there are no signs of ureaplasmosis in women, the pathology can also be asymptomatic. The clinical picture of ureaplasmosis resembles other sexually transmitted infections. The main symptoms of ureaplasmosis in women are:
- slight clear or cloudy vaginal discharge;
- burning and itching in the external genital area;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- painful sensations and / or burning sensation when urinating;
- feeling of discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen;
- soreness during intercourse.
The general condition, as a rule, does not suffer.
Frequent urge to urinate, painful sensations when urinating can be symptoms of ureaplasmosis in women
Diagnostics
To make a diagnosis, an objective examination and collection of anamnesis is not enough, since the clinical picture of the disease is nonspecific. The most informative method for diagnosing ureaplasmosis is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The method is indicated primarily in the case of a malosymptomatic course of the disease, when planning pregnancy (the study is carried out for both spouses), pregnancy (especially in the case of an ectopic), infertility, and also in the course of monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of ureaplasmosis. The material for the study is vaginal smears and urine. In some cases, when conducting PCR, false positive (when the sample is contaminated) or false negative (when taking antibacterial drugs) results can be obtained, so this study needs to be confirmed.
In addition to PCR, in case of suspicion of ureaplasmosis in women, a cultural research method is used (bacteriological inoculation of the obtained biological material on a nutrient medium). As a biological material for analysis, the discharge of the mucous membrane of the cervix, urethra, rectum, as well as urine are used. The cultural research method is highly accurate.
The most informative method for diagnosing ureaplasmosis is polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Also, in order to diagnose ureaplasmosis in women, enzyme immunoassay and direct immunofluorescence are used. The patient's blood samples are used for these studies. The accuracy of these techniques is 50–70%.
The patient should adhere to the rules for collecting biological material for research. Blood sampling is carried out on an empty stomach in the morning. For urine analysis, the first morning portion is collected. Before passing a urogenital smear or scraping, you should refrain from sexual intercourse for two to three days.
If ureaplasmosis is detected, the diagnosis should also be carried out to another (other) sexual partner.
Differential diagnosis of ureaplasmosis is required in women with diseases such as urethritis, cystitis, endometritis, urolithiasis, arthritis of infectious etiology, pneumonia, meningitis, wound infections (both surgical and non-surgical), bacteremia, etc.
Treatment of ureaplasmosis in women
Treatment of ureaplasmosis in women is carried out by conservative methods. Shows the simultaneous treatment of a permanent sexual partner. Antibiotic therapy is prescribed, usually antibiotics of the tetracycline group, macrolides, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones are used to treat ureaplasmosis. In the presence of a mixed infection (gonococci, Trichomonas, chlamydia), first of all, the main infection is treated (ureaplasmosis in this case is considered secondary). Tetracyclines are contraindicated in pregnant women, therefore, with ureaplasmosis during pregnancy, preference is given to antibacterial drugs of the macrolide group. Treatment in this case usually begins in the second trimester of pregnancy in order to minimize possible harm to the fetus.
Antibacterial drugs are given orally, and are also used in topical treatments in the form of ointments, gels, solutions, and vaginal suppositories.
In chronic ureaplasmosis, antibiotic therapy is longer; the appointment of several antibacterial drugs at the same time may be indicated.
Ureaplasmosis in women is treated with antibiotics. At the same time, her sexual partner takes them.
In the treatment of ureaplasmosis in women, antibiotic therapy is supplemented with immunomodulatory drugs, vitamin complexes, hepatoprotectors, antimycotic and antiprotozoal agents, and in the case of a chronic form of the disease - with physiotherapeutic procedures.
The diet is shown. Fatty, fried foods, smoked meats, spices, alcohol should be excluded from the diet - all those foods that irritate the digestive tract and are difficult to digest.
During treatment, you must refrain from sexual intercourse or use barrier methods of contraception.
A control study of the effectiveness of therapy is carried out over three menstrual cycles by the culture method and / or PCR.
Possible complications and consequences
In the absence of the necessary treatment, ureaplasmosis can acquire a chronic course, recurring from time to time. Chronic ureaplasmosis can eventually lead to narrowing (stricture) of the urethra, cervical erosion, inflammation and adhesions in the fallopian tubes. The latter, in turn, can cause ectopic pregnancy, secondary infertility. In pregnant women, ureaplasmosis can provoke pathologies of pregnancy (including placental insufficiency, miscarriage and premature birth), intrauterine infection of the fetus or infection of the child during childbirth.
In the postpartum period, ureaplasmosis in women can contribute to the emergence of an acute inflammatory process in the inner mucous layer of the uterus (endometritis).
In addition, ureaplasmosis in women can be complicated by joint inflammation.
Forecast
With timely diagnosis and adequate treatment, the prognosis is favorable.
Prevention
In order to prevent the appearance of ureaplasmosis in women, as well as to prevent recurrence of the disease and the development of complications, it is recommended:
- avoid casual, especially unprotected sex;
- in case of sexual contact with a casual sexual partner, use barrier methods of contraception;
- if you suspect a sexually transmitted infection, consult a doctor promptly;
- in case of confirmation of the diagnosis, inform the sexual partners about it;
- undergo treatment for all sexual partners at the same time;
- undergo an examination for ureaplasmosis when planning a pregnancy.
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Anna Aksenova Medical journalist About the author
Education: 2004-2007 "First Kiev Medical College" specialty "Laboratory Diagnostics".
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
