Ureaplasmosis in men and women - to treat or not?

Ureaplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the microorganism ureaplasma.

Some experts define these bacteria as pathogenic. However, most doctors believe that they are opportunistic pathogens. In other words, ureaplasma is able to develop and lead to pathology only in the presence of a certain number of other bacteria.

Types of ureaplasma

There are two types of ureaplasma, leading to pathology - Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum. When diagnosing a disease in the laboratory, a specialist looks at their presence.

The discovery of the causative agent of ureaplasmosis was made in 1954 by the scientist M. Shepard, who worked with a patient suffering from non-gonococcal urethritis. Subsequently, a number of varieties of these organisms were identified.

By their structure, ureaplasmas are in the category between viruses and bacteria.

Ureaplasma refers to the microflora of a transient type: it is not specific to a healthy human body, it can be in it for a long period without causing harm. The infection manifests itself only when the immune system is weakened.

Types of diseases

The clinical characteristics of ureaplasmosis are judged by the peculiarities of its course and the severity of symptoms:

• Ureaplasma carriers. The vast majority of women who carry these bacteria in their bodies have no signs of inflammation at all.
• Acute pathology. It is rare and has severe symptoms of intoxication and pathology of the genitourinary organs. In this case, the most difficult course of treatment for ureaplasmosis is in men.
• Chronic pathology. There are no indicators of acute inflammation. Or they make themselves felt periodically in case of provocation. There may be problems with fertility and inflammation in the urogenital tract.

One type of pathology can easily turn into another, it is enough to start the disease.

Transmission paths

Ureaplasmosis bacteria live on the mucous membranes of the female and male genital organs, even in healthy people.

The disease is transmitted:

• Sexually. The most common route of infection. 20-40% of carriers have no symptoms and are unaware of the pathology.
• Oral-genital route. For example, with a kiss or oral sex. However, in the first case, transmission does not always occur. Greater risk of getting ureaplasmosis during oral sex. Infection through a simple friendly kiss on the cheek is possible, but this is extremely unlikely. For example, if a carrier parent kisses a child, it is likely that infection will not occur. Especially if the infected person regularly monitors oral hygiene.
• In the maternity hospital. A mother can transmit the disease to her child during childbirth, because ureaplasma microorganisms love the mucous membranes of the genital tract.
• Contact-household method. An unproven mode of transmission, since there are no obvious cases of such infection. Most likely, during a visit to the pool or through a common toilet lid, ureaplasma cannot be transmitted.

The risk of bacterial infection becomes higher with hypothermia, problems with immunity, chronic inflammatory pathologies, and with a weakening of the local defenses of the oral cavity. In the latter case, the symptoms of ureaplasmosis appear later.

Symptoms

The duration of the latent period of ureaplasmosis is from several days to several months. When the signs of pathology have not yet made themselves felt, and the microorganisms are already there, the person is simply considered a carrier.

Quite often, bacterial damage has an implicit form and does not appear at all. Carriers may not be aware of the pathology even after being infected with bacteria for several years.

For men

Ureaplasmosis in men is manifested as follows:

• Urethritis - inflammation of the urinary canal traditionally appears first. A man feels a burning sensation in the urethra, which increases with urination. Having sex with ureaplasmosis is also painful, especially during ejaculation.
• Discharge from the ureter is rather meager and in the form of liquid mucus.
• Inflammation of the appendages is observed in severe pathology. In the testicles, there is heaviness and pain of a bursting nature, especially when probing.
• Prostatitis - appears after a short period after the detection of symptoms of the pathology. Talks about the development and progression of bacteria. A man feels pain in the perineal area, which often increases in a sitting position and during palpation. Libido and erection duration often decrease. During sexual intercourse, discomfort can sometimes occur.
• Infertility - comes in cases of advanced prostatitis and testicular pathology.

In general, ureaplasmosis in men is more rare than in women. Quite often there are no symptoms.

Women

Ureaplasmosis in women has the following symptoms:

• Urethritis is a burning sensation in the area of the urethra, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the outer urethral part. Discharge from the ureter and vagina, scanty and in the form of mucus.
• Sore sexual intercourse - appears due to mechanical action on the mucous membrane, which is inflamed.
• Vaginal discharge - more abundant than usual , but without color and smell, after intimate contact, bloody is possible. With ureaplasmosis, they appear due to inflammation of the mucous membrane and an increase in the sensitivity of the vagina.
• Can lead to andexitis and endometritis.
• Infertility - as a result of inflammation of the genital tract infection of the uterine endometrium. Causes miscarriages in the early stages of pregnancy or complete infertility.

In the oral cavity, these bacteria cause angina, manifested by the following specific symptoms:

• Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes;
• Pain when swallowing;
• Weakness and malaise.

The symptoms of ureaplasmosis are mild and subside quickly enough, but the bacteria have not left the body.

At the slightest favorable conditions for bacteria, such as weakened immunity or stress, the infection will reappear and the symptoms will return with greater force.

Complications

The main complication in both sexes is infertility and problems with the organs of the genitourinary system.

The consequences of ureaplasmosis are caused by a long course of pathology. A neglected infection can also lead to autoimmune diseases and rheumatic pathologies.

Main possible complications:

• Infertility in men is caused by bacteria in the prostate and testicles. The inflammatory process in the prostate area leads to a decrease in semen secretion. The chemical composition of the latter also changes, causing difficulties in moving the seed through the female genital tract. In the treatment of ureaplasmosis in men in the early stages, this complication can be avoided.
• Sexual impotence, impotence or pain during erection. This can lead to chronic organic pathology, in which regular monitoring in the hospital is mandatory.
• Infertility in women is caused by bacterial damage to the uterine mucosa, which makes it impossible to implant an egg with a future fetus. Even when conception has occurred, the inflamed endometrium can lead to miscarriage.
• Early birth. Pathology accelerates the course of labor and does not allow the child to develop normally. It is also possible to give birth to a fetus with a small weight.
• Rheumatic pathologies. Chronic ureaplasmosis, which has been present for a long time, can serve as a trigger for autoimmune problems. The latter increase the likelihood of diseases of the rheumatic type.
• Chronic ureaplasmosis, which will be almost impossible to cure.

If complications have already arisen, there is an opportunity to cure them, but only in the early stages of the development of bacteria and pathology.

Diagnosis

Before going to the hospital for diagnosis and testing for ureaplasmosis, you should prepare:

• Avoid sexual intercourse at least two days before the appointment;
• Two days before the examination, stop using vaginal products - suppositories and gels;
• Stop douche and use vaginal tampons;
• On the evening before the procedure, it is necessary to wash with warm water without using soap or other additional means;
• Do not wash on the day of the appointment.

To make the diagnosis more reliable and reliable, clinics use different methods of examination, singly or in combination. What will be the diagnosis in a particular case, the specialist decides.

Basic diagnostic methods:

• Bacteriological culture. With ureaplasmosis, a smear is considered the most reliable diagnosis. The biomaterial is taken from the surface of the vaginal mucosa, cervix or urination canal. Then the material is placed in an environment favorable for breeding ureaplasmas. This makes it possible to determine their volume in the patient. The results show whether the applicant has harmful microorganisms and whether they have an active form. Drug therapy is prescribed in cases where the ureaplasma concentration is over 10 * 4 CFU. In addition, this method makes it possible to learn about the susceptibility of microorganisms to drugs and to choose the right therapy.
• Polymerase chain reaction - PCR. It is used to identify the genetic material of bacteria. The study is done quickly and takes 4-5 hours. Allows you to find out about the presence of a pathogen in the mucous membranes and determine the need for further tests.
• Serological method. Shows the presence in the body of antibodies - protein compounds that are produced by the immune system to neutralize harmful bacteria.The resulting indicator is considered indicative, since antibodies are able to be present in the body for a certain period after the illness has passed.
• ELISA - immunofluorescent analysis. Determines whether a patient has antibodies. It is a guideline, not a full-fledged study.
• PIF - direct type immunofluorescence. It also shows the presence of antibodies. One of the most inexpensive research methods. Reliability of indicators - no more than 70 percent.

The methods for diagnosing and treating ureaplasmosis in men and women are identical.

In addition to ureaplasmas and antibodies to them, diagnostics are designed to show the presence of concomitant infections: chlamydia, trichomoniasis and gonococcal bacteria.

Tests are taken before the morning toilet. Women should not undergo the procedure during menstruation. At the end of therapy for ureaplasmosis, the patient retakes a control analysis no later than a week later.

Treatment

The main therapeutic areas include the following:

• Antibiotics for ureaplasmosis are a key component of therapy;
• Immunomodulating drugs;
• Means that restore microflora;
• Physiotherapy.

While the course of therapy is underway, you need to exclude sexual intercourse, and also adhere to the diet selected by the doctor. Treatment methods for ureaplasmosis in women are practically the same. However, they have limitations During pregnancy.

The key condition is that both partners must undergo treatment for ureaplasmosis. Otherwise, re-infection will occur.

After the treatment of pathology, patients are tested again. This is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the completed course and detect bacteria. Similar control analyzes are given for several months. For the entire period of treatment, it turns out about 3-5 times.

Antibiotics

Not all antibiotics are suitable for the treatment of ureaplasmosis. Bacteria are sensitive only to certain types of antibacterial drugs:

• Macrolides ("Erythromycin", "Oleandomycin" and others);
• Tetracycline drugs;
• Medicines against fungi (usually in tablets);
< li>Lincosamine drugs (drugs like Dalacin and Clindamycin).

Medications-tetracyclines give good results if the pathology has appeared recently, passes without symptoms and complications. Taken in a course of one to two weeks:

• Tetracycline is taken 4 times a day, 500 milligrams at a time;
• Doxycycline is taken twice a day, 100 milligrams at a time.

Among the macrolides, such drugs as Erythromycin, Clarithromycin and Sumamed are most widely used.

Sumamed is considered the most active macrolide. When taking it, you should be guided by one of two treatment regimens for ureaplasmosis:

• Twice a day, 500 milligrams for 10 days;
• Four times a day, 250 milligrams for 7 days.

The most harmless macrolides include Spiromycin. The course of this medicine is 10 days. The specificity of the drug is as follows - the active ingredients accumulate in the zone of infection activity and have a gradual long-term effect.

A drug called Clarithromycin is taken for 14 days. In the case when the pathology is difficult and with complications, this agent is administered intravenously in the form of saline.

Immunostimulants

Immunomodulators are taken in combination with antibiotics and vitamin supplements. They enhance the effectiveness of the treatment course, strengthen the immune system and help fight the infection.

These medications include the following:

• "Thymalin" (Thymalin);
• "Lysozyme" (lysozyme);
• "Methyluracil" (dioxomethyltetrahydropyrimidine).

If the patient suffers from ureaplasmosis repeatedly, the previous therapy regimen may not bring any effect. This is due to the fact that the bacteria have already adapted and become immune to the effects of active ingredients.

In relapses, tests become very important, and the selection of a suitable course of drugs becomes more thorough.

Therefore, re-treatment of the disease should not be carried out independently, and all purchased funds must strictly comply with medical prescriptions.

Probiotics

The medications taken destroy not only harmful bacteria, but also beneficial ones, which are needed to maintain the harmonious activity of the body and to suppress the development of pathogenic microflora.

To restore the microflora after a course of antibiotic therapy (or closer to its end), you need to take products with bifidus and lactobacilli, as well as vitamins B-group and C.

For this, the doctor prescribes eubiotics:

• Acilact;
• Linex;
• Bifidumbacterin;
• Hilak forte.

Hepatoprotectors and agents that restore and support liver activity are also prescribed.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy sessions become an essential help to the main course. The most effective types of procedures for ureaplasmosis:

• Magnetotherapy (the infection zone is treated with a magnetic field, sometimes medications are additionally administered to the patient);
• Electrophoresis (indicated for chronic inflammation that affects the organs of the genitourinary system);
• Laser exposure (irradiation is directed to the urination channel in order to stop the inflammation process, activate immune forces and anesthetize the area);
• Heat therapy (heat therapy accelerates the course of recovery, and also relieves pain and removes swelling from the prostate).

Physiotherapy sessions for ureaplasmosis can be carried out in combination.

Ration

In addition to taking medication, the patient must monitor his diet. The right diet will enhance the effectiveness of the course.

You should lean on:

• Vegetables and fruits;
• Sour milk;
• Pure water.

It should be excluded:

• Too salty foods;
• Smoked foods;
• Fried foods;
• Too spicy;
• Fatty;
• Alcoholic drinks.

Also, in case of pathology, it is advisable to refrain from smoking or at least limit the number of cigarettes.

Folk methods

Not a single folk remedy will be a complete replacement for drug therapy, but it can support the body and strengthen its protective abilities. Consider recipes for decoctions that will have a beneficial effect on the functioning of organ systems and speed up healing.

Decoction of 4 herbs

Must take:

• Cinquefoil (dried flowers);
• Linen;
• Raspberry leaves;
• Cortsfoot

Herbs are taken in equal parts and mixed. Prepare as in the previous recipe. The number of doses per day - from 3 to 4. The amount of infusion per day - from 200 milliliters.

Decoction of 6 herbs

Herb mix includes:

• Root of Hedysarum, Leuzea and Licorice;
• Chamomile flowers;
• Alder cones;
• Leaves and stalk of the string.

Everything is taken in identical proportions. Mix. For one tablespoon, take 300 milliliters of boiling water. Pour in the evening and leave overnight. Drink three times a day before meals, 100 grams.

Decoction of 7 herbs

For the recipe, take (same parts):

• Ledum grass;
• Leuzea;
• Thyme (aka thyme);
• Cut grass;
• Birch kidneys;
• Three-parted series;
• Root of glandular burnet.

Mix everything. Take a tablespoon of the resulting composition and pour boiling water (200 ml), leave for a day. Drink a day for three sets.

Decoction of 9 herbs

Here the composition is more complex and varied. It has an antimicrobial effect. You need to prepare:

• A mixture of rose hips, rowan fruits, hawthorn and skullcap root - 150 grams;
• A string of birch buds - 200 grams;
• Chamomile with yarrow - 100 grams;
• Licorice root - 250 grams.

Mix and grind the components, you can use a coffee grinder. Make an infusion in the evening. Place a tablespoon of herbs in a thermos and pour two cups of boiling water (400 ml). Reception start the next day. Four times a day, 100 ml (about half a glass).

Decoction of 10 herbs

To prepare:

• A mixture of nettle leaves, violet flowers, dill seeds, primrose roots and lungwort - 100 grams;
• Plantain with inflorescences - 200 grams;
• A mixture of succession, rose hips and raspberry leaves - 300 grams.

Mix the herbs. The daily recommendation is a tablespoon of herbs per 200 milliliters of boiling water. Insist 10 hours, so it is better to do in the evening. Drink 1/3 cup three times a day, drink before meals. Make an infusion at once, cook a new portion every day.

During pregnancy

Ureaplasmosis during pregnancy can greatly harm the fetus, so competent therapy is especially important here. This will prevent pregnancy problems and miscarriages.

It is best to eliminate the infection even before the onset of pregnancy. After all, even when the volume of pathogens in the body is small, with fertilization, microorganisms can become more active.

Tests for the presence of ureaplasmosis bacteria are taken before conception.

During pregnancy, the doctor prescribes antibiotics and vitamin supplements. Means are selected carefully and on the basis of analyzes, so you cannot replace them with analogues.

As for antibiotics, many of them are contraindicated during gestation:

• Never use tetracyclines;
• Never take fluoroquinolones.

The drugs of the macrolide family are considered to be the most harmless in these circumstances.

There are cases when the infection becomes known only during pregnancy. This is not scary and is not considered an indication for abortion. The main condition is to detect the disease as early as possible and choose a competent therapeutic course.

Ureaplasmosis does not cause birth defects in a child, but it can contribute to miscarriage, premature birth, polyhydramnios and oxygen deficiency.

With regard to the fetus, the risk of infection and illness during pregnancy is very low. The baby is surrounded by a dense placental layer that protects it from all such environmental factors.

During childbirth, you can infect the baby, such cases are quite common in medical practice. Harmful bacteria are localized on the child's genitals or in the upper respiratory tract.

Of the complications of pathology, endometritis is most common. Possible problems with the liver and immunity. Therapy for ureaplasmosis pathology during gestation is allowed only after 22 weeks.

Prevention

To protect yourself and prevent the onset of pathology, you must:

• Exclude casual sexual relations;
• Use barrier-type contraceptives - condoms;
• Monitor immunity;
• Avoid stressful situations, especially during for a long time;
• Take vitamins.

First of all, you should carefully and responsibly treat your sexual activity.

You can prevent the spread of bacteria with the help of emergency antiseptics "Chlorhexidine" and "Miramistin".

They are used topically in the first 1-2 hours after unprotected intercourse. The composition is injected directly into the urethra. However, it is often impossible to resort to local disinfection, it can lead to burns of the mucous membrane.

With minor discomfort in the area of the genitourinary organs, it is necessary to make an appointment with a gynecologist, venereologist or urologist. You should not avoid and be ashamed of this, it is better to take care of the well-being of your body, as well as your children and partner.