Mycoplasma incubation period in women. Mycoplasmosis. Causes, symptoms, modern diagnostics, effective treatment, disease prevention. Treatment and sex

The diagnosis of mycoplasmosis of many women is shocking. Is it worth treating the disease and how. Mycoplasma is a dangerous infection that, if left untreated, leads to complications. Consider how to diagnose and treat this disease.

What it is

Mycoplasma is a pathogenic microorganism, the type of which scientists are unable to determine today. The absence of a cell wall makes them similar to viruses, but the properties of bacteria can be noted.

There are many varieties of mycoplasma, but only a few of them are potential pathogens:

1. Mycoplasma hominis;
2. Mycoplasma genitalium;
3. Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and others.

Mycoplasma hominis is found in the flora of healthy people and does not cause disease.

Mycoplasma genitalium is a pathogenic microorganism. Its presence indicates the development of infection in humans.

Symptoms of mycoplasmosis in women

The presence of mycoplasma is not always accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. In addition, there are no specific symptoms of pathology. Symptoms of diseases resulting from infection with mycoplasma are usually noticeable.

The following manifestations may be present:

• Mucus secretions. They can be both plentiful and scarce. May have an unpleasant odor. Shade grey, or yellowish.
• Itching and burning in the vagina, the area of ​​the urethra. May occur during and after emptying the bladder.
• Frequent urination.
• Drawing pains in the lower part of the abdomen.
• Redness in the region of the urethra.
• Pain during intimacy.

Mycoplasma settles on the mucous membrane of the urethra and bladder, lined with a cylindrical epithelium. It is possible to spread the infection to the uterine appendages with the development of salpingo-oophoritis. Often the only symptom of mycoplasmosis is infertility.

Consequences of mycoplasmosis

The consequence of infection are diseases caused by mycoplasma.

The most dangerous consequence may be habitual miscarriage and infertility.

Method of infection

Mycoplasma spreads from person to person. There are 3 ways of getting mycoplasmas into the human body:

1. Sexual. The most common mode of transmission is sexual intercourse without the use of a condom.
2. From mother to baby. In the process of giving birth. Possible intrauterine infection of the fetus.
3. Domestic. This way is theoretically possible, but in practice this is a very rare occurrence, because mycoplasmas quickly die in the external environment. Use of one washcloth, towel, etc.

Diagnostics

There are different methods for detecting mycoplasmas in the body:

The number of microorganisms in the norm should not exceed the number of 10 ^ 4 CFU / ml. Exceeding this indicator indicates mycoplasmosis.

Causes of mycoplasmosis

To provoke the activation of pathogenic microorganisms can:

1. pregnancy;
2. abortion, miscarriage;
3. colds;
4. decreased immunity;
5. other sexual infections;
6. hypothermia;
7. hormonal disbalance;
8. stress.

Decreased immunity provokes the activation of mycoplasma.

The danger of mycoplasma during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's immune system weakens. This contributes to the spread of opportunistic microorganisms, including mycoplasma.

For pregnant women, mycoplasma is dangerous with such complications:

• miscarriage;
• childbirth ahead of time;
• infection of the baby during childbirth;
• acute postpartum infection;
• treatment with serious medications can affect the development of the fetus.

Treatment in the 1st trimester is not carried out, since during this period there is a high probability of a negative effect on the fetus.

Treatment of mycoplasmosis in women

Treatment of mycoplasma with a single tablet is not possible. Complex drug therapy is used, which includes taking such drugs:

The doctor draws up a treatment plan for each specific case. For example, in the presence of diseases of the stomach, injections will have a lesser negative effect on the body. Therefore, only a doctor can choose the optimal method of treatment.

At the end of treatment, you need to check your tests again, together with a regular partner. For the period of drug therapy, sex is possible only in a condom.

In a couple, both must be treated, otherwise the whole treatment will be useless.

There are no traditional methods of treating mycoplasmosis. It makes no sense to treat yourself, because this disease is very insidious and is often hidden under the guise of another infection.

Prevention

Mycoplasma infection can be prevented by adhering to the recommendations of doctors:

• Have one sexual partner.
• If casual relationships cannot be avoided, then condoms and antiseptics such as Miramistin, which irrigate the vagina after intercourse, will help.
• Hygiene of the genital organs: regular washing and change of linen, pads. You can not use someone else's clothes and other personal items.
• Regular examination by a gynecologist.
• Complete nutrition to strengthen the immune system.
• When planning a pregnancy, you should undergo an examination and, if necessary, treatment.

24.06.2017

Among the many infectious processes, one can distinguish those whose pathogens provoke the development of different symptoms in different body systems.

Such pathological organisms include mycoplasma, the signs of which are similar to both respiratory and genital infections.

This is due to the fact that the pathogen can be located on different systems and organs. Mycoplasmosis is more common in women. Among males, this disease is less common, this is due to the anatomical structure of the genitourinary system. Treatment of mycoplasma in women drugs regimen should be prescribed only by a qualified specialist after a preliminary examination.

What is a disease

Mycoplasmosis is such an infectious process, there is a lesion of the mucous membranes, and the mucous membranes of the genital organs are the most common site for the location of infectious agents.

Representatives of the infectious process are most often located on the surface of the cells of the organs of the genitourinary, respiratory, and intestinal systems.

In childhood, mycoplasma of the respiratory type predominates; in adults, the development of the urogenital type of the disease is noted. With the development of infection in women, the mucous membrane of the vagina, urethra and cervix are affected. Symptoms and treatment of the disease are directly related, since depending on the severity of the symptoms, the dosage of a particular drug is selected.

Mycoplasmosis, which develops in the organs of the genitourinary system, manifests itself in different forms - in women, the symptoms of the disease occur in the uterus and appendages, vaginosis of a bacterial nature can develop, in men inflammation of the urethra, cystitis, pyelonephritis often develops. In children, the infectious process affects the organs of the respiratory system.

Why does it appear and how is it transmitted

To date, mycoplasma has not yet been fully studied, and all the causes that can provoke the development of the disease have not yet been fully studied. It is known that not in all cases the presence of pathological agents is capable of provoking inflammation. Normally, the microflora of the genital mucosa of a woman may contain mycoplasmas. But under certain unfavorable circumstances, their number rises sharply, symptoms of the disease begin to appear. These conditions include a weakened immune system due to various factors - past illness, stress, the spread of other pathological agents.

Urogenital mycoplasmosis is transmitted through intimacy without protection during traditional sexual intercourse. Transmission of the pathogen by household means is excluded, since microorganisms live only inside the body.

If the treatment of mycoplasmosis in women does not occur on time, the pathogen in the future is transmitted to the child during labor. Such cases are rare, since the placenta is a natural barrier to infections, but such a route of infection is not completely excluded.

Clinical manifestations

Symptoms of the disease can be different, this is due to the type of pathogen and its location in the body. With urogenital mycoplasmosis in women, it is not easy to determine the period of infection, this is due to the long incubation period of the disease - it varies from a week to two months. With the defeat of the external genitalia, the accumulation and reproduction of pathogens occurs on the surface of the mucous membrane of the vagina and urethra.

There are no specific signs in the early stages of the development of the disease. Sometimes there is a slight itching or burning sensation on the genitals, slight mucous discharge may appear. These symptoms are usually mild, and therefore do not cause much concern. So, an infection not cured in time acquires a chronic course, which is characterized by periods of outbreaks and remissions. During an exacerbation of the disease, severe itching and copious discharge appear. Only at this stage usually a woman turns to the doctor.

With the localization of infectious agents on the genitals, additional pain occurs in the lower abdomen, itching or burning during urination, pronounced discharge, sometimes they may contain a moderate amount of purulent content.

This is accompanied by chills, weakness, hyperthermia, dysfunctions in the menstrual cycle.

With the development of urogenital mycoplasmosis in representatives of the strong half of humanity, the infectious process develops on the foreskin near the urethra. Since the incubation period is long, the infectious process often becomes chronic. During this, transparent discharge from the urethra appears, burning during the emptying of the urinary canal, painful sensations of a pulling nature in the lower abdomen, an increase in the size of the lymph nodes and testicles.

Diagnostic measures

Since there are many different forms of mycoplasmosis, it is very important to carry out all diagnostic measures to identify the exact localization of the pathogen. This directly affects the treatment of the disease. The main laboratory tests prescribed by the doctor include:

Bacteriological culture from the mucosa. Such a survey makes it possible to obtain an estimate of the number of pathogenic microorganisms in the body and the dynamics of their development. Also, with the help of this study, it is possible to detect the susceptibility of the pathogen to antibacterial drugs.

The most reliable diagnostic method is the analysis of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For its implementation, a smear is taken from the mucous membranes, it is sent for analysis of the DNA of the pathogen.

Immunological research. Using this analysis, you can detect the level of antibodies to the pathogen. Such an analysis is not always reliable, since at different periods of the development of the disease, the amount of antibodies may change.

Features of therapeutic measures

Complex therapy of this disease is important. The infectious process must not only be eliminated, additional measures are being taken to restore the immune system, as well as get rid of the consequences of inflammation.

All drugs to treat mycoplasmosis should be selected individually in each case, this is due to the age category and the severity of symptoms, the neglect of the disease.

To cure the disease in men, the following groups of drugs are used:

• antibacterial drugs (Erythromycin, Tobromycin). The duration of their intake is prescribed by the doctor in each case, but the total duration of the course is not less than three days and not more than a week;
• antifungal drugs (flucostat, Diflucan). Medicines are taken one-time or for 10 days, this is due to the dosage of the medication;
• bifido and lactobacilli (Laktiale, yogurt) are necessarily prescribed;
• multivitamin complex medicines;
• immunomodulators (Anaferon, Interferon).

All medicines are prescribed only after consulting the attending doctor. All doses and duration of admission are determined by the doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease. For a full recovery for the period of therapy, it is important to follow proper nutrition. A properly adjusted diet helps to successfully and quickly recover from the disease. The diet involves the complete exclusion of fatty, fried, smoked and too spicy foods. It is important to avoid alcohol completely.

Additionally, treatment of the sexual partner is necessary. This will prevent possible re-infection.

Treatment of infection in women should also be comprehensive. It is important to use not only systemic agents, but also local treatment of the genital organs. All dosages and duration of therapeutic exposure should be prescribed by the treating specialist. The general scheme of therapy includes the appointment of such drugs:

• antibacterial agent (tetracycline, doxycycline). The total duration of therapy is from a week to two;
• treatment of the mucous membranes of the external genital organs with the help of antiseptic solutions - miramistin, chlorhexidine;
• the use of antimicrobial suppositories in the vagina - metronidazole;
• the use of antifungal drugs - livarol, flucostat;
• the appointment of probiotics to restore normal intestinal microflora - bifidumbacterin;
• vitamin preparations;
• immunomodulators - anaferon, immunal, proteflazid, amixin.

It is also important to additionally observe proper nutrition, exclude harmful foods and drinks. During the period of therapeutic exposure, it is necessary to exclude intimacy or use condoms.

Mycoplasmosis is a disease caused by the protozoan Mycoplasma. It provokes inflammatory processes of varying degrees and severity, localized in the genitourinary system. In recent years, the disease has become quite common. Almost 70% of women of reproductive age are carriers of Mycoplasma hominis. Mycoplasma in men is also a common occurrence.

Mycoplasma is a prenuclear unicellular microorganism that belongs to the class Mollicutes. Its size is from 0.2 to 0.8 microns. It is intermediate between bacteria, viruses and fungi.

The microorganism differs from bacteria in the absence of a rigid cell wall, in this it is similar to viruses. But, like microbes, mycoplasma can live in a cell-free environment. By attaching to the walls of cells, the microbe receives nutrients from them.

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
• Mycoplasma genitalium.
• Mycoplasma hominis.

In some cases, when immunity is weakened, microorganisms can multiply rapidly, destroying the cell walls of the mucous membranes with metabolic products, resulting in a disease such as mycoplasmosis.

Mycoplasma also includes ureaplasma. These microorganisms are characterized by faster growth and the ability to form the enzyme urease, which can break down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Mycoplasmosis is detected in 60% of patients with chronic diseases of the genitourinary system.

Transmission routes

Mycoplasma infection occurs as follows:

• Sexual contact with vaginal or anal sex without the use of condoms.
• By oral contact with genitals, semen or vaginal lubrication.
• The fetus becomes infected through the placenta from an infected mother. There is also a theory that mycoplasma penetrates through the amniotic membrane into the amniotic fluid, further infecting the fetus.
• A newborn can become infected while passing through the birth canal. In this case, the risk reaches 80%.
• In girls, a non-sexual route of infection is possible, through bedding, towels or a pot.
• During gynecological examinations or surgical interventions, in the event that medical institutions do not comply with the rules for disinfection and sterilization of instruments.
• In rare cases, microorganisms are transmitted in the household, in gyms, saunas, swimming pools or public toilets.

Mycoplasma hominis and genitalis cannot be obtained by airborne droplets. They cannot be infected during ordinary kisses, hugs, handshakes. They are also not transmitted from pets, birds or reptiles.

The transition of mycoplasma into active pathogenic forms can occur in the following cases:

• Violation of the immune system resulting from chronic diseases or stressful situations.
• Hypothermia of the body.
• Changes in the hormonal background due to endocrine diseases, taking birth control pills or during pregnancy.
• Concomitant infectious diseases pathogens, which are chlamydia, gonococci, herpes virus.

Immunity to mycoplasma is not formed, so re-infection is possible.

Symptoms of mycoplasmosis

In 40% of cases, after infection, the symptoms of mycoplasmosis in women are absent. The disease has a latent course, and it is quite difficult to determine its presence. The incubation period lasts 19 days. Then the following symptoms may appear:

• Scanty discharge from the vagina in the form of mucus.
• Burning and itching when urinating.
• Pain in the lower abdomen, which intensifies during intercourse.
• Swelling and redness of the labia.
• Intense abdominal pain during menstruation.
• Mucopurulent discharge from the cervix.
• Infertility.

If the disease lasts more than two months, it can become chronic. With mycoplasma in women, the symptoms may differ if there are concomitant diseases.

Mycoplasmosis in pregnant women

Mycoplasma is often found in women during pregnancy. There is no definite answer to the question of whether it is dangerous during this period. In some cases, the disease does not manifest itself in any way, does not cause any abnormalities, and the pregnancy proceeds without complications. But mycoplasma can also cause:

• Spontaneous miscarriages in the early stages.
• Leakage of amniotic fluid.
• Fetal pathologies.
• late toxicosis.

Infection with mycoplasma occurs intranatally. It has been proven that at 6-12 weeks of embryo development, mycoplasma is found in its tissues. In infected newborns, it can cause complications:

• Conjunctivitis.
• Sepsis.
• Meningitis.
• congenital pneumonia.
• Respiratory distress syndrome.
• Damage to the central nervous system.

The risk of severe infection exists in premature babies due to the immaturity of the immune system. But it must be taken into account that, along with mycoplasma, other infectious agents can be detected in these babies.

Complications of mycoplasmosis

Mycoplasmosis in women can cause the following complications:

• Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder).
• Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).
• Salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes).
• Adnexitis (inflammation of the appendages).
• Pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).
• Colpitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina).
• Endometritis (inflammation of the lining of the uterus).
• Erosion of the cervix.
• infertility.
• Termination of pregnancy in the early stages.
• Bacterial vaginosis.
• infectious arthritis.

- urogenital infection caused by Mycoplasma genitalium / hominis and occurring in women in the form of urethritis, vaginitis, cervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis, adnexitis. It may have a latent course or be accompanied by itching of the genitals, burning during urination, transparent, non-abundant whites, pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, intermenstrual bleeding, habitual miscarriage, infertility. Crucial in the diagnosis of mycoplasmosis in women belongs to laboratory studies: cultural, PCR, ELISA, RIF. In the treatment of mycoplasmosis, antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, macrolides), local therapy (candles, douches), immunomodulators are used.

General information

Mycoplasmosis in women is a group of urinary tract infections caused by Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma hominis. According to various researchers, from 10 to 50% of the population are carriers of M. hominis. At the same time, mycoplasmas are found in 25% of women suffering from habitual miscarriage, and 51% of women who have given birth to children with intrauterine developmental defects. The highest incidence of mycoplasmosis is observed among sexually active women of childbearing age. To date, in the structure of STIs, ureaplasmosis and mycoplasmosis prevail over classical sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, syphilis). The upward trend in the prevalence of mycoplasma infection in the population and the potential threat to reproductive health make this problem relevant for a number of disciplines: gynecology, urology, venereology.

Causes of mycoplasmosis in women

• M. pneumoniae (causes acute respiratory infections, SARS)
• M. hominis (involved in the development of bacterial vaginosis, mycoplasmosis)
• M. genitalium (causes urogenital mycoplasmosis in women and men)
• M. incognitos (causes a poorly understood generalized infection)
• M. fermentans and M. penetrans (associated with HIV infection)
• Ureaplasma urealyticum/parvum (causes ureaplasmosis)

The leading route of transmission of mycoplasma infection is sexual (unprotected genital, oral-genital contacts). Mycoplasmosis co-infections in women are often other urogenital diseases - candidiasis, chlamydia, genital herpes, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea. Of lesser importance is household contact infection, which can be realized through the use of common bed linen, towels and washcloths, toilet seats (including in public toilets), non-sterile gynecological and urological instruments. The possibility of non-sexual intrafamilial infection with mycoplasmosis is confirmed by the fact that 8-17% of schoolgirls who do not live sexually have M. hominis. The vertical path leads to intrauterine infection of the fetus. In addition, transmission of infection is possible during childbirth: M. hominis is detected on the genitals of 57% of newborn girls born to women with confirmed mycoplasmosis.

Mycoplasmas can live on the mucous membranes of the genitals without causing disease - such forms are regarded as mycoplasma carriers. Women are asymptomatic carriers of mycoplasmas more often than men. Factors that increase the pathogenicity of microorganisms and the likelihood of mycoplasmosis in women can be infection with other bacteria and viruses, immunodeficiency, bacterial vaginosis (changes in the pH of the vagina, a decrease in the number of lacto- and bifidumbacteria, the predominance of other opportunistic and pathogenic species), pregnancy, hypothermia.

Symptoms of mycoplasmosis in women

In about 10% of cases, mycoplasmosis in women has a latent or subclinical course. Activation of the infection usually occurs under the influence of various stress factors. However, even a latent infection poses a potential threat: under adverse conditions, it can initiate severe septic processes (peritonitis, post-abortion and postpartum sepsis), and intrauterine infection of the fetus increases the risk of perinatal mortality.

The incubation period lasts from 5 days to 2 months, but more often it is about two weeks. Mycoplasmosis in women can occur in the form of vulvovaginitis, cervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis, oophoritis, adnexitis, urethritis, cystitis, pyelonephritis. The disease has no clearly defined specific signs, the symptoms of urogenital mycoplasmal infection depend on its clinical form.

Mycoplasma vaginitis or cervicitis is accompanied by mild clear vaginal discharge, itching, burning during urination, pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). With inflammation of the uterus and appendages, the patient is disturbed by pulling pains in the lower abdomen and lower back. Symptoms of cystitis and pyelonephritis are an increase in body temperature up to 38.5 ° C, painful urination, cramps in the abdomen, pain in the lower back. Mycoplasmal endometritis is also manifested by menstrual irregularities and intermenstrual bleeding. Frequent complications of this form of infection are infertility in women.

Mycoplasmosis poses a great danger to pregnant women. The infection can provoke spontaneous miscarriages, preeclampsia, fetoplacental insufficiency, chorioamnionitis, polyhydramnios, early rupture of amniotic fluid, premature birth. Premature pregnancy in women infected with mycoplasmas is observed 1.5 times more often than in clinically healthy pregnant women. Intrauterine mycoplasmosis in children can occur in the form of a generalized pathology with a multisystem lesion, mycoplasmal pneumonia, meningitis. Among infected children, the percentage of congenital malformations and stillbirths is higher.

Diagnosis of mycoplasmosis in women

It is not possible to diagnose mycoplasmosis in women only on the basis of clinical signs, anamnesis, examination data on an armchair, and a smear on the flora. It is possible to reliably confirm the presence of infection only with the help of a complex of laboratory tests.

The most informative and fast method is molecular genetic diagnostics (PCR detection of mycoplasma), the accuracy of which is 90-95%. The material for analysis can be scrapings of the epithelium of the urogenital tract or blood. Bacteriological culture for mycoplasmosis allows to detect only M. hominis, it is more complicated and has a longer time for the result to be ready (up to 1 week), but at the same time it allows you to get an antibiogram. For microbiological analysis, the discharge of the urethra, vaginal vaults, and cervical canal is used. A titer of more than 104 CFU/ml is considered diagnostically significant. Determination of mycoplasma by ELISA and RIF, although quite common, is less accurate (50-70%).

Ultrasound methods are of auxiliary importance in the diagnosis of mycoplasmosis in women: ultrasound of the OMT, ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder, as they help to identify the degree of involvement in the infectious process of the organs of the genitourinary system. Examination for mycoplasmosis must be mandatory for women planning a pregnancy (including with the help of IVF), suffering from chronic PID and infertility, with a burdened obstetric history.

Treatment and prevention of mycoplasmosis in women

The question of the treatment of asymptomatic carriage of M. hominis remains debatable. At the present stage, more and more researchers and clinicians are of the opinion that Mycoplasma hominis is a component of the normal microflora of a woman and does not cause pathological manifestations under normal conditions in a healthy body. Most often, this type of mycoplasma is associated with bacterial vaginosis, so treatment should be aimed at correcting the vaginal microbiome, and not eliminating mycoplasma.

Etiotropic treatment of mycoplasmosis in women is prescribed taking into account the maximum sensitivity of the pathogen. The most commonly used antibiotics are the tetracycline series (tetracycline, doxycycline), macrolides, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, etc. Sometimes the administration of antimicrobial agents is used as part of the procedure. For local treatment, vaginal creams and tablets containing clindamycin, metronidazole are used. Instillations of the urethra, douching with antiseptics are carried out. Along with antibiotic therapy, antifungal agents, immunomodulators, multivitamin complexes, and eubiotics are prescribed. Ozone therapy and magnetic laser therapy are carried out.

Mycoplasmosis should be treated not only by a woman, but also by her sexual partner. The standard course lasts 10-15 days. 2-3 weeks after the completion of the course, a cultural study is repeated, a month later - PCR diagnostics, on the basis of which conclusions are drawn about recovery. Treatment resistance occurs in approximately 10% of patients. During pregnancy, treatment of mycoplasmosis is carried out only if the infection poses a danger to the mother and child.

Prevention of mycoplasmosis among women consists in the use of barrier methods of contraception, regular gynecological examinations, timely detection and treatment of urogenital infections.

Mycoplasmosis in women is an infectious disease of the genitourinary system, provoked by microorganisms such as Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma genitalium. According to statistics, from 15 to 49% of the world's population become carriers of mycoplasmas. At the same time, it is detected only in 20% of women who have problems with bearing a fetus and in 50% of mothers who have given birth to a child with intrauterine developmental defects. Today, it is mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis that prevail over other sexually transmitted diseases.

As already written, pathogenic microorganisms provoke the development of mycoplasmosis. They are an intermediate link between bacteria and viruses. With bacteria, they are united by the ability to multiply in a cell-free environment. And with viruses, they are similar in microscopic size, the absence of a nucleus and a cell membrane. However, they can exist and multiply on host cells.

In total, approximately 200 types of mycoplasma are known, but only 16 of them can exist in the human body. At the same time, only a few species are capable of infecting the genitourinary system. These include:

• Mycoplasma hominis - provokes various sexual diseases, including vaginosis;
• Mycoplasma genitalium - the causative agent of urogenital diseases;
• Mycoplasma fermentans and Mycoplasma penetrans - play a role in the development of HIV;
• Mycoplasma species - provokes in women the development of diseases such as parametritis and salpingitis;
• Mycoplasma incognitos - is involved in the spread of a generalized infection.

Most often, the female body is affected by M. genitalium and M. hominis. Mycoplasma belongs to a number of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. By themselves, they do not have pathogenic properties, but under suitable conditions they can provoke a sharp development of various pathologies against the background of other diseases.

The main cause of infection with mycoplasmosis is unprotected sexual contact. At the same time, diseases such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and can act as a provoking factor in women.

Less likely, but still possible to become infected with mycoplasmosis by contact-household. For example, through a towel, shared bed linen, body sponge or toilet seat (especially true for public toilets). The possibility of household infection is confirmed by the fact that about 10% of schoolgirls who are not sexually active are carriers of M. hominis.

In addition to the previous situations, infection can occur during childbirth. According to recent studies, every second newborn girl born to a mother with confirmed mycoplasmosis has the same infection.

The peculiarity of mycoplasmas is that they can live quietly on the mucous membrane of the genital organs, without provoking any pathologies. In other words, the woman becomes a carrier of the infection. The main factors activating mycoplasma are various infections, viruses, vaginosis, and hypothermia.

Clinical manifestations

In about 15% of cases, mycoplasmosis in women develops asymptomatically. But such a latent form of the disease carries a real threat. Under the influence of negative factors, it can provoke various septic processes. Which is especially dangerous for pregnant women, because intrauterine infection of the fetus significantly increases the risk of newborn mortality.

The incubation period for mycoplasmosis ranges from 7 days to two months. But most often the disease develops about 14 days. In women, mycoplasmosis can occur in the form of cystitis, pyelonephritis, cervicitis, oophoritis, endometritis, and salpingitis. The disease itself has no distinctive features, and its manifestation directly depends on the clinical form.

For example, vaginitis or cervicitis caused by mycoplasma is accompanied by a sensation of itching, clear discharge, problems with urination and (pain during intercourse). With inflammation of the uterus, there are pulling pains in the lower abdomen and lower back. Mycoplasmal endometritis is accompanied by failures of the menstrual cycle. Often the consequence of this form of infection is infertility.

As already mentioned, mycoplasmosis is of particular danger to women bearing a child. The disease can cause premature birth, miscarriages, polyhydramnios, preeclampsia and fetoplacental insufficiency. According to statistics, premature birth in women with mycoplasmosis occurs 2 times more often than in healthy women. Intrauterine infection increases the risk of having children with various defects. In addition, mycoplasma can provoke intrauterine fetal death.

Diagnostic Measures

As you know, the clinical manifestations of mycoplasmosis are very similar to the symptoms of other diseases. And the small size of microorganisms complicates the diagnosis by conventional methods. Therefore, to determine the presence of mycoplasma, the PCR method (polymer chain reaction) is used. This analysis is highly accurate, but unfortunately, it is impossible to conduct it in inflammatory processes accompanied by purulent discharge.

Another effective method for detecting mycoplasma is bacteriological culture. True, it can only detect M. hominis. Unlike PCR diagnostics, it is more complicated and takes a lot of time. Not so accurate, but the ELISA method (enzymatic immunoassay) has become quite popular. Its accuracy is about 75%.

Ultrasound is used as an auxiliary diagnostic method. Ultrasound examination of the kidneys and bladder helps to determine the degree of development of the disease. Mandatory tests for the detection of mycoplasma should be taken by women who plan to conceive, have burdened previous births, and also suffer from chronic diseases of the pelvic organs and infertility.

Treatment and prevention

To date, the question of the treatment of women who become asymptomatic carriers of M. hominis remains open. More and more doctors and researchers are inclined to believe that this type of microorganism is a natural component of the female microflora and does not pose any threat to a healthy body under normal conditions. Most often, Mycoplasma hominis is associated with bacterial vaginosis. That is why treatment in the first place should be aimed at combating this disease, and not at identifying mycoplasma. Targeted therapy of mycoplasmosis is justified in the following cases:

• upon detection of genitalium;
• in women planning to conceive;
• in cases of infertility provoked by mycoplasmosis;
• before gynecological surgery;
• with urogenital inflammation.

Antibacterial drugs are selected taking into account the sensitivity of mycoplasma to them. Most often, these are tetracycline antibiotics (Doxycycline, Minocycline, Tetracycline), cephalosporins and macrolides. In some cases, drugs are administered using the plasmaphesis procedure.

As a local therapy, vaginal creams, suppositories and tablets are used, which include metronidazole and clindamycin. Washing of the urethra and douching with antiseptic preparations are also carried out. Together with antibiotics, antifungal agents, eubiotics, vitamin complexes and immunomodulators are prescribed.

Remember, both sexual partners should be treated. Usually the course of therapy lasts about two weeks. Then, 2 weeks after the completion of treatment, it is necessary to undergo a second diagnosis. And only after that it is possible to draw a conclusion about a complete recovery. Mycoplasma resistance to treatment is detected only in 10% of patients. Therapeutic methods during pregnancy should be carried out only if there is a danger to the mother or child.

Prevention of mycoplasmosis in women is quite simple. In order to protect yourself, you should exclude unprotected sexual intercourse, visit a gynecologist regularly, treat any infections of the genitourinary system in a timely manner. Attentive attitude to your health will help to avoid not only mycoplasmosis, but also many other diseases.