Ureaplasma urealyticum
Ureaplasma urealyticum infection is a sexual health problem since it is an infection that can be transmitted through the genitals or through oral-genital contact. It can cause complications in women and sometimes serious in newborns. That is why it is important to prevent and treat it.
The bacteria Ureaplasma urealyticum is a member of the mycoplasma family. Mycoplasmas can cause infections that can affect different organs. They affect both humans and animals. Found in the genital tract, the bacterium Ureaplasma urealyticum is said to be commensal, which means that it is the usual host of an organism without causing damage to it. In small quantities, it does not represent any danger.
The WHO considers it an STD it does not mean that it can only be spread sexually, since it does not have the same affinity as other sexually transmitted diseases. It is highly contagious, therefore, it can be acquired from a contaminated surface, salivary (in case a person has symptoms) or through blood.
Among the microorganisms naturally present in the genital tract, we also find the bacteria Mycloplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma parvum. The bacterium Mycloplasma hominis causes gynecological, neonatal and extragenital infections, especially in immunocompromised people, while Mycoplasma genitalium is responsible for urethritis.
Ureaplasma urealyticum bacteria: what are the causes?
When an imbalance in the vaginal flora occurs, the bacteria Ureaplasma urealyticum multiplies. Hormonal changes, tobacco, antibiotics and vaginal toilets (douche) promote this imbalance of the vaginal flora. A mother can pass the bacteria ureaplasma urealyticum to her baby during pregnancy or during childbirth.
Ureaplasma urealyticum bacteria: what are the symptoms?
An overgrowth of the bacteria Ureaplasma urealyticum can manifest as:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
- Smelly and abnormal vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pain in the penis
- Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries pee from the bladder out of the body)
- Liquid discharge
The bacterium can cause numerous diseases:
- unspecific urethritis (non-gonococcal urethritis )
- Inflammation of the bladder ( cystitis )
- Inflammation of the prostate ( prostatitis )
- Inflammation of the testicles ( orchitis )
- infertility
- Neonatal sepsis ( chorioamnionitis )
- premature birth
- pneumonia or meningitis in the perinatal period
- Bleeding
- In women, they colonize the lower female genital tract and can often be transmitted from mother to child at birth. cause pneumonia or chronic central nervous system infection.
Men can develop a widespread infection that begins in the urethra, then leads to a bladder infection and can spread to the prostate, testicles and kidneys. The testicular infection can lead to sterility and is usually associated with fever and severe pain.
Ureaplasma urealyticum bacteria: what are the risks?
This bacteria can multiply in the genital tract. When present in excessive amounts, they can be dangerous. The multiplication of this pathogen can cause inflammation of the genital tract, such as salpingitis (an infection of one or both tubes), endocervicitis (an inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus), urethritis (an inflammation urethra) and endometritis (an infection of the endometrium).
In pregnant women, high levels of Ureaplasma urealyticum bacteria in the vagina can cause premature labor, spontaneous abortion, or the birth of stillbirths. In addition, babies can then develop serious health problems.
How to diagnose infection with the bacteria Ureaplasma urealyticum?
To diagnose infection with the bacteria Ureaplasma urealyticum, biological samples, such as a urinalysis or a smear to detect the microorganism and an imbalance of the vaginal flora, should be taken.
Ureaplasma urealyticum bacteria: what are the treatments?
When the bacteria Ureaplasma urealyticum is present in excessive quantities in the genital tract, the doctor prescribes antibiotics for his patient. It is also essential to rebalance the vaginal flora with probiotics.
Depending on the severity of the infection, antibiotics are used for up to 28 days. If a sexual partner is infected, partner treatment should also be taken to prevent re-infection through sexual intercourse. Most often doxycycline from the tetracycline group or antibiotics from the macrolide group are used. The chances of recovery are generally considered good.
STD – STI | List of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections
Information: Cleverly Smart is not a substitute for a doctor. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Sources: PinterPandai, Health Line, The STI Clinic, Medical News Today, Vista Urology
