Ureaplasma routes of infection in men. Methods of infection with ureaplasma: how to protect your own body. Where does ureaplasma come from?

Content

The diagnosis of ureaplasmosis is made when the concentration of bacteria in the human body exceeds the permissible threshold. The proliferation of microorganisms is enhanced by female sex hormones during the period of hormonal changes, so women suffer from it more often. Ureaplasma is transmitted primarily through sexual contact, but there are other routes of infection.

What is ureaplasma

Before you become interested in how ureaplasma is transmitted, you should find out in more detail what the disease is. The habitat of the bacterium is the mucous membranes of organs genitourinary system. Ureaplasma spices, parvum and urealiticum are called opportunistic, because it is located in the body in absolutely healthy people, being a type of mycoplasma.

Symptoms

Signs of ureaplasmosis begin with a long-term inflammatory process. Its characteristic feature is an asymptomatic course, so people often turn to doctors at a late stage, when the immune system is weakened. This is a dangerous stage when the disease has already progressed to chronic form and it is very difficult to treat the disease. Symptoms of ureaplasma parvum (urealyticum) occur differently in men and women.

Among women

The first signs of the disease in fair half of humanity appear only on the 19th day after infection. At the same time, ureaplasma in women is nonspecific, which creates difficulties for the doctor when making a diagnosis. The main symptoms of the disease include:

• pain in the abdomen;
• colorless vaginal discharge;
• increased body temperature (sometimes);
• discomfort during sex.

In men

If a man is infected and does not know how the ureaplasma bacterium is transmitted, the total duration of the period without symptoms can reach five weeks. In many cases, the disease proceeds latently, and due to the lack of therapy, it acquires a chronic form of ureaplasma urethritis, which is very difficult to cure. Ureaplasma appears in men after long-term illnesses, emotional overload, hypothermia, or when the immune system is weakened. The main symptoms of male ureaplasmosis:

• discomfort in the perineum, groin area;
• the appearance of clear discharge from genitourinary organs;
• burning, itching during urination;
• slight increase in temperature.

Causes of ureaplasmosis

Ureaplasma is transmitted through sexual and domestic contact. The cause of infection can be any intervention in the human bioflora that can disrupt the norm. For example, antibiotics destroy not only pathogens, but also bacteria beneficial to the body, which are replaced by pathogenic microflora. Taking any uncontrollably medications, you run the risk of contracting ureaplasma. Other causes of ureaplasmosis include:

1. Sexual intercourse.
2. Early sexual intercourse.
3. Imbalance in nutrition.
4. Avitaminosis.
5. Nervous stress.
6. Alcohol abuse.
7. Physical overload.
8. Environmental factors.

How do you get infected with ureaplasma?

Even when a man knows how ureaplasma disease is transmitted and follows safety precautions, he can become infected from his pregnant wife. Indeed, during this period, a woman’s immunity decreases, so the vaginal microflora changes. Pregnancy and ureaplasma are always a hot topic; there is a whole combination of diagnostic methods and prescribing medications.

Analysis for the occurrence of infection in pregnant women is carried out according to the bacterial culture scheme (smears from the urethral mucosa), by examining urine and blood and PCR method(polymer chain reaction), when you need to take samples from the urethra, cervix, and vagina. If the pathogen is detected too late, there is a risk of infection of the child from the mother.

Is ureaplasma transmitted?

Transmission of ureaplasmosis occurs through casual sexual contact when a condom is not used. The disease is often diagnosed in people who have two or more sexual partners, as well as those who have an active sex life. Recent studies have shown that there is a percentage of infection of both partners during anal and oral contact.

Orally through saliva or kiss

If oral sex (blowjob) did not occur before the kiss, then it is impossible to become infected with ureaplasma through the mouth. If before the kiss there was contact with the genitals, then the occurrence of diseases of the oral cavity is often noted: sore throat, laryngitis and others, the course of treatment of which is long, and the degree of manifestation of the disease is acute.

During oral sex

The consequences of oral sex for a man include the occurrence of non-gonococcal urethritis, when ureaplasma bacteria reach the penis during fellatio. The spread of the disease is so widespread that doctors note an increase in the number of cases by 5% every year. Women can get urethritis from unprotected oral sex.

Sexually

Ureaplasma prefers the mucous membranes of the genitals to live, so ureaplasmosis is transmitted mainly through sexual contact. Among the many diseases that the bacterium provokes, ureaplasmosis and infertility come first. To avoid trouble, use during intercourse protective equipment– the pathogen does not penetrate through the condom.

Video about the treatment of ureaplasma

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Infections attack the human body from different sides. Particularly at risk reproductive system person. Such diseases can occur in both men and women, and they can become infected from each other.

Infectious sexually transmitted diseases have very unpleasant and painful symptoms, so you need to look for ways to protect yourself from them.

Ureaplasmosis is considered one of these diseases. It is caused by a bacterium that lives in women's bodies, but does not cause any problems under normal conditions. However, when exposed to certain factors, ureaplasma can cause serious illness. There are several ways to get this infection. How is ureaplasma transmitted?

What is ureaplasma?

Ureaplasma is specific bacterium, which lives in the mucous membrane of the woman’s genitourinary organs.

It is considered a type of mycoplasma, and in the body it can exist in three forms:

• Spezies;
• Parvum;
• Urealiticum.

All these types differ in origin, but have the same effect on the body. Ureaplasma is an opportunistic bacterium, since it can live in the body absolutely healthy person and do no harm.

However, with the acute form of ureaplasmosis, serious complications occur.

Ureaplasma is an intracellular microorganism; it does not have a clear membrane, so it easily attaches to the cells of the mucous membranes. There is an opinion that ureaplasmosis can develop only in women. However, it can be transmitted to men and cause unpleasant symptoms in a new body.

Symptoms of the disease

The first stages of the disease are characterized by asymptomatic symptoms. Bacteria actively influence the body from the inside, killing immune system person. The first signs can be noticed only in the later stages, when ureaplasmosis develops into a chronic form and is very difficult to treat.

Symptoms of the disease in women differ from signs of the development of this disease in men. In the fair half of humanity, ureaplasma is of a specific nature due to the characteristics of the microflora of the genital organs. After contracting the infection and its activation, the first symptoms can be noticed approximately on the twentieth day.

Key symptoms of female ureaplasmosis:

• Aching pain in the lower abdomen;
• Copious colorless vaginal discharge;
• Pain and discomfort during sex;
• Increased body temperature (in rare cases).

A man can only become infected from a woman. Ureaplasma is transmitted mainly during unprotected sexual intercourse. The bacterium can live in a man’s body for several months and not manifest itself in any way. However, after long-term illnesses, the infection begins to intensify and provoke serious male diseases, for example, urethritis.

The main symptoms of ureaplasma in men:

• Burning during urination;
• Discomfort in the perineum, severe itching;
• Transparent mucous discharge from the penis;
• Increased body temperature (rare).

Routes of infection with ureaplasma

A woman may not know that she is a source of infection and may pass it on to her partner during sexual intercourse. For diagnosis you need to take special tests, but they are mandatory only for women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Therefore, the main way to protect against infection is a condom. Using it during sexual intercourse will protect a man from infection.

It is especially important to use a condom during casual sex. Women who have two or more sexual partners and are promiscuous are at risk.

Sex is considered the main way to contract the infection. Moreover, scientists have proven that ureaplasma is transmitted not only through normal sex, but also through oral and anal sex. True, during anal sex the infection rate is no more than 50%. With oral sex, the chances are even lower - about 30%. In the case of normal sexual intercourse, bacteria from the mucous membrane of the female genital organs move to the mucous membrane of the male penis and quickly coexist there.

Symptoms sometimes depend on the route of infection, for example, during anal intercourse, inflammation of the rectum and other organs of the lower pelvis occurs. After infection through the oral route, a sore throat and laryngitis can be observed, and in an acute form. Urethritis, which is characteristic of men, is transmitted to women under the influence of bacteria during oral sex.

Many people are interested in the question: is infection transmitted through a kiss? Doctors have differing opinions on this matter. Some believe that since ureaplasma does not live in saliva, infection through kissing is impossible.

However, if there was oral intercourse before the kiss, then such a danger exists. In addition, sexual bacteria in the oral cavity can cause various diseases of this body.

Non-sexual routes of infection

Scientists are actively researching ureaplasma, because in last years she demonstrates her activity. The main questions about this disease include additional routes of transmission.

Pregnancy and childbirth are considered the first place for non-sexual transmission of infection. A mother with ureaplasmosis can infect her child during pregnancy and childbirth. The danger is especially great in the first trimester, when the placenta is not yet very thick and strong. The second critical moment is the third trimester, when a woman’s immunity is especially weakened and defenseless against infection attacks.

During childbirth, when there is particularly close contact of the child with the mucous membrane of the genital organs of the mother, an infection can be transmitted to the newborn.

That is why, during pregnancy planning, gynecologists advise taking tests for ureaplasma and in case of positive result start her treatment.

There is an opinion that ureaplasma is transmitted through blood transfusion or organ transplantation. However, today all donor materials undergo special testing, which does not allow any foreign bacteria. Therefore, this transmission route can be considered obsolete.

Many people are interested in whether this infection can be transmitted through household contact. Doctors express doubts about this. This possibility can occur when using one towel, shared underwear or bed linen, or personal hygiene products. And although this path is practically unproven, in order to avoid infection with other infections it is worth following the rules of personal hygiene.

This infection is not transmitted when swimming in a pool, taking a public shower, on public transport, or using a public toilet. These bacteria can only live for a few minutes outside the body, so direct contact of mucous membranes is required for infection.

Factors provoking the disease

As mentioned above, ureaplasma lives in a woman’s body for many years and does not cause any harm.

Reaplasma is a special type of opportunistic microorganism that actively reproduces in the human body and leads to the development infectious disease. In the body of a healthy adult or child, these microorganisms do not cause complications, but with weakened immunity, the consequences of ureaplasmosis are inevitable. The disease, the causative agent of which is opportunistic bacteria, has pronounced symptoms. And this is the main danger of the disease, because it for a long time does not reveal his presence. Ureaplasmosis affects the human genitourinary system (inflammation spreads to the genitals). Timely treatment will save the patient from unpleasant complications and further long-term treatment. Every person should know how ureaplasmosis is transmitted and what are the features of the course of this infectious disease.

Clinical picture diseases on initial stages is expressed in inflammation of the genital organs of an adult. For the stronger half of humanity, ureaplasmosis is just as dangerous as for expectant mothers. Pathogenic microorganisms are concentrated directly in the sperm and on the mucous membrane of the urethra.

Symptoms of an infectious disease in a man:

• constant discomfort;
• discharge from the urethra;
• pain in the lower abdomen.

70% of the world's population are carriers of the disease. Carriage can develop into full-fledged ureaplasmosis with all the ensuing consequences.

For women, the active reproduction of opportunistic bacteria is a real threat. The presence of the disease during pregnancy threatens the life of the fetus. Signs of infection with ureaplasmosis in women:

Among women: pain and inflammation of the ovaries. Fibroma, myoma develop, fibrocystic mastopathy, inflammation of the adrenal glands, Bladder and kidneys. As well as heart disease and cancer.

It is difficult to notice and connect individual symptoms of the disease into a single picture, especially for a person who has not previously encountered ureaplasmosis.

Children can become infected with pathogenic microorganisms from the mother (congenital ureaplasmosis) or during lactation. Atypical symptoms diseases appear in newborns from the second week of life. Older children can become infected with ureaplasmosis through contact and household contact.

Symptoms in young patients that should alert caring parents:

• pain during urination;
• cutting pain in the lower abdomen;
• colorless and odorless vaginal discharge in girls.

If there is the slightest disturbance in the functioning of the child’s internal or external genital organs, you should immediately seek help from a doctor. It is always easier to treat ureaplasmosis in the initial stages than in advanced and complicated cases.

Routes of transmission of ureaplasma

How can ureaplasma be transmitted, and how to avoid infection? There are two routes of infection: sexual and non-sexual. The infection enters through the skin or directly into gastrointestinal tract. For the development of ureaplasmosis, certain conditions are necessary that contribute to the rapid proliferation of microorganisms:

• reduction of the body's defense mechanisms;
• increased stress;
• disturbance of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract;
• infections of the genitourinary system preceding ureaplasmosis;
• poor nutrition;
• lack of personal hygiene;
• taking antibiotics or hormonal drugs;
• pregnancy.

Each factor that creates suitable conditions for the rapid progress of the disease affects general health patient.

The second route of infection is household. Children, adolescents, couples can become infected through contact with environment and things belonging to a sick person. During the initial examination by a specialist, the causes of infection and factors contributing to the rapid development of the disease are determined. The patient’s immediate environment, after the diagnosis is established, also undergoes a mandatory examination. Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to identify the pathogen by early stages development of ureaplasmosis.

Consequences of unprotected sexual intercourse - ureaplasmosis

Ureaplasmosis and its transmission routes need to be known to everyone who cares about their own health. Sexual relationships (traditional and non-traditional) can result in the development of ureaplasmosis. If we are talking about unprotected contacts, then both partners succumb to the danger of infection. In order to eliminate the threat, it is necessary to use contraceptives and treat any sexual relations with caution.

Frequent changes of partners and unprotected sex are the most common causes of complicated ureaplasmosis. Bacteria cannot penetrate through saliva, so kissing prevents the transmission of these microorganisms from one person to another. Studies have shown that infection through oral and anal sex occurs extremely rarely, but such routes of transmission of ureaplasma are not completely excluded. Vaginal intercourse should not occur without the use of barrier contraceptives.

When a healthy person comes into contact with someone infected with ureaplasmosis, transmission of pathogenic bacteria occurs. Ureaplasma attaches to the mucous membrane of the genital organs during sexual intercourse. Oral sex and subsequent infection of the larynx leads to sore throat (or other diseases of the oral cavity). Experts note that there are significantly more carriers of ureaplasma among the female population than among the male population. The structure of the female body leads to the so-called “vertical infection”. Diseases of the genital organs need urgent treatment, whatever the methods and routes of infection.

Other routes of disease transmission

The bacterium ureaplasma, how is it transmitted and why is it dangerous? Types of non-sexual infection of opportunistic bacteria include:

• intrauterine infection from mother to child;
• by everyday means.

If during the examination, the attending physician established a route of non-sexual transmission, then the patient should exclude further contact with the source of infection and immediately begin treatment.

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During the period of bearing a child, changes occur in a woman’s body (hormonal changes) that trigger the development of ureaplasmosis. When planning a pregnancy, the expectant mother simply must undergo full examination body. A bacterial disease that affects the genitourinary system is treated three months before conception (this is a sufficient period for the elimination of toxic drugs used in standard therapy for ureaplasmosis).

Infection of a child can also occur in the last trimester of pregnancy, but after the fetal placenta is completely formed, it is more difficult for bacteria to penetrate the baby’s body. Amniotic fluid becomes infected with pathogenic microorganisms. Such changes lead to oxygen starvation of the child, and can result in the death of the unborn baby.

Ureaplasmosis also threatens the woman herself who is expecting a child. As a result premature birth or after a miscarriage, inflammation of the uterus or appendages is likely. The father of the child is also undergoing treatment for ureaplasmosis in order to avoid repeated infections of the woman.

Only an integrated approach to the problem will ensure the health of the unborn child. Assign effective therapy Only the attending physician can, after a thorough examination of the female body.

Causes of infectious disease

After infection, only a few weeks later the first minor symptoms appear. The detection of ureaplasma occurs by chance when a person consults a doctor about other chronic diseases. Adnexitis (ovarian inflammation) is common cause contacting a specialist, in subsequent additional tests in most cases indicate ureaplasmosis.

The household route of transmission of ureaplasmosis is not recognized by all experts. Some argue about the likelihood of contracting bacteria through contact with towels or personal hygiene products of an infected person, while others exclude the possibility of transmitting bacteria through non-sexual contact. Be that as it may, everyone experienced doctor insists that using someone else's towels or washcloths is dangerous. It is impossible to become infected with ureaplasma in a pool or bathhouse.

A less common but likely way to become infected with opportunistic bacteria is through an organ transplant from a recipient. Although organs for transplantation are carefully screened before transplantation, the possibility of bacterial transmission remains possible. During the initial examination, specialists determine a possible infection scenario. Routes of infection transmission are important for future treatment plans.

Diagnosis of the disease and pregnancy with ureaplasmosis

Modern methods of studying biomaterial taken from the patient will allow diagnosing ureaplasmosis at any stage of the disease. A microorganism that is able to simultaneously reside inside and outside a human cell is determined based on the results of two or more laboratory research.

Effective diagnostic methods:

1. Bacteriological research. The method consists of artificially growing bacteria that are found in a sample of material taken from the patient. To determine ureaplasma, internal secretions and scrapings from the cervix are used. Such biomaterial (in the case of ureaplasmosis) contains a large number of pathogenic microorganisms. As a result of the analysis, the titer of bacteria per 1 ml of sample is indicated.
2. PCR technique. One of the most common and effective ways detection of ureaplasma - PCR, is based on the determination of the genetic material in the resulting sample.
3. Serological method. A method of making a diagnosis, which is based on the detection of antibodies to ureaplasma in the patient’s blood. The human body reacts to any internal changes, therefore, after infection, the immune system begins to produce specific antibodies.
4. ELISA (immunofluorescent assay). A cheap method with up to 80% accuracy of results, it is used as an additional way to make a diagnosis. It is not worth relying only on ELISA.

For pregnant women, ureaplasma is dangerous disease, which must be treated, as it is also dangerous for the fetus. In the early stages of pregnancy, the proliferation of bacteria leads to miscarriages and pathologies in the development of the child.

Ureaplasmosis is a disease that can be contracted from a sexual partner or through poor hygiene. There is an opinion that such a disease is exclusively the consequences of promiscuous sex life. But this opinion is erroneous, since ureaplasmosis is provoked by bacteria, and it can enter the body not only through direct sexual contact. Prevent infectious disease It’s always easier than treating its consequences. Modern consultation with a specialist, as well as prevention reinfection ureaplasmosis and careful selection of a partner will protect both men and women.

Ureaplasmosis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This disease is caused by a small intracellular microorganism called ureaplasma. For the vital activity of these microbes, urea is required, so their “favorite” place of residence is the organs of the genitourinary system. To break down urea, these bacteria produce an enzyme, urease, from which they get their name.

According to medical statistics, 30% of newborn girls and 20% of newborn boys have ureaplasma. In vaginal secretions in women, ureaplasma is detected in 40% of cases.

However, the symptoms inflammatory diseases genitals are observed only in every third woman. In men, these microorganisms are detected in scrapings from the urethra in 25-30% of cases. However, they do not manifest themselves clinically in 90% of cases.

Epidemiology of ureaplasmosis

Scientists have different opinions about the pathogenicity of these microorganisms: some consider them to be causative agents of inflammatory diseases, others are inclined to believe that ureaplasmas are opportunistic microbes.

In cases of inflammatory diseases of the genital organs in women and men, the frequency of detection of ureaplasma in secretions increases, and the number of their colonies increases. This fact indicates the pathogenic nature of the microorganism.

How is ureaplasma transmitted? Ureaplasma can enter the body in several ways:

1. Sexual.
2. Contact and household.
3. Vertical.
4. Hemotransplantation.

In the sexual transmission of the pathogen, the main role belongs to the direct contact of biological fluids (sperm, secretions, saliva) of an infected person with the mucous membranes of a healthy person. The use of barrier (condom) or chemical (douching) contraception significantly reduces the likelihood of sexual transmission.

How can you become infected with ureaplasma through contact and household contact? The contact and household path is realized through personal hygiene or household items, for example, a towel, toilet seat, faucet, door handle.

In order for infection to occur in this way, it is necessary that the contaminated biological fluid enters a household item, and then this item comes into contact with the mucous membranes of a healthy person.

Ureaplasma can be transmitted through household means due to non-compliance with personal hygiene rules or unsatisfactory cleaning of residential premises. Is it possible to become infected through contact in public swimming pools, baths, saunas, and toilets? This possibility exists, but no proven cases of such infection have been recorded.

The vertical route is a variant of the blood-contact mechanism of infection transmission. This means that the infection is transmitted through blood. This route involves intrauterine infection of the fetus from an infected mother. This path is possible with a generalized ureaplasma infection in the mother, when the pathogen is in her blood. And ureaplasma has the ability to penetrate the hematoplacental barrier.

Infection through blood transplantation occurs as a result of transplantation of infected organs from a donor to a recipient or transfusion of infected donor blood. The possibility of infection in this way may arise if the quarantine regime for donor blood is violated or the donor organ is not sufficiently examined.

It is impossible to become infected with ureaplasma from pets or other animals, since the pathogen is transmitted from species to species.

Incubation period of ureaplasma

Often after receiving results laboratory tests to sexually transmitted infections, patients are perplexed: “Where from? I don’t have any symptoms!” It's simple: the presence of ureaplasma in the human body does not mean the presence of ureaplasmosis.

For the disease to begin, certain conditions are necessary:

• an increase in the number of pathogens over 10 4 CFU/ml;
• weakening of local immunity;
• incubation period.

If the patient has the first two conditions, the incubation period of ureaplasma must still last a minute, which can last from one to three weeks, less often - up to two months, for clinical manifestations of ureaplasmosis to appear.

But even after three weeks, signs of ureaplasmosis may not be detected in an infected person, because the very presence of the pathogen in the body does not always mean the disease.

Features of the sexual route of infection

Sexual transmission of ureaplasma is considered the main route. The source of infection in this case is the carriers of microorganisms (patients or bacteria carriers), and the transmission factor is the biological environment of the body infected with ureaplasma (sperm, prostate secretion, vaginal secretion, saliva).

Until recently, it was believed that women were the source of infection, since the pathogen was found only in their biomaterial. But that's not true. Both women and men can be carriers of ureaplasma. If in women these microbes in most cases live in the vagina, then in men they penetrate the urethra and prostate gland.

Once in the body of its host, ureaplasma adheres to the epithelium of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, liquefies their cell walls and penetrates into the cells. These microbes do not have their own cell walls, so they can only develop and reproduce inside other cells.

Ureaplasmas have a tropism for epithelial cells, but can penetrate into leukocytes or sperm.

The sexual route involves direct sexual contact between the carrier of the pathogen (source) and the susceptible organism (sexual partner). This sexual contact may not necessarily be traditional, that is, vaginal. Unconventional forms of sexual contact can also cause infection of a sexual partner.

Ureaplasmosis in regular sexual partners

If ureaplasma is detected in one of the regular sexual partners, for example, a woman, then it is necessary to examine the second one. If such a couple does not use barrier contraception during sex, then ureaplasma can be detected in the husband in 90% of cases.

Detection of ureaplasma is not a reason to sound the alarm. If an infected person does not have clinical symptoms of ureaplasmosis and an increase in antibody titer, and the amount of the pathogen in the biomaterial does not exceed 10 4 CFU/ml, then there is also no reason for treatment.

It is necessary to treat ureaplasma only if there are strict indications, but two sexual partners must be treated for ureaplasma at the same time. The duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks, and until control results are obtained – more than 1.5 months. In such conditions, it is quite natural to ask: “Is it possible to have sex during treatment?”

Sex during the treatment of ureaplasma is possible, but only in the traditional vaginal way and using a condom. You will have to temporarily refuse anal sex or oral sex (blowjob, cunnilingus), but you can kiss, since ureaplasma is not transmitted through a kiss if there has been no oral sex before.

Is ureaplasma transmitted orally? The causative agent of ureaplasmosis can be transmitted through oral sex if one of the sexual partners is the source of the causative agent of this infection. During oral sex, contaminated sperm or vaginal lubricant enters the partner's oral cavity. In the oral cavity, ureaplasma can retain its viability for up to a month. If during this period oral sex occurs with another partner, then the possibility of infection exists, although it is low.

Is ureaplasma transmitted through a kiss? This possibility also exists if you kiss your partner after oral sex. When kissing, partners exchange oral microflora. If oral sex continues after a kiss, there is a theoretical chance of getting sick from your partner.

Condom for ureaplasmosis

The causative agent of ureaplasmosis lives in the prostate gland in men and in the vagina in women. If in women these microorganisms can be representatives of normal microflora, then a man is more often either their carrier, or may suffer from ureaplasmosis with all clinical manifestations. A person may not even be aware of such bacteria carriage.

During unprotected sexual intercourse, the ureaplasma contained in the sperm enters the woman’s genital tract during ejaculation, and with vaginal secretions enters the man’s urethra.

Is ureaplasma transmitted through a condom? Using a condom reduces the likelihood of infection, but it is still possible to become infected.

Studies of the effectiveness of condoms against sexually transmitted infections have found:

• with regular use of condoms during sex, the probability of infection is about 17%;
• with irregular use – about 35%;
• without their use – about 78%.

The opinion that the size of the pores in the wall of the condom exceeds the size of ureaplasma is erroneous. The material from which the condom is made is indeed porous and this cannot be avoided for technological reasons. However, their size is so small that they do not allow even water molecules to pass through, and ureaplasma is 98% water.

The cause of infection with ureaplasma when using condoms is not the pores in the condom material, but errors in their use. Such errors include:

1. Violation of integrity, which can occur when unpacking the product using nails, teeth or scissors.
2. Rupture of the wall of the product due to incorrect selection of its size or incorrect putting on.
3. Condom slipping during intimacy, which happens when the product is of the wrong size or using a fat-based lubricant.

The whole condom, if used correctly, effectively protects against ureaplasma infection.

The main route of infection with ureaplasma is sexual intercourse, especially if sexual contact is unprotected and the partner is casual. Regular observation by a doctor with all necessary laboratory tests makes it possible to timely detect the presence of a pathogen in the body.

Knowing how ureaplasmosis is transmitted, you can protect yourself from infection. The most reliable way to protect yourself from this infection is a barrier method of contraception and avoidance of casual sexual contact.

Infection with ureaplasmosis in medical practice occurs quite often. At the same time, patients are faced with a number of unpleasant symptoms that can significantly reduce their quality of life.

And in the future, even have a negative impact on the reproductive system. Patients often ask what they need to know about the pathogen, and whether it is possible to become infected with ureaplasmosis through oral sex. What are the main routes of infection, and how to prevent infection?

What you need to know about the causative agent of ureaplasmosis

Ureaplasma is the causative agent of ureaplasmosis. As practice shows, this microorganism lives on the genitals of a large number of people without causing the appearance of negative symptoms. Because of this, it is often regarded as an opportunistic microorganism. To activate it, the influence of a number of specific factors is necessary.

Ureaplasma occupies an intermediate position between viruses and full-fledged bacteria. On the one hand, the pathogen is already large enough to be considered a bacterium. On the other hand, it does not have its own cell wall. Due to this, it is able to penetrate healthy cells and multiply in them.

The microorganism shows the greatest affinity for epithelial cells lining the genital tract. This means that when ureaplasma gets on these cells, the likelihood of infection increases. Since it is easier for a microorganism to penetrate cells and begin to reproduce in them.

The main types of pathogens that cause unpleasant symptoms in patients are parvum and urealiticum. The pathogen can live for a long time in human body, without letting anything know about itself. To activate it, in most cases, it requires the negative impact of certain factors that negatively affect the patient’s immunity.

There are 3 ways of transmitting ureaplasmosis. Any of them can occur in a person’s life, but they differ in the frequency of their implementation.

Infection with ureaplasmosis: contact and household route

Infection with ureaplasmosis is possible through contact and household contact. This path is regarded by doctors as the rarest, but it can never be ruled out. Since such cases are registered on a regular basis. For the contact-everyday path to be realized, no special conditions are required. The only thing that is required is for the pathogen to settle on objects.

The source item can be towels, washcloths, linen, clothing, etc. It is precisely because of the risk of contact and household infection that it is recommended to behave carefully in public places, such as a sauna, bathhouse, swimming pool, etc. The source of infection is also in some In some cases, the rim of the toilet protrudes, on which there are traces of someone else’s urine.

Since ureaplasma is able to survive well in it. It is important to remember that the microorganism generally has a love for warm and humid places, surviving well there. Very often, the spread of a pathogenic microorganism occurs if its carrier is one of the people living at home. Cases of infection in groups are also common. kindergarten, where the child carrier may end up.

Doctors consider girls between 6 and 7 years of age to be a special risk group. True, as doctors note, more than 60% of the planet’s population, according to the most rough estimates, are carriers of the microorganism. It follows from this that the likelihood of encountering the disease is not just high, but very high. However, there is no need to panic.

As long as a person’s immunity is strong, the symptoms of ureaplasmosis will not bother him, even if he is infected. Patients often ask doctors what is the likelihood of encountering ureaplasmosis if they simply swim in the pool or visit saunas and steam baths.

As doctors note, if you follow basic hygiene rules, the likelihood of problems occurring is reduced to zero. This is explained by the fact that the bacterium reacts poorly to high temperatures and also does not tolerate disinfectants. This means that the likelihood of infection from simply swimming in the pool is minimal.

Vertical route of infection with ureaplasmosis

Routes of infection with ureaplasmosis include vertical transmission of infection.

In medical practice it is implemented quite often. And, as statistics show, little girls are most at risk. This is due to the special structure of their genitourinary system, which is strikingly different from that of boys. There are three possible ways of transmitting infection to the fetus while the child is in the mother's womb.

• Ascending intrauterine infection

In this variant, ureaplasma, rising through the genital tract, ends up in the uterus. There, the amniotic sac becomes infected, and the pathogen subsequently settles in the lungs of the fetus, beginning its negative impact on them.

• Hematogenous route

If infection with ureaplasma occurs after the second trimester has begun, hematogenous transmission is most often realized. In this case, the pathogenic microorganism passes the transplacental barrier, infecting the amniotic fluid in which the baby is located. It also penetrates into the fetal body. As a result, inflammatory reactions often develop in the umbilical cord and amniotic sac. Often, after birth, a child is diagnosed with pneumonia acquired in utero.

• Contact transfer option

The contact route of transmission of a pathogenic microorganism during childbirth is most often implemented in medical practice. The fact is that in most cases the fetus is successfully protected from infection thanks to the placenta. Since ureaplasma is not always able to pass through it. However, during childbirth, the baby loses the protection of the placenta. But at the same time, it actively contacts the mucous membrane of the woman’s genital tract, where the microorganism multiplies. It is at this moment that the likelihood of infection is highest.

Sexual route of infection with ureaplasmosis

It is impossible to imagine methods of infection with ureaplasmosis without the sexual route, which occurs most often. If a patient is not infected with a pathogen at birth or through contact during life, he is likely to encounter the disease as soon as he becomes sexually active.

In most cases, infection occurs when one of the partners neglects to use a condom. What is the most reliable protection against various infections today.

It is important to remember that the disease does not always develop even after contact with an infected person.

Ureaplasma can, once it enters the body, also become an opportunistic microflora, which for the time being does not remind of itself. Or maybe even depressed normal microflora the patient's genital organs. The genital organs are closely interconnected. In this regard, once in the body, ureaplasma is capable of causing inflammatory processes in completely different parts of the body. May develop:

• orchitis ( inflammatory process in the testicle);
• prostatitis (damage to the prostate);
• epidymitis (inflammation in the epididymis);
• cystitis (bladder involvement);
• urethritis;
• pyelonephritis;
• vulvovaginitis;
• salpingitis, etc.

In some cases, as practice shows, a high concentration of a pathogenic microorganism is found in the human body if he suffers from reactive arthritis. Because of this, it is often believed that ureaplasma is the cause of reactive arthritis.

Possibility of infection with ureaplasmosis orally

Many patients faced with a similar diagnosis are concerned about the question of whether it is possible to have oral sex with ureaplasmosis. For some reason, there is an opinion among people that infection is impossible through oral sex. This opinion is fundamentally wrong.

It is important to remember that ureaplasma often lives in the prostate gland in men. Together with the secretion of the prostate, it easily penetrates into the sperm, and during ejaculation it ends up in the partner’s body. In this case, the oral form of the disease develops in the partner.

We must not forget that ureaplasmosis is transmitted orally, not only through mouth contact with the genitals. If one of the partners suffers from the oral form of the disease, then infection can occur during ordinary passionate kisses. At the same time, parental or friendly kisses remain harmless. Since they do not involve contact with mucous membranes. Another option for transmitting ureaplasmosis during oral sex is infection of the genitals. In the event that they are concerned by a person suffering from the oral form of the disease. In this case, the pathogen ends up on the organs and tissues of a healthy person along with the saliva of the infected partner. True, as partners note, this transmission route is implemented least often. Since the amount of pathogen in saliva is not so large as to cause infection.

What contributes to infection with ureaplasmosis

Patients often ask their doctors if ureaplasmosis has developed, what are the causes of infection. It is more correct to ask why the disease manifested itself. After all, more than 60% of the population has this pathogen, but not everyone suffers from it. This, as any competent doctor can explain, is connected with the strength of the immune system. The following may cause a person to develop symptoms of the disease:

• frequent change of sexual partners during sexual intercourse without protection with condoms;
• ignoring various chronic diseases that can negatively affect the immune system;
• the presence of other diseases of the genitourinary system, which also negatively affect the patient’s body and reduce local resistance to ureaplasma;
• addiction to bad habits such as smoking, alcoholism, etc.;
• frequent exposure of the human body to too high or, conversely, too low temperatures;
• frequent exposure of the body to stress factors or excessive physical activity, which also adversely affect the body’s immune defense, etc.

In most cases, the likelihood of encountering a disease if the patient leads a healthy lifestyle and remembers the basic rules of safe sex is minimal. What if infection with the subsequent appearance of symptoms could not be avoided? It is recommended to start treatment as early as possible to avoid the negative consequences of the disease.

Ureaplasmosis is an unpleasant disease transmitted from person to person through sexual contact. Every person can encounter the disease throughout his life, since the pathogen is very common in the population. To protect yourself from the disease, it is recommended to practice good hygiene and remember that condoms provide the best protection against infections. If symptoms of the disease appear, it is recommended to begin treatment as early as possible, without waiting for negative consequences to develop!

If you suspect ureaplasmosis, contact competent venereologists and gynecologists.