Generality
Ureaplasma urealyticum is a particular bacterium, belonging to the mycoplasmas family; particular because its dimensions are extremely small and has no cell wall; consequently, the therapy and the diagnosis itself were - especially in the past - particularly difficult.
Infection in men and women
In humans, its uncontrolled growth causes annoying inflammation of the urethra (that conduit that conveys urine from the bladder to the outside). In medical terms we speak of urethritis, to which is added the "non-gonococcal" attribute to indicate that gonococcal bacteria are not implicated in its onset, first of all the Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the pathogen most commonly referred to in etiology of male urethritis).
In women it is commonly found - albeit in very small concentrations - in the vaginal microflora, together with the characteristic lactobacilli, which in normal conditions hinder their excessive proliferation.
In the human body, small colonies of Ureaplasma urealyticum can also be found at the level of the pharynx and rectum.
Ureaplasma can be transmitted either through vaginal, anal or oral sexual intercourse or via maternal-fetal route (during pregnancy or at the time of delivery).
Symptoms
In humans, the symptoms attributable to the excessive proliferation of Ureaplasma urealyticum reside mainly in the appearance of an annoying burning sensation that precedes urination; squeezing the penena rod up to the glans, we also note the outflow of a whitish and stringy secretion, which sometimes comes out spontaneously. From the urethra, the infection can easily spread to the structures connected to it, such as the prostate and the testicles, causing prostatitis and epididymitis respectively; if not treated properly, it can seriously affect male fertility.
In women, an uncontrolled growth of ureoplasma is called into question in the development of bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and urethral syndrome; also in this case, if not properly treated, the infection can compromise fertility. However, these are pathologies that generally have a polymicrobial etiology and are therefore caused by several microorganisms, which probably have a synergistic effect between them; in addition to the ureoplasm, Chlamydia trachomatis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis and others can also come into play. Also in this case the symptoms are those attributable to the classic sexually transmitted infections and include vaginal burning and pain during and after intercourse.
Infection transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriages, premature births and various fetal problems (increased incidence of pneumonia and neonatal meningitis).
In immunocompromised patients the infection can extend to the upper urinary tract (kidneys) and to the bones (arthritis).
Treatment
The treatment of Ureaplasma infections is based on the administration of antibiotics; tetracyclines are of classic use, however - due to the increasingly frequent presence of resistant ureoplasma - other drugs can also be used, such as azithromycin or doxycycline. The choice of the most suitable therapy will be made by the doctor on the basis of the diagnostic results, including the antibiogram. Sexual rest is important until healing has been ascertained; therapy should also be extended to sexual partners both in the presence and absence of specific symptoms.
To learn more: Drugs to cure Ureaplasma infections "
Prevention
The prevention of the disease - and of vaginal infections in general - passes through some basic rules of hygiene and daily behavior. For example, the use of substances with non-acid pH or anti-lactobacillary activity facilitates the infectious process. Irrigations, sanitizing sprays, soaps and perfumed talcs should be avoided. In fact, the irrigations alter the natural saprophytic flora present in the vagina; perfumed talcum powder can produce irritations of the vaginal mucosa.
We should also avoid wearing synthetic underwear as well as jeans and pants that are too tight, such as to retain moisture and heat, creating favorable conditions for the development of harmful microorganisms, including Ureaplasma urealyticum. When they finally dry and clean the private parts, you should always perform a movement that goes from the front to the back and not vice versa. This is to avoid the easy and risky transport of bacteria from the rectum to the vagina and thus prevent infections.
