Who is who: the main difference
- Mycoplasma genitalium is a recognized causative agent of sexually transmitted infections. Causes urethritis in men, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs in women. Always requires treatment, regardless of the presence of symptoms, and the partner is examined and treated
- Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum are opportunistic microorganisms that are found in a significant proportion of healthy people without any symptoms. The mere fact of their detection is not a reason for treatment
- Mycoplasma hominis - also refers to opportunistic flora; may be involved in the development of bacterial vaginosis and inflammatory processes, but does not always require treatment
When treatment is really needed
- Mycoplasma genitalium detected - always, regardless of symptoms
- There are symptoms of urethritis, cervicitis or inflammation, and other infections are excluded
- Examination for infertility, when opportunistic flora is detected in a significant amount and there are signs of inflammation
- Planning an intrauterine intervention or procedure during pregnancy
- History of miscarriage - according to the decision of the gynecologist
- Partner has a confirmed infection requiring treatment
- Signs of inflammation in a smear and tests in the absence of other causes
When treatment is not usually needed
- Ureaplasma or Mycoplasma hominis was discovered accidentally in a person without complaints
- No signs of inflammation in the smear
- The partner is healthy and no one has any complaints
- The analysis was taken “for prevention” without indications
- We are talking about a routine examination without pregnancy planning and interventions.
Unnecessary treatment in this situation is not harmless: it disrupts the microflora, increases the risk of fungal infections and intestinal disorders, creates bacterial resistance and creates in a person the feeling of a chronic disease where there is none.
Symptoms when they exist
- In men: scanty discharge from the urethra, often in the morning
- Burning and discomfort when urinating
- Itching in the urethra
- Discomfort in the perineum
- Swelling and pain in the scrotum with involvement of the epididymis
- In women: an increase in discharge, a change in its character
- Discomfort during urination and sexual intercourse
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Most often - complete absence of symptoms
Diagnostics
- PCR with mandatory identification of a specific species is fundamentally important
- Quantitative PCR for opportunistic flora
- Smear microscopy - assessment of the presence of inflammation; this is a key guideline in treatment decisions
- Examination for absolute pathogens: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis
- Examination for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis
- Examination by a urologist or gynecologist
- Spermogram when planning pregnancy
- Determination of sensitivity when treatment fails M. genitalium
Pay attention to the logic: not “if we find it, we treat it,” but “we find it, evaluate the type, the presence of inflammation and the clinical situation — and only then we decide.” It is this approach that distinguishes reasonable treatment from unnecessary treatment.
Treatment
- For Mycoplasma genitalium - a specific regimen of antibacterial therapy; drugs are selected taking into account the growing resistance of this microorganism
- Mandatory treatment of the partner if M. genitalium is detected
- For conditionally pathogenic flora with signs of inflammation - a course of therapy as prescribed by a doctor
- Sexual rest for the period of treatment
- Control examination within the time limits established by the doctor
- Restoration of microflora in women after the course
- Treatment of concomitant bacterial vaginosis
- Refusal to repeat courses “just in case” in the absence of indications
Where to get advice in Tashkent
A urologist or gynecologist will help you figure out whether your finding requires treatment by assessing the type of microorganism, the presence of inflammation and the clinical situation.
In Tashkent, such examination and consultation can be obtained at the UROLOGIC COMPLEX medical center and at the Tashkent Medical Park clinic.
If you have already been prescribed several courses of antibiotics “for ureaplasma” without lasting results, bring all previous tests to your appointment. It often turns out that no treatment was required at all, and the complaints have another reason. Clinic contacts are below.
