Mycoplasmosis is a disease that can remain without obvious symptoms for a long time. Mycoplasmas can live in the body without causing any manifestations, but under certain conditions they may trigger an inflammatory process. Most often this occurs when immunity decreases, during hormonal changes, or against the background of other gynecological diseases.
It is important to know that without treatment the infection can spread upward through the urogenital tract and cause complications, including kidney inflammation — pyelonephritis. That is why you should not delay a doctor’s consultation if symptoms appear.
What Is Mycoplasmosis in Women
Mycoplasmosis is an infectious disease of the urogenital system caused by bacteria of the genus Mycoplasma. Most often, Mycoplasma genitalium has clinical significance. These microorganisms are classified as opportunistic pathogens: they may be present in the body without causing symptoms, but under certain conditions they provoke inflammation.
A distinctive feature of mycoplasmas is that they do not have a dense cell wall. Because of this, the bacteria easily attach to the cells of the mucous membrane and can penetrate inside them. This complicates the natural elimination of the infection by the body and requires properly selected treatment.
In women, the inflammatory process may be localized in the vagina, cervix, or urethra. If the infection remains undetected for a long time, it can spread upward — to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and even the organs of the urinary system.
It is important to understand that mycoplasmosis does not always require immediate therapy. Treatment is prescribed when laboratory tests confirm active bacterial multiplication and there are clinical signs of inflammation.
Where Does Mycoplasmosis in Women Come From
In most cases, the infection is transmitted during sexual contact. At the same time, the carrier of the bacteria may have no symptoms but still remain a source of infection.
In some cases, a child may become infected from the mother during childbirth. Household transmission is considered unlikely, since mycoplasmas are unstable in the external environment and quickly die outside the body.
Mycoplasmosis in women — routes of transmission:
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unprotected sexual contact;
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transmission from mother to child during natural childbirth;
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theoretically possible contact-household transmission (extremely rare).
The risk of developing the disease increases with decreased immunity, hormonal fluctuations, and the presence of other inflammatory processes in the urogenital system.
How Mycoplasmosis Manifests in Women
In many women, the infection may not cause any noticeable changes in well-being for a long time. The first symptoms usually appear when the bacteria begin to actively multiply and cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina, cervix, or urethra.
Most commonly, women report:
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burning or pain during urination;
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pulling or aching pain in the lower abdomen;
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itching, redness, or irritation in the intimate area;
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changes in vaginal discharge — it may become more abundant, mucous, or mucopurulent;
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discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.
It is important to understand that these signs are not specific only to mycoplasmosis. Similar symptoms may accompany other infections, so the exact cause can be determined only after examination and laboratory diagnostics.
How to Treat Mycoplasmosis in Women
The treatment approach is always determined individually. It is important to consider not only the presence of bacteria in a smear but also clinical symptoms, concomitant infections, and the woman’s overall health condition.
If mycoplasmas are detected in small quantities and there are no complaints, the doctor may recommend observation. In such a situation, active therapy is not always required, but the patient should undergo follow-up examinations.
When an active inflammatory process is confirmed, treatment is mandatory. It is aimed not only at reducing the number of bacteria but also at eliminating symptoms and restoring normal microflora.
Depending on the clinical situation, the following may be prescribed:
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antibacterial drugs taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen;
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anti-inflammatory agents to reduce pain and swelling;
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local vaginal preparations (suppositories, gels);
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probiotics to restore microflora;
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medications to support the immune response.
The course of treatment usually lasts 2–3 weeks, but the exact duration is determined by the doctor. It is important not to interrupt the medication course on your own, even if the symptoms disappear earlier.
After completing the course of therapy, follow-up tests are обязательно conducted to confirm the effectiveness of treatment. If a woman has a regular sexual partner, he is also recommended to undergo examination and, if necessary, treatment. This helps prevent reinfection.
What Happens If Mycoplasmosis Is Not Treated
Without timely therapy, the infection may become chronic. The inflammatory process can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing endometritis or salpingitis. In the future, this may lead to the formation of adhesions, impaired tubal patency, and difficulties with conception.
In complicated cases, when purulent complications or a pronounced adhesive process develop, surgery may be required. Modern surgical gynecology allows such interventions to be performed using minimally invasive methods. Such situations are rare, but they highlight the importance of early medical consultation.
Timely diagnosis and properly selected therapy make it possible to fully control the infection and minimize the risk of complications.
