What infections do women have? The main hidden infections in women and their danger

Intimidation with hidden infections has become a profitable part of medicine and the “bread” of those who call themselves representatives of the health industry (read “disease industry” - that’s more accurate).

The human body contains many microorganisms that, under certain conditions, can be involved in the development of the infectious process; all of them most often invade the human body and live in it “hiddenly,” that is, without visible signs of their presence, and most of them do not require diagnosis and treatment.

The traditional old school of medicine divided all microorganisms, appearing periodically or living permanently in the body or on the human body, on normal, opportunistic and pathogenic. The latter can cause diseases, including serious ones, and even lead to human death. But the concept of “conditionally pathogenic” can also be interpreted as “conditionally normal”, because for the emergence of an infectious process certain conditions are necessary, just as for the coexistence of “normal flora” and humans there must be certain conditions.

Almost no one uses the expression “conditionally normal,” although it has a positive connotation.

Many scientists and researchers propose to exclude the concept of “opportunistic pathogens”, because even those microorganisms that are considered normal cohabitants of the human body can, under certain conditions, cause disease.

For example, almost all women know about lactobacilli that live in the vagina. Some doctors try diligently to “restore the flora” by prescribing lactobacilli preparations, which is ineffective. But few people know that there is such a disease as cytolytic vaginosis, which occurs when there is excessive growth of lactobacilli, especially those that produce lactic acid. These bacteria have a detrimental effect on the vaginal mucosa.

At the same time, a whole group of bacteria that usually live in the intestines and participate in the processes of processing and assimilation of food (there are more than 500 species) can also live in the vagina and on the skin of the perineum (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, enterococci, streptococci, etc. ), without causing any harm to the person. But for some reason they are mistaken for enemies and they try to aggressively kill them with massive doses of antibiotics and other drugs.

The same can be said about fungi, in particular yeast, without which the intestines cannot function normally.

Now it has become fashionable to create terrible myths in order to then impose and sell healing drugs and procedures, and fungi are blamed for causing a variety of diseases, including cancer.

But let’s return to the concept of “hiddenness”. In fact, all microorganisms without exception are invisible, that is, they are hidden in the body and on the body, and without additional equipment (microscopes) it is impossible to detect them.

It is not known how many microorganisms exist that can cause disease in humans, because quite often, when viruses, bacteria, and fungi enter the human body, they do not cause changes that would provoke discomfort or dysfunction of some organs and the entire body. This also applies to those microorganisms that can cause an infectious disease. It is estimated that the human body is inhabited by 500 to 1000 species of bacteria and several hundred species of viruses, most of which can be involved in the occurrence of the infectious process.

In fact, a person is a walking hidden infectious pathology (and also tenacious).

Any contact of viruses, fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms with the human body is not accompanied by 100% infection, 100% damage to cells and tissues, 100% dysfunction of cells, tissues, organs and the occurrence of disease.

Even during the era of plague or typhoid pandemics, in the absence of effective drugs, not all people became infected and died. Most often, women are frightened by those types of microorganisms and those “hidden infections” that have become commercial diagnoses and allow health workers and medical institutions to earn money from the total diagnosis and treatment of “victims” of hidden infections.

In obstetrics, hidden infections are an extremely convenient screen behind which you can hide any medical errors, including gross ones, accompanied by the loss of pregnancy and newborn.

“Toxicosis or hidden infections are to blame for everything, and therefore they need to be treated urgently, aggressively, extensively and for a long time!” - such a slogan can be hung above the entrance to any antenatal clinic.

Of course, it is impossible to deny the existence of infectious diseases. But even if microorganisms came into contact with the human body, and they settled in certain cells and organs, this does not mean that the presence of such cohabitants is necessarily fraught with the occurrence of an infectious process. Most often, a certain balance occurs when the body's defenses control the situation and do not allow infectious agents to cause harm. In other words, a certain ecosystem arises where the peaceful coexistence of all living beings, including humans, is much more important than war and the destruction of each other.

Unfortunately, nowhere are they taught such basic concepts of health and the relationship between a person and other microorganisms that take part in his functioning.

Ronald David Lang, a Scottish psychiatrist, wrote:

« Life is a sexually transmitted disease.

And these words say a lot. Human conception occurs through sexual relations, that is, sexually, and this is not just the interaction of germ cells, but also secretions, fluids, other cells and, naturally, microorganisms. From the first minutes of a newborn’s life (and often even in the womb), the intensive colonization of his body with viruses, bacteria, and fungi begins.

Most often, women are frightened by TORCH infections, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, HPV, but they also often “dig” into the vagina, especially a pregnant woman, and try with all their might and means to kill other important bacteria inhabiting this part of the female body. The aggressive fight against staphylococcus in the nose of a pregnant woman deserves special attention. Obviously, doctors forget that a woman will give birth not through her nose, but through her vagina. But it’s even more surprising when they treat “staphylococcus” in the nose of the future father. Well, he certainly won’t stick his nose into the vagina during childbirth!

Of all the known viral infections, only those that can cause damage to the fetus with developmental defects, its death, termination of pregnancy and serious complications in the woman that threaten her life are dangerous for a pregnant woman. There are few such viruses, and they include herpes simplex viruses, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, varicella-zoster virus, coxsackieviruses, measles virus, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis E virus, lymphatic choriomeningitis virus(the latter is transmitted through hamsters). Plus, during pregnancy, only primary infection is dangerous, that is, the first contact with an infectious agent, and not the carriage of viruses.

Although there are other viral pathogens of dangerous diseases, their spread is insignificant. Other viruses can cause certain diseases, but do not pose a danger to the mother and child.

TORCH infections

What are TORCH infections? About 20 years ago, American and European doctors began conducting rapid testing of newborns with symptoms of active infection, when all other diseases had been ruled out. Since intrauterine infection or infection during childbirth was suspected, it was assumed that such infections could be cytomegalovirus, herpes infections and rubella - the most common infections among the adult population. In 1990, toxoplasmosis was added to the panel of tested infections, and soon syphilis and a number of other infections that can be transmitted from mother to fetus and newborn.

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Thus, TORCH denotes the following group of infectious diseases:

T - toxoplasmosis;
O - other (other infections - syphilis, parvovirus B 19, other viruses);
R - rubella (rubella);
C - cytomegalovirus infection;
H - herpes infection.

This type of testing was first used by pediatricians (neonatologists, perinatologists) to quickly diagnose the immune state of a newborn (the presence of an active infectious process). A little later, the TORCH test began to be used to analyze amniotic fluid taken as a result of a puncture of the anterior wall of the mother’s abdomen, if signs of intrauterine infection of the child were detected on ultrasound.

The use of the TORCH test has been criticized by many doctors from all developed countries of the world, so it is prescribed to pregnant women infrequently in these countries. Each test must be rational and have its practical significance, otherwise it is a waste of money, reagents, time and additional stress for the woman. In addition, most doctors do not know how to correctly interpret the results of the TORCH test.

If you do a TORCH test in adults, it is advisable to determine two types of antibodies: IgM and IgG. The combination of these two types of immunoglobulins allows us to determine the relative activity of the infectious process. But in most countries around the world, testing everyone, including men and women planning a pregnancy, is not recommended.

Most often, the results of a TORCH test are as follows: positive for herpes infection, cytomegalovirus infection, rubella (due to vaccination), negative/positive for toxoplasmosis. Such results are observed in 60–80% of women, both planning pregnancy and pregnant women, and these are quite normal results for an adult. These women do not need treatment. In such cases, there is no need to take repeated TORCH tests, because women will never again be negative for carriage of these infectious agents.

The topic of microorganisms, infectious diseases and women's health is extremely voluminous and cannot be discussed in just one article. Nevertheless, I would like to wish women to increase the level of knowledge about their own body and health and not be afraid of the invisible, hidden world of living beings in which we all live. published .

Elena Berezovskaya

P.S. And remember, just by changing your consciousness, we are changing the world together! © econet

Sexually transmitted infections that are generally asymptomatic and can only be detected by sensitive laboratory tests, but nevertheless create the precondition for serious complications, are called latent infections.

Today we can say with confidence that we are witnessing a real explosion of this kind of disease. This is due to the loss of a culture of sexual behavior and neglect of one’s own health, especially among men

Remember that infection occurs not only through vaginal, but also through oral and anal contact

Chlamydia

Treatment: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunocorrective (maintaining immunity at a high level) therapy, as well as complex physiotherapy. The duration of treatment is from 2 weeks to 1 month.

In some cases, in the presence of certain hereditary factors, chlamydia can cause simultaneous damage to the eyes, joints and other organs (Reiter's disease)

Mycoplasmosis

The causative agents of this infection are mycoplasmas, the smallest free-living bacteria. Many men are carriers of mycoplasmas, which, when favorable conditions arise, cause inflammation of the genitourinary system and can cause the development of prostatitis and infertility. Most often, mycoplasmosis does not manifest itself in any way for a long time. The main symptoms at the acute stage: discharge from the urinary canal, discomfort, burning and itching in the urethra.

Treatment: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunocorrective therapy, as well as complex physiotherapy. The duration of treatment is from 5 days to 2 weeks.

Ureaplasmosis

Ureaplasma, the causative agent of ureaplasmosis, like mycoplasma, belongs to intracellular microbes. The symptoms of ureaplasmosis are very subtle. This is, as a rule, frequent urination, slight discharge from the urethra in the morning and mild itching in the canal in the area of the head of the penis. Frequent complications that occur against the background of sluggish urethritis are prostatitis and orchiepidymitis - inflammation of the epididymis and testicle.

Treatment: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunocorrective therapy, as well as complex physiotherapy. The duration of treatment is from 7 to 14 days.

Gardnerellosis

The causative agent of this disease is gardnerella, a microorganism that is a common inhabitant of the vagina in women. Normally, the vaginal microflora is represented mainly by lactobacilli. These bacteria produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, preventing the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. However, every woman also has other microorganisms in small quantities, including gardnerella. A man becomes infected with them only if his partner develops dysvaginosis (vaginal dysbiosis). Gardnerellosis often accompanies other, more pathogenic pathogens of latent infections. Like other hidden infections, gardnerellosis has no specific symptoms and may be accompanied by discharge from the urethra, as well as a feeling of discomfort in the urethra both during urination and at rest. But most often, this genital tract infection remains asymptomatic for a long time.

Treatment: antibacterial drugs. Duration of treatment is 5-6 days.

Human papillomavirus infection

Papilloma viral infection has been known since time immemorial. Cases of this disease have been described in Ancient Greece. But it was only in the last century that viral cells were isolated from warts. Then the division of the human papillomavirus (HPV) into subtypes began. To date, over 100 subtypes of this virus are known. But something else is much more important: all types of HPV are divided into three groups.

group. Non-oncogenic HPV (not causing cancer).
group. Oncogenic HPV with a low degree of oncogenicity.
group. Oncogenic HPV with a high degree of oncogenicity. These viruses are the most dangerous for the body.

The incubation period can last from 3 months to several years. HPV infects epithelial cells. Its manifestations are warts and genital warts (limited papillary growths of the skin and mucous membranes), externally resembling scallops or cauliflower.

Condylomas and warts themselves are painless. However, HPV can cause penile or anal cancer in men (this disease is 20 times more common in homosexuals).

Treatment. Unfortunately, there are currently no specific drugs against HPV. The main task during treatment of the virus is to transfer it to an inactive state. Since it is impossible to completely get rid of HPV, there is always a threat of relapses. It is possible to remove only external manifestations of virus activity, which we observe on the skin or mucous membranes. It is advisable that this be done by an experienced oncodermatologist.

Prevention. To date, two preventive vaccines against HPV have already been created: Gardasil and Cervarix. However, their protective properties apply only to 4 types of viruses that are highly oncogenic. Vaccination is recommended for men aged 9 to 25 years.

The only truly reliable means of protection against papillomavirus is still a condom

Cytomegalovirus infection

The causative agent of this disease is cytomegalovirus. Since this virus is present in blood, saliva, urine and semen, it can be infected in a variety of ways, including even through airborne droplets. In addition, infection is possible in the prenatal period through the mother's placenta and during breastfeeding through milk.

The disease usually does not manifest itself for a long time. Provoking factors for exacerbation of cytomegalovirus infection, as a rule, are hypothermia, stress or long-term other infectious diseases, which results in a sharp decrease in immunity.

In its manifestations, the disease resembles an acute respiratory infection (cold). High temperature, headache, weakness, and general malaise are noted. In men, the virus can also affect the urethra and testicles. In some cases, when cytomegalovirus affects internal organs and the central nervous system, this can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia or even encephalitis.

Treatment: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunocorrective therapy. Duration of treatment is from 2 to 3 weeks.

Genital herpes

Herpes- one of the most common diseases in the world. Its virus is the causative agent of two diseases with similar manifestations. Most often we encounter the causative agent of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I - this is the so-called cold on the lips. If the manifestations are localized on the genitals, we are dealing with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type II, or the genital herpes virus. The herpes virus can remain in the body for a long time and not manifest itself in any way. It integrates inside cells, including nerve cells and blood cells, and is sharply activated when immunity decreases. The most common provoking factors are frequent hypothermia, chronic stress, alcohol abuse and the presence of other infections.

Genital herpes You can become infected through any sexual contact. Transmission of the virus from mother to fetus is also possible. Under normal living conditions, the virus dies, which means that infection can only occur during direct contact. It is impossible to become infected with the herpes virus in public places. The majority of those infected are completely asymptomatic. Therefore, many people do not even suspect that they are carriers of the herpes virus.

The incubation period usually lasts for 1-2 weeks, although sometimes it can last 1 month. Next comes the period of so-called primary herpes, although in practice it is rarely possible to track whether this is the first case of the disease or a relapse. Typical manifestations of genital herpes during periods of exacerbation are pain, swelling and burning in the genitals. Symptoms similar to colds may also occur: fever, headache, general weakness and malaise. After several days, small blisters appear on the genitals. When scratched, a clear liquid is released from them, which contains the virus itself. If you do not scratch them, then after a while the blisters open on their own, forming small and very painful ulcers. If these ulcers are located in the urethra, a strong burning sensation occurs when urinating.

The duration of the acute period of the disease depends on the state of the body's immune system, but on average it is usually 2-3 weeks.

If the herpes virus affects the prostate, prostatitis occurs, if the urethra - urethritis, and if the bladder - then cystitis

To diagnose herpes, it is important to correctly collect anamnesis and examine the sites of manifestations on the patient’s body. As a rule, this is enough. But if in doubt, you can use laboratory methods: open several vials and send liquid to determine the presence of the virus, or conduct a blood test to determine the presence of antibodies to the virus.

Treatment. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to completely recover from the herpes virus. Therefore, therapy in this case comes down to eliminating symptoms and transferring the virus to an inactive (“dormant”) state. Treatment is long-term and usually requires several courses with changes in antiviral drugs and the prescription of immune stimulants.

If any hidden infection is detected, both partners must be treated simultaneously. Otherwise, re-infection is inevitable. Until the end of treatment, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse without using condoms.

Most often, the entrance gates for microbes that form the primary foci of latent diseases in the body are the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, digestive and urogenital tracts.

Microorganisms that inhabit the external environment in large quantities can be pathogenic, opportunistic or non-pathogenic (saprophytes that are part of the normal human microflora). For the latter, infection does not play a special role, because the leading factor in the development of the disease is the weakness of the immune system. An inadequate immune response in general or a decrease in the functioning of local defenses can cause the formation of an infectious process, which can occur in two ways:

An obvious infectious disease with an incubation period, a clinical picture corresponding to the pathogen and a certain result (recovery, chronicity, recovery with consequences or progression of the process).
Asymptomatic carriage. Opportunistic flora does not always give clear manifestations of the presence of the pathogen in the body, the incubation period may be absent, the period of time from infection to the appearance of signs of infection may be indefinitely long, the local inflammatory focus may go unnoticed and the person will be unaware of the presence of chronic latent infection. infections. Many problems in this regard are created by saprophytes, for example, fungi, which constantly live on the intestinal mucosa, but, once in another environment (urogenital tract), with weak immunity, begin to actively multiply. A healthy immune system usually does not allow this, that is, how long the infectious agent lingers in the new host’s body depends on the type of microorganism and the state of the person’s immunity.

Thus, the immune system plays a major role at all levels and stages of any infectious process, where local factors play an important role in defense reactions. However, the influence of other systems (nervous, endocrine) should not be unduly belittled.

When local immunity fails

Sex hormones and thyroid hormones activate the immune system, resulting in rapid restoration of damaged tissue and recovery. On the contrary, if there is something wrong with the hormones, the mucous membrane does not return to normal as quickly and the process is delayed. The quality of local immunity depends on the state of the epithelium, which is determined by hormonal levels. Recent experimental data indicate that epithelial cells not only become a barrier between the infectious agent and the human body, but also participate in immunological reactions, that is, they are immunocompetent cells, since they carry receptors for certain cytokines on their surface. In addition, epithelial cells leave the imprint of past events (infections, treatment methods, types of antibiotics, etc.), so when determining the origin of the inflammatory process, details such as chlamydia, trichomonas, and in other cases - gonococci often come to light.

Hidden infections find favorable conditions for their habitat in the female genital organs, which is greatly facilitated by hormonal fluctuations, which are more pronounced in women than in men. Fungi, chlamydia, myco- and ureaplasmas that fall on fertile soil lead to the development of vaginosis (an analogue of intestinal dysbiosis) and vulvovaginitis. The woman continues to consider herself healthy, since there are no obvious deviations during a traditional examination, and the nature of the discharge and some discomfort can be mistaken for the individual characteristics of the body.

There is a pathogen, there is no disease

Basically, the list of latent infections consists of diseases caused by microorganisms that trigger the process under a certain set of circumstances, therefore in most cases they are classified as latent sexually transmitted infections:

That's why they are hidden, so that there are no symptoms

Many of the listed diseases constitute a group of chronic latent infections that can last for many years and not cause much concern to a person. Symptoms of latent infections, as a rule, are absent, so carriers live and do not suspect that they are sources of infection for other people. And as long as their own immunity regulates an adequate response, they themselves remain healthy, however, weakening of the immune system for various reasons can lead to the development of an inflammatory process (onset in men infected with chlamydia, but confident that everything is fine in their body).

In some cases, there is a hidden leak. Of course, it is difficult for a man not to notice this, but for women this is quite possible. If left unattended, the acute period becomes chronic, the process subsides, and Neisser's diplococci remain. They can “live” in the genital tract for quite a long time until a woman develops a complication (ovarian abscess, peritonitis, sepsis) or a new sexual partner comes to investigate, and a few days after sexual contact, symptoms of a completely hidden infection appear.

Hidden infections in children can appear before, during or after birth. This can be chlamydia, urea and mycoplasma, herpes infection, hepatitis, HPV. As a rule, children who received the pathogen from birth have weak immunity and are registered as often and for a long time ill. The respiratory system is mainly affected if the infection is bacterial in nature.

Diagnostics – tests for hidden infections

Tests for hidden infections cannot be limited to simple ones (flora, cytology). If microorganisms such as trichomonas, candida, gonococci (and even then not always) can still be seen when checking a regular drug, then chlamydia, HPV, herpes and others are not visible at all in a flora smear, and a cytological smear can only indirectly indicate the presence of infection by reaction epithelium. For diagnosis, there is a list of tests for hidden infections, which allows you to identify certain pathogens to the maximum extent:

Before the advent of such methods as ELISA, PCR, RIF, the diagnosis of latent infections was carried out mainly using bacterial culture and, although this analysis has not lost its relevance, the listed methods have become increasingly used due to their availability (a bacteriological laboratory must meet special requirements that not every medical institution can perform).

Pregnant women, as a rule, undergo such tests for free. The gynecologist observing the expectant mother determines the timing and list of pathogens of interest to him (many of them are included in the list of TORCH infections). They usually do not take money from patients undergoing examination in a hospital or undergoing outpatient treatment, which requires additional diagnostic methods.

On personal initiative, any person has the right to be tested for hidden infections. In skin and venereal disease clinics, infectious diseases hospitals, and medical centers, there are paid laboratories that carry out their diagnosis. The cost of research depends on the list of pathogens, search methods, region and status of the medical institution, so the price in Moscow and, say, in the Bryansk region will vary.

Features of treatment

Called in one word “infection,” these processes have much in common in treatment, for example, therapy is almost always used aimed at restoring immunity (local or general), the suffering of which is obvious in all cases.

However The approach to each pathogen is still somewhat individual:

Situations are possible when one person has hidden infections of various classes (viruses, bacteria, fungi). The doctor decides when and how to combine treatment, because the immune system is unlikely to tolerate an ignorant attitude towards oneself.

Video: hidden infections - infection and treatment, doctor’s opinion

Sexually transmitted infections can occur in a latent form, without causing acute symptoms of malaise and inflammation of the reproductive organs. The latent course threatens the development of sluggish, progressive adnexitis, endometritis, prostatitis, obstruction of the fallopian tubes and infertility. Hidden infections are detected during a medical examination.

Asymptomatic STIs can be present in the body for a long time without manifesting themselves. It is often not possible to detect pathogenic microorganisms or viruses during microscopic examination of vaginal smears or culture.

Bacteria penetrate into the cells of the mucous membrane, so the body does not produce antibodies that can cope with infectious agents. An inflammatory process begins to develop in the soft tissues of the vagina, then the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are affected. In men, inflammation of the prostate gland is diagnosed, sperm production is disrupted. When the urinary system is damaged, cystitis, urethritis, and pyelonephritis develop.

List of hidden infections:

gardnerellosis;
papillomavirus;
chlamydia;
trichomoniasis;
HIV period;
genital herpes;
mobiluncus;
mycoplasmosis;
cytomegalovirus;
leptothrix.

The latent period of the disease after infection often becomes the cause of female and male infertility. If pregnancy does occur, there is a risk of intrauterine infection of the fetus and the birth of a child with various pathologies of internal organs.

Latent STIs provoke abortion in the early stages and lead to the death of the embryo. In men, the quality and quantity of motile sperm deteriorate, and the chance of conceiving a child decreases. If hidden infections are not treated for a long time, erectile dysfunction and impotence develop, caused by chronic inflammation of the prostate.

The latent (incubation) period of HIV lasts from 3 months to 1 year. At this time, it is impossible to detect the infection; the diagnosis is made if antibodies to the immunodeficiency virus are present in the blood. The virus shell does not dissolve in biological fluids of the body, so the disease does not manifest itself for quite a long period. HIV penetrates T-lymphocytes and begins to actively multiply; when immune cells become scarce, symptoms of the acute stage of the disease begin to appear.

Routes of infection

Latent infection is transmitted sexually (genital, oral, anal), and infection can occur even during the latent period of carriage. In women, when the immune system is weakened, the vaginal microflora is disrupted, the number of beneficial lactobacilli decreases, and fungi, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, gardnerella, which previously did not cause symptoms of illness, begin to actively grow.

Infectious agents penetrate the reproductive organs along an ascending path from the surface of the genitals, mucous membranes of the vagina further into the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. In representatives of the stronger sex, the urethra, seminal canal, and prostate gland are affected.

Many people are interested in whether it is possible to become infected with sexually transmitted infections through everyday contact. Diseases are transmitted only during intimacy. Viruses enter the body when they come into contact with the mucous membranes of the mouth or genitals.

In most cases, STIs affect the urinary system, there is a frequent urge to urinate, and emptying the bladder causes acute pain and cramping. Urine is excreted in small portions, becomes cloudy, and may contain blood.

With the development of a generalized infection, many mucous membranes of the body are affected. Disruption of the immune system contributes to the fact that people often become infected with colds with complications, suffer from stomatitis, conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal diseases.

How to recognize hidden infections

The diseases do not cause pronounced signs of damage to the genital organs. It is worth getting examined by a doctor in the following situations:

increased amount of vaginal discharge;
periodically there are aching pains in the lower abdomen;
the menstrual cycle is disrupted;
difficulties arise in conceiving a child;
the discharge has an unpleasant odor;
worries about itching, redness, swelling of the external genitalia;
body temperature often rises to 37.5°;
herpetic rashes appeared in the genital area;
single or multiple papillomas have grown;
enlarged inguinal lymph nodes;
sexual intercourse causes discomfort and pain.

Normally, the volume of vaginal discharge in a woman increases during ovulation; when infected with sexually transmitted infections, the secretion is constantly produced. At the same time, it becomes cloudy, contains air bubbles, acquires a yellowish tint, and a putrid or sour odor. With hidden diseases, periods are too heavy or, conversely, scanty, spotting, and intermenstrual bleeding occurs.

Carrying out diagnostics

To identify latent infections, you need to take the following in vitro tests:

A mixed infection is often detected when several types of bacteria, protozoa or viruses are simultaneously present in the materials being tested. The innovative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method allows you to accurately determine which pathogens are the cause of the disease, even with a minimal content of pathogenic cells in the blood at the earliest stages. The data obtained helps to carry out treatment effectively.

It is necessary to take a test if discomfort symptoms appear in the lower abdomen, at the stage of pregnancy planning and in the early stages of pregnancy.

In vitro laboratory tests are prescribed for married couples who have been unable to conceive or carry a child for a long time, women who have previously suffered frozen pregnancies, or the death of infants.

ELISA tests for latent infections help determine whether there are specific antibodies in the blood, assess the titer of pathogenic microorganisms, and correctly prescribe treatment. The type of immunoglobulins (Ig) determines how long the pathogen remains in the human body and at what stage the disease is currently at.

Vacuum sanitation

In some cases, it is possible to detect the cause of infection in long-term inflammation only after additional sanitation of the vagina. This treatment allows you to exfoliate the cells of the mucous membranes affected by viruses or bacteria. Vibrating attachments cleanse tissues of mucus, pathogenic microorganisms, and clear gland ducts.

Using the vacuum sanitation method, you can cure inflammatory diseases of the vagina, cervix and uterine cavity, and drain cysts containing pathogenic microorganisms. The resulting material is examined in vitro in the laboratory using ELISA, PCR, and the type of pathogen is determined.

Identifying hidden infections in the early stages allows for timely treatment, preventing possible complications, and preventing the disease from becoming chronic. Both sexual partners should be examined to exclude the possibility of re-infection.

Hello, Alexey! Your woman is probably very upset that she has been diagnosed with a hidden sexually transmitted infection, so she is inclined to blame you for infecting her. In addition, she is pregnant, and it is quite understandable. But if you are sure that you are not the cause of this infection, try to convey this to her, armed with some facts. Yes, of course, hidden infections are transmitted primarily through sexual contact and are called this way for a reason. Since carriers in whom the infection has just penetrated, but has not developed, do not have any complaints. And this is the reason for mass infections with these infections through non-sexual contact. In addition to sexual transmission, there are other sources of infection. Thus, swimming pools have become breeding grounds for such infections, because... These infections are easily transmitted through water and can lie in wait for us in any body of water. A river, a lake, a pond, even a genital toilet with tap water - all this threatens to become infected with these infections.

Infection, of course, also occurs through sexual contact, and not only through genital contact, but with the same probability through oral or anal contact. From the moment of infection to the development of the disease, at least 3 days pass, and on average from 7 to 14 days. This period is called the incubation period. Although in some cases it can last for months. As a rule, in the first three days after infection, it is impossible to detect chlamydia and other “hidden” STIs even with the most sensitive diagnostic methods.

Hidden infections include: chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, viruses, etc. Chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, viral infections in 60% of people are asymptomatic for a long time (hidden). Hidden infections include syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis - they can be asymptomatic, thereby falling into the group of hidden infections. Hidden infections also include viral infections - herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, papillomavirus infection. Viral infections often do not bother people, occurring silently for many months and even years. Therefore, it is possible that your woman herself or you became infected with a hidden infection even before the start of your relationship, being in a sexual relationship with other people. And the asymptomatic course of the disease misled both you and her.

I hope you will still find ways to understand and forgive each other, but what to do with the pregnancy should be decided by your woman’s doctor. The immune system of a pregnant woman is “distracted” to recognize fetal proteins. There is an immunodeficiency that is so convenient for STDs. And all these pathogens multiply like an avalanche during pregnancy. Therefore, they firmly occupy first place as the cause of spontaneous abortion. They disrupt the contact of the fertilized egg with the wall of the uterus, and can thus lead to the death of the embryo, stopping the development of pregnancy or miscarriage. Naturally, you both need treatment.