What are hidden infections? Hidden infections in women: symptoms, tests, list. Preparation for the procedure

They are quite widely known to everyone due to the method of their distribution. They plague humanity for many centuries, perhaps even millennia, leading to serious illness, infertility, deformities of newborns and untimely deaths. Doctors have learned to cope well with some infections, but some of them can still either be cured in the early stages of the disease, or are still able to resist our efforts.

Before formulating a complete list of STIs, you need to find out what they are, how they threaten people and how they affect the body.

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are transmitted from one sexual partner to another, uninfected one, through unprotected sexual intercourse in any form. Pathogens can be viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.Quite often a mixed form of infection is observed, especially in people who are promiscuous without protection, prone to antisocial behavior, drug addiction, and alcoholism.

Not understanding the risk of contracting some types of STIs can be costly. They can lead to chronic inflammatory processes in the human genital area, cause miscarriage or impotence and prostatitis in men, damage to the immune system, which can cause severe diseases, even fatal.

Some infections only affect the reproductive system, but they can also “spread” throughout the body and cause irreparable harm to health, affecting even the spinal cord and humans.

The only reliable protection against STIs may be caution and attentiveness when choosing a sexual partner, high-quality protection and timely, comprehensive treatment if an infection is detected. Both partners need to be treated.

List of STIs: types, description and signs

Sexual infections include diseases that enter the human body from the outside, from an infected partner, and those whose pathogens normally constantly live on our skin and mucous membranes without causing any harm. These microorganisms are called opportunistic flora.

As long as the body is healthy, and the immune system resists the onslaught of infection and maintains the number of microorganisms at a low, harmless level, the disease does not occur. But during sexual contact with a carrier of the same type or when immunity decreases, the number of pathogens increases sharply and the person becomes ill. Such diseases include the well-known thrush, or candidiasis. Its pathogens are constantly present in the body of every person, but the disease occurs only when a number of conditions coincide.

A number of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases respond quite well to treatment with modern drugs, but it is better to do this as early as possible, before the infection causes serious inflammatory processes.

As a result, adhesions may occur that threaten a woman with infertility, lesions, unpleasant external rashes and even cancerous tumors. There are some STIs that, when left untreated, can be fatal. This is , and . With timely and correct treatment, the life of such patients can be extended for quite a significant time.

Useful video - Signs of STDs.

The concept of STIs, or (sexually transmitted diseases) is somewhat broader than the concept of sexually transmitted diseases. “Diseases of Venus” are included in the list of sexually transmitted infections as its component.

Full list of STIs:

  • Syphilis is caused by treponema pallidum, or spirochete, has three stages and can be congenital. Capable of affecting the skin, mucous membranes, soft and bone tissues, and the central nervous system. It is easily transmitted not only through sexual intercourse, but also through blood and household contact with the personal belongings of an infected patient - a carrier of treponema. It manifests itself as a rash, ulcers, and specific formations - chancre and gumma. Secondary and tertiary syphilis can occur in a latent form. If left untreated, it leads to numerous health and mental problems, and then death.
  • Gonorrhea is caused by gonococci and affects the mucous membranes of the urethra and, and when the disease spreads, the bladder, conjunctival membranes, pharynx, and oral mucosa. It manifests itself as purulent discharge, burning sensation and pain with frequent visits to the bathroom. Can be acute or chronic.
  • Trichomoniasis is very common in all countries of the world and can be transmitted through household means. In men, it manifests itself as painful urination and bloody discharge. Women experience severe redness of the vulva, burning, itching, copious discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse.
  • is caused by chlamydia and has a very secretive “character”. Due to the absence of external manifestations, the level of infection spread is very high. In advanced forms, women may experience itching, pain and burning, as well as unpleasant-smelling discharge. Men mainly experience burning and itching when urinating.
  • Mycoplasmosis is provoked by opportunistic microorganisms, mycoplasmas, and more often affects women, causing vaginosis and inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs.
  • can be transmitted not only sexually, but also during childbirth from mother to newborn. It almost always passes without pronounced symptoms, but with a large number of ureaplasmas in men, signs of prostatitis may appear and classic symptoms of infection may occur - itching, burning and pain.
  • Gardnerellosis is a type of bacterial vaginosis associated with the “displacement” of lactobacilli and their replacement with gardnerella and some other microorganisms. It has several ways of appearance, not only sexually. A very common condition.
  • Candidiasis, or thrush, is also extremely common and can occur without external influence, such as the use of antibiotics. It manifests itself as abundant cheesy discharge, severe itching, irritation and inflammation. It can affect not only the genitals, but also the oral cavity.
  • The human papillomavirus () is transmitted sexually and domestically, has many varieties, some of which can cause cancer and, others provoke the formation of genital warts on the genital and anal mucous membranes. It manifests itself as the appearance of wart-like formations on the skin and mucous membranes, which can be single or turn into continuous affected areas.
  • Cytomegalovirus spreads through sexual and household contacts and through various bodily fluids. It is asymptomatic, especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it affects.
  • It spreads not only through sexual contact, but also through any contact with infected blood. It develops slowly and attacks the immune system, causing AIDS. Patients most often die from secondary infections, for example, from pneumonia, since the patient’s immune system, killed by the virus, does not resist.
  • also have many ways of spread, including sexually. With these dangerous diseases, a change in structure and functioning occurs, which is manifested by a series of characteristic symptoms.
  • Lymphogranuloma venereum affects the skin and lymph nodes of an infected person. It is rare in Europe and the Russian Federation, since the main region of its distribution is Africa and South America. Asia and India. Caused by a special type of chlamydia, it manifests itself as blisters, ulcers, inflammation of the lymph nodes, fever, headache and indigestion.

As can be seen from the list, some infections are of a viral nature (CMV, herpes, papillomatosis and condylomatosis, hepatitis, HIV and others), fungal (candidiasis), bacterial (gonorrhea), or provoked by protozoan microorganisms (ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis and others). Accordingly, treatment should be tailored to the specific pathogen. For mixed infections, combined treatment is used.

The topic is very prosaic - sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In recent years, rates of infection with sexually transmitted diseases have been steadily increasing. Unfortunately, this primarily concerns adolescents, due to the lack of proper sex education in schools and families. Statistics say that every 10 people on our planet suffer from STDs, not excluding children and the elderly.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a whole group of infectious diseases with diverse clinical manifestations, united by sexual transmission and a high social danger. The term appeared in 1980, and to date, over 20 types of infections and viruses are classified as STDs: from the deadly HIV infection to the banal chlamydia, which, by the way, cannot be called trivial either. Moreover, in terms of prevalence in Russia, it is in second place after the flu.

Based on the type of pathogen, STDs are divided as follows:

The World Health Organization classifies STDs as follows:

Typical sexually transmitted infections

  • gonorrhea;
  • syphilis;
  • lymphogranulomatosis (inguinal form);
  • chancroid.
  • granuloma venereal type.

Other STDs

which primarily affect the organs of the reproductive system:

  • urogenital shigellosis (occurs in persons with homosexual sexual intercourse);
  • trichomoniasis;
  • candidal lesions of the genital organs, manifested by balanoposthitis and vulvovaginitis;
  • mycoplasmosis;
  • herpes type 2;
  • gardnerellosis;
  • scabies;
  • genital warts;
  • chlamydia;
  • flat spots (pediculosis pubis);
  • molluscum contagiosum.

which primarily affect other organs and systems:

  • neonatal sepsis;
  • Hepatitis B;
  • Giardia;
  • cytomegalovirus;
  • AIDS;
  • amebiasis (typical for persons with homosexual contacts).

Often STDs are asymptomatic and are detected only at the stage of development of complications. Therefore, it is very important to pay due attention to their prevention: use contraception, avoid casual sexual contact, maintain hygiene and get tested twice a year as directed by a gynecologist or urologist.

Of course, most STDs are curable, but not all. For example, you will never be able to get rid of genital herpes - treatment only softens the course of the disease and reduces the frequency and severity of relapses. Only those under 25 have a chance to get rid of the human papillomavirus (HPV) forever. Later, it will not be possible to destroy the virus; the point of treatment is to eliminate the changes in the tissues affected by the virus.
By the way, it is believed that the human papillomavirus can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva and penis. The genital herpes virus also affects sperm, and if a woman is infected with it during pregnancy, it can cause severe congenital diseases of the fetus.

Note: Almost all viral and bacterial sexually transmitted diseases penetrate the placental barrier, that is, they are transmitted to the fetus in utero and disrupt its physiological development. Sometimes the consequences of such infection appear only several years after the birth of the child in the form of dysfunction of the heart, liver, kidneys, and developmental disorders.

Treatment will be successful only if it is started without delay and completed. How to spot the very first danger signals?

The alarm has been declared!

There are eight main signs, if you find them, you should not delay visiting a doctor.

  1. Itching and burning in the intimate area.
  2. Redness in the genital area and anus, sometimes - ulcers, blisters, pimples.
  3. Discharge from the genitals, odor.
  4. Frequent, painful urination.
  5. Enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the groin area.
  6. In women - pain in the lower abdomen, in the vagina.
  7. Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
  8. Cloudy urine.

However, for example, syphilis or chlamydia can appear several weeks after infection, and sometimes STDs can generally run latent for a long time, becoming chronic.

Regardless of the presence of unpleasant sensations in the genital area, a preventive visit to the doctor is necessary twice a year, as well as after casual sexual contact, sexual violence, or in case of infidelity of your regular partner. If you notice any symptoms of an STD, go to your appointment the same day.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women

The presence of certain symptoms of STDs in women is explained by the characteristics of their physiology.

The following signs should alert a woman and become a reason for an emergency visit to the gynecologist:

  • pain and feeling of dryness during sex;
  • single or group enlargement of lymph nodes;
  • dysmenorrhea (disturbances in the normal menstrual cycle);
  • pain and discharge from the anus;
  • itching in the perineal area;
  • anal irritation;
  • rash on the labia or around the anus, mouth, or body;
  • unusual vaginal discharge (green, foamy, smelly, bloody);
  • frequent painful urge to urinate;
  • swelling of the vulva.

Sexually transmitted diseases in men: symptoms

You can suspect an STD in men based on the following signs::

  • blood in semen;
  • frequent and painful urge to urinate;
  • low-grade fever (not in all diseases);
  • problems with normal ejaculation;
  • pain in the scrotum;
  • discharge from the urethra (white, purulent, mucous, with an odor);
  • various types of rashes on the head of the penis, the penis itself, and around it.

Let's get to know each other better

  • Chlamydia

Symptoms. 1-4 weeks after infection with it, patients develop purulent discharge, painful urination, as well as pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, bleeding between menstruation in women, and pain in the scrotum and perineum in men.

Why is it dangerous? In women, it can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes, cervix, pathologies of pregnancy and childbirth, diseases of the liver, and spleen.
In men - to inflammation of the epididymis, prostate gland, bladder, and impaired potency. Newborns may develop conjunctivitis, nasopharyngeal lesions, and pneumonia.

  • Trichomoniasis

Symptoms. They can appear 4-21 days after infection, sometimes later. Women experience copious foamy discharge of a white or yellowish-green color with a pungent odor, causing severe itching and irritation of the genitals, as well as pain, burning during urination, and pain during sexual intercourse. Men experience a burning sensation when urinating, mucopurulent discharge from the urethra. However, this disease is often asymptomatic.

Why is it dangerous? In women, the cervix and inner layer of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and urinary tract are affected. The infection can even cause peritonitis!
In men, the prostate gland, testicles and their appendages, and urinary tract are affected.

  • Mycoplasmosis (in men - ureaplasmosis)

Symptoms. It may reveal itself 3 days after infection, or maybe a month later, manifested by itching and discomfort in the genital area, scanty transparent discharge, and painful urination.

Why is it dangerous? A common complication in women is inflammation of the genital organs, in men - impaired spermatogenesis.

  • Gonorrhea

Symptoms. 3-7 days after infection, women experience yellowish-greenish vaginal discharge, frequent, painful urination, pain in the lower abdomen, and sometimes bloody discharge. However, for most representatives of the fairer sex, the disease goes unnoticed for a long time. Men experience pain and burning when urinating, yellowish-greenish purulent discharge from the urethra.

Why is it dangerous? In women, the urethra, vagina, anus, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are affected. In men, the internal genital organs develop chronic inflammation of the epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate, which threatens impotence and infertility.

  • Syphilis

Symptoms. The incubation period of the disease is from 3 to 6 weeks. The first sign is a round ulcer (chancre). In women, it lives on the labia or vaginal mucosa (sometimes in the anus, in the mouth, on the lips), in men - on the penis or scrotum. In itself, it is painless, but a week or two after its appearance, the nearest lymph nodes enlarge.
This is the time to start treatment! This is the first stage of the disease, when everything is still reversible.

2-4 months after infection, the second stage develops - a rash “spreads” throughout the body, high fever and headache appear, and almost all lymph nodes become enlarged.
In some patients, hair falls out on the head, and wide condylomas grow on the genitals and in the anus.

Why is it dangerous? This disease is called slow death: if it is not fully treated in time, serious problems arise with the musculoskeletal system, irreversible changes occur in the internal organs and nervous system - the third stage of the disease begins, in which approximately a quarter of patients die.

Forget about the Internet!

Noticed something is wrong? It’s better to play it safe and hurry to see a doctor, rather than look for symptoms and treatment methods on the Internet.

How are STDs diagnosed? First - an examination by a doctor, then - tests and studies. The most modern method of DNA diagnostics: PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For examination, scrapings are taken from the urethra, vagina and cervix.

Doctors also use the ELISA method (blood is taken from a vein or a scraping is made and the presence of antibodies to STDs is determined), bacterioscopy (most often detects gonococci and trichomonas) and many other diagnostic methods.

STDs are treated with antibacterial drugs, as well as local procedures (washing the urethra in men, sanitizing the vagina in women and other procedures).
At the end of the course of treatment, you must undergo a follow-up examination - take several tests to make sure there is no infection in the body.

What is important to know

  • Is it possible to get infected in a bathhouse or swimming pool?

In fact, the likelihood of contracting an STD through everyday contact is very low. Microorganisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases are unstable in the external environment. In a swimming pool, for example, it is almost impossible to pick up such an infection (unlike a fungal or intestinal one). Even if an HIV-infected person or someone with syphilis is swimming in the water next to you, chlorinated water will quickly kill the pathogens.

However, in public toilets, if surfaces are not properly cleaned, there is a risk of infection with the papilloma virus or herpes. But classic sexually transmitted diseases - syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis - require contact with blood or mucous membranes.
The exception is syphilis: it can be transmitted through saliva if you share dishes with the patient and do not wash them well. So, in any case, you should not forget about the rules of hygiene.

Keep in mind: microorganisms that cause “bad” infections can survive for a short time on warm, damp items. Therefore, in a bathhouse or swimming pool (and at home too), do not use someone else’s wet towel, washcloth or other personal hygiene items.

  • Do symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease appear immediately?

Not always. With good immunity, a disease (for example, chlamydia) can last for years without symptoms. A person may not even know that they are sick. And the only way to detect such a hidden infection is through laboratory tests.

The first signs of infection in women are unusual vaginal discharge. In men - urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). Its symptoms are difficulty urinating and purulent discharge. All other symptoms (rashes, swollen lymph nodes, etc.) appear when the infection has already spread in the body.

  • Is a condom reliable protection against STDs?

Yes. If it is of high quality, has not expired, is correctly sized and used correctly, then the risk of contracting most STDs is reduced to zero.
The exception is external condylomas and severe herpes infection.

By the way, spermicidal lubricant with nonoxynol-9, which is used to treat condoms, does not protect against STDs, according to a 2001 WHO report. By damaging cell membranes, nonoxynol-9 spares neither sperm, nor infections, nor the mucous membranes of the genital organs. By damaging the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix, nonoxynol-9 “opens the gates” to infections.

Although the condom is not a perfect means of preventing STDs, it is considered the most effective. Therefore, it is necessary to use condoms for all types of sex: vaginal, anal and oral.
To avoid increasing the risks, you should purchase condoms only from reputable pharmacies. To avoid damaging the condom, do not open the package with a file or your fingernails.

You need to remember: a condom can only be used in conjunction with special lubricants. Regular creams and ointments are not suitable for this.
A common mistake is to use birth control suppositories, vaginal pills or spermicidal creams along with a condom. Gynecologists warn that these drugs disrupt the vaginal microflora and provoke the development of candidiasis (thrush). Thus, instead of getting rid of problems, you can acquire them.

If you want to protect yourself as much as possible, it is enough to use a condom correctly and observe personal hygiene measures. A high degree of protection and an almost complete absence of side effects is a definite advantage of condoms. However, it should be remembered that the condom may break, in which case you should have emergency preventive measures on hand.

Emergency drug prevention is also used - a one-time dose or injection of antibacterial drugs, which can only be prescribed by a dermatovenerologist. The procedure helps prevent gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, syphilis and trichomoniasis. But this method cannot be used often.

But you shouldn’t count on various gels, suppositories and vaginal tablets in terms of protection against STDs. These products contain spermicidal substances in insufficient quantities to protect at least 80-90%. In addition, the causative agents of many STDs do not live in the seminal fluid, but on the genitals and are insensitive to spermicides.
The same applies to douching after sexual intercourse with special gels or chlorine-containing antiseptics.

Remember!
Sexually transmitted diseases are dangerous, first of all, due to complications: infertility, impotence, chronic inflammatory processes, damage to the nervous system and internal organs. Incorrect treatment, ignoring symptoms, and neglecting preventive measures can have a detrimental effect on your health.

What can you do in an emergency?

So, what to do after unprotected sex if you are unsure about your partner's health?

  • Urinate copiously.
  • Wash your hands and external genitalia with soap.
  • Treat the genitals, pubis and thighs with an antiseptic (miramistin, chlorhexidine and others). This technique helps reduce the risk of STDs by 80-90%. But not 100%. So the best prevention is a condom and common sense.
  • If it is not possible to visit a doctor in the next 24 hours, take a “load” dose of antibiotics.
  • Contact your doctor as soon as possible.

It makes sense to consult a doctor within 5 days after unprotected sex. There is emergency drug treatment that can prevent the development of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases.
But it will not help against HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Blood is donated for hepatitis, syphilis and HIV 3 months after contact. There is no point in getting tested earlier: antibodies to these diseases do not appear in the blood immediately after infection.

Following these precautions will reduce the likelihood of infection and the severity of its possible consequences.

The sexual freedom that modern people are used to enjoying has its pitfalls: according to WHO, currently every tenth person, including children and the elderly, suffers from one or another STD. Every 15 seconds, a diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection is made somewhere in the world. To maintain your health and not endanger your partner, timely prevention and treatment are required.

The constant increase in the number of sexually transmitted diseases does not indicate the difficulty of prevention, but the irresponsible attitude of most people towards their health and their ignorance in this matter. Patients are often embarrassed to see a doctor when symptoms arise and try to make do with folk remedies. This is fraught with irreversible consequences for their health.

***
The only effective folk remedy for preventing STDs is complete sexual abstinence :).
Plus: it's free. Disadvantage: does not exclude the possibility of infection through domestic means and in the event of violence.
Based on materials

Hidden infections are considered to be a venereal disease; they are most often transmitted sexually and have an incubation period of 5 - 30 days, less often - up to a year. This type of infection was named so precisely because it cannot be detected with a regular smear.

The most common symptoms of canned infections are discomfort, itching and burning in the vagina. This may be accompanied by discharge with an unpleasant odor, pain when urinating, and redness of the genitals.

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Such infections have serious consequences if they are not detected in time and treatment is not prescribed. As consequences, a transition to a chronic form and damage to internal organs are observed. It is important to remember that the infection first affects the vagina, the uterus itself and the appendages, then it penetrates the urinary tract, and only then spreads throughout the body. The presence of such infections can cause infertility or problems with pregnancy.

Every lady should know what hidden infections there are in women, how they manifest themselves, and what they are fraught with.

List of possible pathologies

  • Bacterial vaginosis. It is also called vaginal dysbiosis. The bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis exists in the natural environment of the vagina only in very small quantities, but with various decreases in immunity or other changes, it begins to actively multiply. At first glance, the symptoms of the disease are similar to thrush, so many women begin to treat it on their own, which can lead to complications in the future. With improper treatment or its absence, urethritis, inflammation of the vagina, inflammation of the appendages, and cervix may occur; during pregnancy, miscarriage or premature birth may occur;
  • Trichomoniasis. Affects the genital and urinary tract;
  • Genital herpes. It is provoked by various herpes viruses, cannot be completely eliminated from the body, and has the possibility of relapse with reduced immunity. Symptoms include pain, itching, and discomfort in the perineum. These sensations may worsen every day, and body temperature may increase. Next - the appearance of a rash in the form of blisters on the genitals and around them. Complications of herpes can be conjunctivitis, encephalitis, central nervous system damage, meningitis, keratitis;
  • Gonorrhea.
  • Mycoplasmosis. It does not show any obvious external signs; a barely noticeable transparent discharge may begin, followed by an increase in it, discomfort during urination or during sexual intercourse. If the disease is detected during pregnancy, abnormal development of the placenta, miscarriages, and polyhydramnios may be detected. In general, the disease entails inflammation of the appendages, inflammation of the vagina and urethra, as well as the cavity and cervix;
  • Ureaplasmosis. Symptoms are similar to the previous disease. It entails pathologies during pregnancy, possible narrowing of the urethra, the formation of adhesions, inflammatory processes in the fallopian tubes;
  • Chlamydia. Considered a common infection, it is caused by the intracellular microorganism Chlamydia. As a result, it can cause damage to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and its cervix, rectum;
  • Candidiasis. The usual name for this disease is thrush. These bacteria are also present in the vaginal microflora, fungi begin to multiply, and the disease manifests itself as a white, cheesy discharge. Symptoms: pain during sexual intercourse, itching, burning;
  • Human papillomavirus. It may not appear outwardly for a long time. It is more often discovered during examinations or during pregnancy. You should pay attention and sound the alarm if warts and condylomas appear on the body, namely on the skin near the genitals, near the mouth. At the same time, uterine erosion can be diagnosed. The most serious consequence of this virus is cervical cancer, less commonly breast cancer and other malignant tumors.
  • Cytomegalovirus. It is a type of herpes and can be present in the human body in a dormant state for many years. The symptoms are similar to those of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, so it is difficult to diagnose externally. It has serious consequences in the form of pneumonia, hepatitis, it can also be arthritis, encephalitis, non-developing pregnancies, miscarriages, etc.

What tests need to be taken?

As it turned out, most of these infections cannot be determined externally, or are extremely difficult, so to make a diagnosis the following tests should be taken:

  • vaginal smear, examination under a microscope;
  • bacteriological culture. Gives a picture of sensitivity to antibiotics and the state of the vaginal microflora;
  • linked immunosorbent assay. During the study, a reaction to a specific type of pathogen is revealed. But this study reveals the reaction, but not the pathogen;
  • immunofluorescence reaction. Involves the combination of biological material and a specific coloring reagent. Next, the reaction is examined under a special microscope;
  • polymer chain reaction. This analysis allows you to determine the causative agent of the disease, its quantity and duration of activity.

It is also important to know the period when it is best to take such a set of tests. This should be the 5th or 6th day of the menstrual cycle. There are also some other recommendations that should be followed before getting tested for the infections listed above:

  1. you should limit your intake of antibiotics and antiviral drugs for 2 - 3 weeks before the tests;
  2. sexual rest at least 2 days before the delivery of biological material;
  3. do not use contraceptives, personal hygiene products, antiseptics, douche at least 24 hours before the examination.

Despite the active promotion of safe intimate relationships, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are widespread among the adult population. Hidden infections in women, the list of which is given below, are dangerous due to their consequences.

Genital infections are often called hidden, since many of them are asymptomatic; they are detected only during an in-depth examination when obvious complications appear. Most often, STDs are transmitted through unprotected intimate contact, less often through household methods or through transmission from mother to child during pregnancy.

General symptoms

The primary symptoms of STDs in women include:

  • itching and burning in the genital area;
  • uncharacteristic intimate discharge in smell, color, consistency, quantity;
  • discomfort and pain during urination with frequent urge;
  • rash on the genitals;
  • discomfort and pain during or after sexual intercourse.

The appearance of these signs is a serious reason to immediately consult a doctor for a comprehensive examination.

More complex and delayed symptoms may include:

  • menstrual irregularities;
  • infertility or miscarriage;
  • painful sensations in the pelvis.

Each of the hidden infections has its own characteristic symptoms, course characteristics and a list of serious consequences for the body, spreading not only to the genitourinary system, but also to other systems and organs of the body.

Herpes virus

Caused by various types of herpes virus (in particular, Herpes simplex virus 2), which remains in the body forever.

It is impossible to completely cure herpes; it tends to recur with a sharp decrease in immunity.

It appears as a rash on the skin and mucous membranes of characteristic groups of bubbles.

It manifests itself as discomfort, pain, itching in the perineum, which increases every day, the state of health worsens, the temperature rises, and vaginal discharge becomes more abundant. Next, a blistering rash appears on and around the genitals. After some time, the blisters burst, the liquid flows out, and scabs remain in their place.

Complications include:

  • conjunctivitis,
  • keratitis,
  • damage to the central nervous system,
  • encephalitis,
  • meningitis.

Human papillomavirus

Papillomavirus or HPV (HPV) is a family of viruses that leads to the appearance of warts and condylomas on the skin and mucous membranes.

This disease is characterized by a long and latent course without obvious symptoms. An exacerbation occurs during a period of sharp decline in immunity, and is most often discovered during examinations during pregnancy and for cancer.

The presence of HPV can be assumed by the appearance of warts on the body, genital warts on the genitals and in the groin area, in the oral cavity and on the lips, and by diagnosing cervical erosion.

Possible consequences:

  • cervical cancer,
  • breast cancer,
  • other malignant neoplasms.

Gardnerellosis

Bacterial vaginosis or dysbacteriosis (dysbiosis) of the vagina, caused by the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis. It is present in the normal microflora of the vagina in small quantities, but during a decrease in immunity and other disorders leading to the death of lactobacilli, it begins to multiply uncontrollably.

Characteristic symptoms:

  • Copious discharge of white or gray color with an unpleasant odor, sometimes with a foamy consistency. Over time, they may become yellow-green, thick and sticky.
  • Pain, burning and itching, which intensifies during sexual intercourse.

Complications:

  • urethritis,
  • inflammation of the vagina,
  • inflammation of the uterus, its appendages and cervix,
  • miscarriage,
  • premature birth.

Candidiasis

A common household name, thrush, is caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (Candida albicans).

These fungi are found in small quantities in the vaginal microflora and, when uncontrolled, cause vaginal candidiasis.

Characteristic symptoms:

  • white cheesy discharge;
  • increasing itching and burning of the genitals;
  • pain during sexual intercourse and urination.

It is believed that candidiasis does not pose a long-term threat to a woman’s health, but does cause severe discomfort.

Mycoplasmosis

There are no clearly noticeable characteristic symptoms; scanty or abundant transparent vaginal discharge and painful sensations during urination or intimate contact are possible.

Mycoplasmosis provokes diseases:

  • urethra,
  • vagina,
  • appendages,
  • cavities and cervix,
  • infertility,
  • miscarriage,
  • polyhydramnios,
  • developmental disorders of the placenta.

Ureaplasmosis

Caused by the bacterium Ureaplasma urealyticum.

There are no specific symptoms, with the exception of clear vaginal discharge and burning during urination and sexual intercourse, which do not always appear.

Complications:

  • inflammation of the fallopian tubes,
  • formation of adhesions,
  • pathologies of pregnancy and fetus,
  • stricture (narrowing) of the urethra.

Chlamydia

One of the most common latent infections is caused by the intracellular microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis.

In most cases, chlamydia is asymptomatic or with minor complaints of itching and pain when urinating, and frequent urge.

At an advanced stage, the following may appear: general malaise, high fever, pain in the lower abdomen, menstrual irregularities.

Consequences of latent chlamydia defeat:

  • cervix,
  • uterus,
  • fallopian tubes,
  • ovaries,
  • peritoneum,
  • rectum.

Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegaly is a disease caused by a type of human herpes virus type 5, Cytomegalovirus (CMV).

With a strong immune system, the disease proceeds latently, and the virus remains suppressed for several years.

The symptoms of exacerbation of cytomegaly coincide with the symptoms of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections: fever, headache, general weakness, which makes its diagnosis difficult. The disease is most severe in people with weakened immune systems (for example, HIV-infected people, cancer patients, or people after organ transplantation).

Complications:

  • pneumonia,
  • gastroenteritis,
  • hepatitis,
  • arthritis,
  • encephalitis,
  • inflammation of the spleen,
  • miscarriages,
  • intrauterine fetal death,
  • premature birth.

Analysis for hidden infections

To diagnose hidden infections, the following types of tests are performed:

  • A general smear is an examination of a scraping from the vagina under a microscope.
  • Bacteriological (BAC) culture for microflora and sensitivity to antibiotics. In a favorable nutrient medium, STD pathogens actively grow, and after a few days a pure culture is formed, on which hypersensitivity to certain medications can be determined.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is based on the principle of a specific immunological reaction to specific pathogens in biological material. This is an analysis with a high level of sensitivity, but ELISA only detects the reaction, and not the pathogen itself.
  • Immunofluorescence reaction (RIF) is the mixing of biological material with special staining reagents and their subsequent study under a fluorescence microscope.
  • Polymer chain reaction (PCR) – detection of DNA and RNA of pathogens of sexually transmitted infections in a variety of biological materials. With its help, not only the causative agent of the infection is determined, but also its quantitative assessment, as well as the duration of the disease, is obtained.

In order for the analyzes to be as reliable as possible, it is advisable to follow the following rules:

The best period for collecting biological material from a woman is day 5-6 of the menstrual cycle.

  • 2-3 weeks before the examination day, stop taking antibiotics, antiviral and antimicrobial drugs.
  • Avoid sexual contact for 2 days before the test.
  • 1 day before the examination, you cannot use local contraceptives, antiseptics, intimate hygiene products, or douching.

You will need

  • - “Tetracycline”, “Doxycycline”, “Sumamed”, “Jozomycin”, enzymes, immunomodulators;
  • - physiotherapy;
  • - vitamin therapy, hepatoprotectors;
  • - flax seeds, coltsfoot leaves, marshmallow root, elecampane root, licorice root;
  • - chamomile flowers, licorice root, string herb, alder cones.

Instructions

In the initial stage, these diseases are asymptomatic, so many seek help from a medical institution already at the stage of exacerbation of the disease. At this time, mucopurulent with unpleasant odors, swelling and friability of the mucous membrane and pain in the lower abdomen appear. Inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes may begin, and the urinary tract may become infected.

Hidden infections are diagnosed by special DNA and PCR tests, by studying the microflora of the reproductive organs.

Therapy for latent infections depends on the stage of the disease and is always complex. Both medication and physiotherapy are used. Treatment is mandatory for both sexual partners.

The main method of treatment is medication, mostly using tetracycline drugs: Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Sumamed, Jozomycin, etc. Additionally, enzymes are prescribed to promote better penetration of antibiotics into the connective tissues of damaged organs. To strengthen a weakened immune system, immunomodulators and hepatoprotectors are prescribed. The course of treatment, depending on the disease, can last from 7 days to one and a half to two months.

In some cases, laser therapy may be prescribed - intravenous laser irradiation of blood, as well as ultrasound, magnetic or thermotherapy.

So, during treatment with antibiotics, it is recommended to take the following collection. Take 2 parts each of flax seeds, coltsfoot leaves, marshmallow root, 1 part elecampane root and 4 parts licorice root. After grinding the ingredients, mix thoroughly. Pour 2 tablespoons of the prepared mixture into a thermos and pour half a liter of boiling water. After steeping overnight, filter and take a quarter glass 3 times a day.

The following fee may also apply. Take equal amounts of licorice root, chamomile flowers, string grass, alder cones, chop and mix. Pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture into a thermos in the evening and pour half a liter of boiling water. After straining in the morning, drink ¼ glass 3-4 times a day.

note

Hidden infections are extremely unpleasant pathologies. Only maintaining a healthy lifestyle will become a reliable shield against these diseases.

Carrying a baby is a special moment in the life of every expectant mother, when she is responsible not only for herself, but also for the health of her child. There are a huge number of diseases that can harm a growing body. In addition, pregnant women are quite vulnerable to diseases.

You will need

  • - knowledge about diseases;
  • - pregnant woman;

Instructions

Rubella is considered the most dangerous for a pregnant woman, because in the early stages it can lead to the death of the baby. A virus that affects a woman in the first trimester of pregnancy can cause a miscarriage. If the pregnancy is maintained, serious irreversible changes can occur in the development of the fetus. During this process, the child will be born with diseases such as deafness, cataracts and heart disease.

A pregnant woman can catch a viral flu, which is accompanied by a high body temperature. If you manage to get sick early, the baby may be inside the womb. Flu in late pregnancy can lead to premature birth.

Toxoplasmosis is a dangerous disease for the child and the expectant mother. Neem from eating contaminated meat and from contact with pets. With an acute form of the disease in the mother, the danger to the child increases. In infected women with a short pregnancy, the baby's central nervous system will be affected.

Another dangerous disease is scarlet fever. Its danger lies in the likelihood of miscarriage, various complications and fetal hypoxia. This disease is too dangerous in the first trimester, because you can get rid of it with the help of antibiotics, which are not recommended for a pregnant woman to take.

Measles is considered a dangerous disease during pregnancy for the only reason - it is accompanied by a high temperature. During pregnancy, a strong increase in temperature provokes premature birth or miscarriage. That is why at the beginning of pregnancy it is important to get a vaccination that protects against this disease.

note

During the process of bearing a child, the body of the expectant mother is highly susceptible to various viruses. If the expectant mother feels slightly unwell, she urgently needs to consult her doctor. The doctor will help determine the cause of the disease and recommend quality treatment. It is not worth risking your health and the life of your child.

Helpful advice

Despite the fact that the most dangerous diseases that can overtake a pregnant woman are quite contagious, there is no need to panic and wait until everything goes away on its own. Some precautions should be taken immediately. And throughout her pregnancy, a woman should take care of her own prevention.

Related article

Sources:

  • Dangerous diseases during pregnancy
  • Infections during pregnancy

Hidden infections usually refer to sexually transmitted diseases. This name is due to the peculiarity of pathogens that do not manifest themselves in the human body for a long time, but under favorable circumstances become more active and cause significant harm to health.

You will need

  • - the doctor's consultation;
  • - referral for laboratory testing.

Instructions

A feature of latent infections can be considered a small list of possible symptoms that they cause. These diseases are detected already in the presence of complications in the body. In most cases, laboratory tests do not help either: a smear for microflora, bacterial culture usually does not give results.

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