Mycoplasmosis and infertility

Mycoplasmosis is one of the most common infections that can negatively impact the reproductive health of both men and women. The particular danger of this disease lies in its hidden progression: the infection is often asymptomatic, but it gradually affects the organs of the genitourinary system and can trigger autoimmune reactions, significantly reducing the chances of conception.

Causes and Mode of Transmission

The pathogen of mycoplasmosis is a parasitic mycoplasma (Ureaplasma urealyticum) that is intracellular and is primarily transmitted sexually. The infection is often detected during an examination of couples seeking infertility treatment. Diagnosis is based on molecular biology methods and serology: PCR, ELISA, PIF.

Mycoplasmosis in Men and Its Consequences

In men, ureaplasma causes inflammation of the urinary tract, which manifests as burning sensations and pain during urination, urethral discharge, and painful sensations during sexual intercourse. If the infection is left untreated, it can spread to the appendages and testicles, causing orchitis. This inflammation is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, pain, and swelling in the scrotum. If the infection continues to progress towards the prostate, prostatitis develops. In this case, men often complain of pain in the groin, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. Chronic orchitis and prostatitis are among the most common causes of male infertility, especially in cases of prolonged progression without adequate treatment.

Mycoplasmosis in Women: Risks for Fertility

In women, the disease can manifest as burning during urination, inflammation of the urethra and vagina, abnormal discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse. After sexual intercourse, bleeding may sometimes be observed, which can also be a sign of an inflammatory process.

If the ureaplasma infection spreads to the uterus and appendages, endometritis or inflammation of the appendages may develop. Chronic inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries often leads to tubal infertility and miscarriage.

Treatment of Mycoplasmosis

The success of treatment directly depends on adhering to two conditions:

1. Joint treatment of sexual partners. Even if one partner shows no symptoms, both must undergo antibiotic treatment.
2. Total sexual abstinence during the treatment period, even when using barrier contraceptive methods.

At the end of treatment, it is necessary:

to undergo a follow-up examination and repeat tests to confirm healing. The doctor also emphasizes the need to follow all recommendations aimed at restoring the immune system. This includes regularly taking prescribed medications as well as adapting lifestyle: a balanced diet, moderate physical activity, restorative sleep, and reducing psycho-emotional stress.

Treatment of mycoplasmosis generally involves taking antibiotics, chosen individually based on the sensitivity of the pathogen. To enhance the therapeutic effect, the doctor may prescribe immunomodulators, vitamin complexes, as well as additional measures aimed at stabilizing the overall condition of the body and preventing recurrences. The doctor will also recommend paying attention to sleep quality, reducing stress levels, and maintaining a balanced diet, as these measures play an equally important role in the healing process and preventing recurrences.

Where to Get Tested and Treated

You can undergo testing for ureaplasma, have a comprehensive examination, and consult a urologist, gynecologist-obstetrician, or reproductive specialist at the "Natuvitro" clinic. Experienced specialists will help you identify the cause of reproductive dysfunction and propose an effective treatment plan.

Maintaining Fertility After Treatment and Possible Reproductive Solutions

After successful treatment for ureaplasma, it is extremely important to monitor the reproductive system's condition. The doctors at the clinic recommend regular monitoring of hormone levels, pelvic organ ultrasound (for women), sperm analysis, and MAR test (for men), especially if complications or decreased fertility were previously detected.

If pregnancy does not occur within 6 to 12 months after recovery, despite regular sexual activity without contraception, the reproductive specialist may suggest additional assistance methods:

• For women: ovulation stimulation, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• For men: treatment of residual inflammatory processes, improvement of sperm quality, use of ICSI as part of IVF.

Other options are also possible:

If a woman has a significant decrease in ovarian reserve and her own eggs are not suitable for conception, in vitro fertilization with donor eggs may be recommended. In cases where a man has severe spermatogenesis disorders, the use of donor sperm is indicated. And if both partners have fertility issues simultaneously, the optimal solution may be a double donation IVF program.

The "NatuVitro" clinic has all modern reproductive technologies, including genetic diagnosis of embryos, which increases the chances of successful implantation and the birth of a healthy child. A comprehensive approach to restoring reproductive health is key to your future role as a parent.