Some women develop without obvious symptoms. Such infections are called hidden, since it is impossible to diagnose their presence using one standard examination - culture or smear. Their development leads to damage to the woman’s genitourinary system and can cause infertility.

The main manifestations of latent infections in women

Hidden infections in women are sexually transmitted diseases, the transmission of which occurs through unprotected sexual intercourse. Less commonly, infection occurs vertically (from mother to fetus), as well as through household transmission.

The incubation period for such infections ranges from 5 to 30 days, but sometimes this stage lasts about a year. The absence of obvious signs makes diagnosis difficult and contributes to the unhindered development of the disease. The danger of diseases that are sexually transmitted and do not manifest themselves in characteristic symptoms is such serious consequences as infertility or difficulties in the process of bearing a fetus. Some diseases cause the formation of malignant tumors in the organs of the genitourinary system. Most often it is cervical cancer.

Despite the absence of obvious signs, the presence of hidden infections can be suspected by the following alarming manifestations:

• feeling of burning and itching in the vagina;
• pain and discomfort arising during sexual intercourse;
• atypical vaginal discharge with a distinct specific odor;
• pain that occurs in the pelvic area and has varying intensity;
• pain and pain during emptying the bladder;
• rashes on the external genitalia and mucous membranes;
• changes in the menstrual cycle.

Initially, the infection spreads to the vagina and cervix, then affects the uterus itself and its appendages and can spread to the urinary tract. After this, the pathological process can affect any organ.

Hidden sexually transmitted infections in women can negatively affect the health of the organs of vision, joints, and oral cavity. Such infectious diseases are most dangerous if they occur in a woman during pregnancy.

List of hidden infections in women

Any infection that occurs latently in a woman’s body can progress to an advanced stage, which entails the development of other diseases, including the development of a malignant tumor. That is why it is necessary, if the slightest deviations in the functioning of the organs of the reproductive system are detected, to consult a doctor and undergo specific diagnostic measures to determine the causative agent of the pathological process.

There are a number of infectious diseases that develop asymptomatically in women over a long period of time. Each of them is characterized by specific symptoms and must be treated in specific ways.

Chlamydia

are considered one of the most common hidden infections. It is provoked by the intracellular microorganism chlamydia. In most cases, the pathological process develops without any pronounced manifestations; only in rare cases does a woman experience mild itching in the genital area, discomfort during urination, as well as frequent urges.

In advanced stages, the symptoms become more pronounced: pain appears in the lower abdomen, body temperature rises to high levels, the menstrual cycle is disrupted, and blood appears in the urine.

Despite the absence of manifestations, this infection threatens with serious complications, which include:

• infertility, as chlamydia affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix;
• the likelihood of developing an abnormal, that is, ectopic, pregnancy;
• a sharp decrease in immunity;
• development of inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.

Mycoplasmosis

This infectious disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms is characterized by scanty symptoms. An infected woman may notice a clear discharge. Other symptoms of mycoplasmosis include discomfort and pain that occurs when emptying the bladder or during sexual intercourse.

Complications of the uncontrolled development of this pathology are inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs, miscarriage, the development of various diseases of the uterus and urethra, and infertility.

Herpetic infection

The herpes virus, the causative agent of an infectious disease, can infect the organs of a woman’s genitourinary system. In such cases, the following symptoms are observed:

• itching and severe pain in the genital area and perineum;
• the appearance of a rash with many vesicular elements, which is observed both on the mucous membranes of the genital organs and on the skin around them. The bubbles open after a short time;
• copious mucous discharge from the vagina;
• increase in body temperature.

Complications of this infectious process pose a particular danger to the health and life of a woman, as they manifest themselves in the development of meningitis, encephalitis, as well as damage to the central nervous system.

An infectious disease develops with the active reproduction and development of yeast-like fungi. Thrush manifests itself in the discharge of white cheesy masses from the vagina, a burning sensation and itching that arises and disappears spontaneously, as well as pain that appears when emptying the bladder or during sexual intercourse.

Candidiasis entails the least dangerous consequences of all hidden infectious processes, but its development also cannot be ignored: under such conditions there is a high risk of fungi spreading to nearby organs - the intestines, bladder.

Ureaplasmosis

This type of infection occurs due to the action of tiny ureaplasma bacteria, which are able to penetrate directly into cells, where they multiply. The first symptoms of ureaplasmosis are pain when urinating, burning in the vagina, a small amount of clear discharge, which in most cases does not have an unpleasant odor.

The consequences of an infectious disease can be:

• inflammation of the ovaries and uterine appendages;
• damage to the structure and shell of the egg, which makes it impossible to conceive a healthy child;
• infertility;
• cystitis;
• pyelonephritis;
• chronic urethritis.

Gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis)

The disease occurs when the bacteria Gardnerella, which is present in the normal microflora of the vagina in small quantities, rapidly multiplies. A predisposing condition for this is a sharp decrease in the body's protective functions. With gardnerellosis, abundant white or gray discharge appears with a strong unpleasant odor. As the pathological process develops, their consistency becomes thicker and stickier, and their color becomes yellow-green. In addition, an infected woman is bothered by pain, burning and itching, which become more intense during sexual intercourse.

Complications of bacterial vaginosis include complications during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as infection of the newborn with a pathogenic bacterium.

After a woman is diagnosed with sexually transmitted infectious diseases, she, as well as her sexual partner, is prescribed appropriate treatment, otherwise re-infection will occur immediately after sexual contact with a carrier of the infection.

Necessary tests for hidden infections in women

To diagnose pathological processes occurring in a latent form, a number of studies are required that will help identify the causative agent of the disease and determine the reaction of the immune system to it.

If the presence of latent pathologies is suspected, the following types of diagnostic measures are prescribed:

• taking a smear from the vagina and examining it at the cellular level;
• carrying out an enzyme immunoassay to determine the body’s response to the infectious agent;
• bacteriological culture, which reveals the microflora and sensitivity of the existing infectious agent to certain groups of antibacterial drugs;
• polymerase chain reaction to identify the causative agent of the disease;
• immunofluorescence reaction. During this procedure, the infectious agent is studied at the cellular level.

To obtain a reliable result, a woman will need to follow certain rules in the process of preparing for tests.

• the patient should stop taking antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs at least 2 weeks before the proposed study;
• 2 days before diagnosis, you must abstain from sexual intercourse;
• 24 hours before planned events, you should stop using candles, ointments and detergents for intimate hygiene, and also stop douching;
• It is not recommended to urinate for at least 2 hours before the procedures.

The most suitable period for diagnosis is considered to be 5-6 days after the start of the menstrual cycle.

For more information about tests for latent sexually transmitted infections in women, see your doctor’s consultation:

Analysis for hidden infections and list of hidden infections

Due to the structure of the female body, some infectious diseases of the reproductive system may occur without significant symptoms. Hidden sexually transmitted infections are dangerous. In the early stages, they do not cause discomfort to their owner. And subsequently they cause chronic diseases and irreversible changes in the functioning of the reproductive organs, up to the malignant transformation of cells.

Thrush does not pose a serious threat, but it causes severe discomfort and causes secondary damage by bacterial flora, so it is included in the list for mandatory determination.

Mycoplasma and ureaplasma

The declared microorganisms normally inhabit the flora of the genital area. They begin to multiply when immunity decreases, causing itching and burning, as well as clear discharge. Mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis are caused by different pathogens, but are studied together, since often in the presence of one pathogen, a second one is also detected.

The infection causes problems with reproductive functions and leads to complications during pregnancy. When vaginal discharge has a thick consistency, they immediately look for mycoplasma and ureaplasma.

Chlamydia

A smear test for gonococci is required for expectant mothers. Laboratory evaluation is carried out when a patient comes in with complaints of strange discharge, elevated temperature without symptoms. The peculiarity of microorganisms is that they develop good resistance to antibacterial drugs.

Gonorrhea often occurs in combination with trichomoniasis. Gonococci absorb Trichomonas, making them inaccessible to drugs. The pathological process leads to lengthy and unsuccessful attempts to treat trichomoniasis, which is extremely dangerous for expectant mothers. If your list of tests for latent infections for laboratory evaluation includes Trichomonas, then you cannot ignore the requirements; you need to test a smear for gonococci.

Syphilis

The disease is dangerous and asymptomatic in the early stages. The causative agent is Treponema pallidum. The pathology affects the mucous membranes, nervous system, and bone structures. It is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, but a domestic mechanism of infection cannot be ruled out.

Pregnant women and people preparing for surgery are examined for syphilis. Even during routine hospitalization, a blood test is taken for this infection. Due to the possibility of transmission of Treponema pallidum through blood, donors also undergo the procedure.

Tuberculosis and pneumococcus

The peculiarity of these microorganisms is that they can be transmitted not only through close contact, but also through the air. Pathogenic microorganisms provoke damage to the respiratory system, pneumonia, diseases of the nervous system, and irreversible changes in the brain. Proceeding in a latent form, they pose a particular danger not only to the infected person, but also to his environment.

The definition of tuberculosis is not usually prescribed for a pregnant woman. People living with her undergo fluorography. An important breakthrough in medicine was prevention. Recently, the pneumococcal vaccine has become mandatory.

conclusions

Timely tests for hidden infections from the main list make it possible to identify the pathogen that will multiply latently in the human body. It is important to consider the results of the study as a whole: assessment of blood and smear.

If pathogens are detected in increased numbers, treatment is prescribed. The sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms from the detected list to certain types of drugs: antimicrobials and antibiotics must first be established. After the therapeutic course, a repeat analysis is taken to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy.

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Smear for genital infections

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There are many ways to protect your sex life from infectious diseases. However, despite precautions, you can become infected with the virus through sexual intercourse. Hidden infections in women are considered the most dangerous.

Due to the fact that sexually transmitted infections do not have pronounced symptoms, they are called hidden. They can only be identified after a complete medical examination or complications arising due to hidden infections.

Cases of sexually transmitted infections or STDs through sexual intercourse are common. The incubation period is 5–10 days, sometimes it can last up to 12 months. In addition, infectious diseases can be transmitted during pregnancy; the infection passes from the mother to the child.

Hidden infections in women can be identified faster if you pay attention to the symptoms:

1. itching and rash on the genitals;
2. discharge of an unusual color;
3. painful urination;
4. pain during sexual intercourse.

If a woman notices one of these symptoms, she must immediately undergo a full medical examination for the presence of viruses in the body.
However, signs may not appear quickly enough.

Delayed signs appear with complications:

1. infertility;
2. disrupted menstrual cycle;
3. pain in the pelvic area.

Each infection has its own symptoms and they can cause serious harm to the body. In addition to the urinary system, other organs may be affected.

Hidden infections that occur in women, list:

The most well-known pathologies are:

1. herpes;
2. syphilis;
3. gonorrhea.

Less common infections, but also posing a serious danger to a woman’s body:

1. ureaplasmosis;
2. mycoplasmosis;
3. papilloma virus;
4. gardnerellosis;
5. chlamydia;
6. herpes.

The disease can be caused by viruses; they can also be present in a healthy body. It is impossible to completely cure the virus.
Relapse may occur due to decreased immunity.

Herpes is accompanied by a red rash; it appears both on the skin and on the mucous membranes in the form of painful blisters and redness. In addition, itching and pain appear in the genitals, which intensify over time.

The temperature rises and strong discharge appears. Over time, the blisters begin to burst, and in their place scabs form, causing severe pain.

If you do not immediately seek medical help, complications may appear:

• damage to the nervous system;
• brain damage;
• damage to the eyes and skin;
• encephalitis.

During relapses, herpes affects:

• lip border;
• eyelids;
• cheeks;
• gums.

It is impossible to completely cure herpes; there is always the possibility of relapses. For such cases, the attending physician prescribes special medications that stop the development of the infection.

papillomavirus

Viruses of this family can cause cervical cancer, warts and papillomas. Papilloma is a latent and long-lasting virus.
It is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse and is present in 70% of the population.

Infection with the virus is most common in women.

The appearance of papilloma in the anal area and rectal mucosa is more common. The virus is very small, so using condoms during sex does not prevent infection.

Infection also occurs during childbirth or is transmitted through household contact.

In an infected cell, the virus can be benign or malignant; its incubation period ranges from 2 months to several years. Although in 90% of cases the body is able to get rid of the virus on its own within 6–12 months.

But if the human body is under the influence of weakening factors:

1. weakened immune system;
2. infection;
3. somatic diseases or other diseases that weaken the body.

If medical care is not provided in a timely manner, the virus causes complications:

• cervical cancer;
• mammary cancer.

Chlamydia

The virus has a strong impact on the human reproductive system, therefore it is the most dangerous. Chlamydia develops inside a person without visible symptoms. This can make treating the virus more difficult.

The first signs that may appear:

• menstrual irregularities;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• frequent urge to go to the toilet;
• pain during urination.

The infection affects:

1. rectum;
2. cervix;
3. peritoneum;
4. ovaries;
5. the fallopian tubes.

Syphilis

The first symptoms of the virus appear a few weeks after infection. The virus can be acquired or congenital.

Virus infection occurs:

1. through sexual intercourse;
2. through Blood;
3. in utero;
4. through mother's milk;

Through common objects. A towel or utensils, so the virus is transmitted when the infected person has open sores.

Gonorrhea

The virus is most often transmitted through sexual contact, and the type of sexual contact does not matter. In rare cases, you can become infected through the personal items of a virus carrier, poor personal hygiene, or during childbirth. The incubation period lasts from 3 days to 3 weeks.

Symptoms:

1. yellow or white discharge with an unpleasant odor;
2. pain during urination;
3. urine is released in small portions.

Consequences:

• inflammation of the mucous and muscular wall of the cervix;
• inflammation of the large Bartholin gland;
• inflammation of the uterus.

Gardnerellosis

The appearance of the virus is provoked by the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis; it is present in the microflora of the vagina. When immunity decreases or other complications appear that cause the death of milk bacteria, their decomposition begins.

Signs of virus development:

1. during intimacy, burning and itching appears;
2. Grayish discharge appears. They may have a foamy consistency.

Due to the development of the virus, complications arise:

1. the vagina becomes inflamed
2. labor may begin prematurely or a miscarriage may occur;
3. the uterus becomes inflamed.

Mycoplasmosis

Infection mainly occurs through sexual intercourse and in rare cases is transmitted through household contact. The virus is transmitted to 25% of newborn girls. Therefore, it would be better if a girl or woman who is planning a pregnancy undergoes a course of treatment prescribed by a doctor.

There are many symptoms of mycoplasmosis, they appear depending on which organ was affected by the virus:

• throat;
• bronchi;
• lungs;
• vagina;
• Cervix;
• urethra.

Symptoms:

• rhinitis - affects the respiratory tract;
• intoxication;
• fever or chills;
• pneumonia;
• burning and redness in the urethra;
• pain in the lower back and abdomen;
• bleeding;
• insomnia;
• weakness;
• infertility;
• cystitis;
• pain during intercourse.

Diagnosis of infectious diseases

To detect the presence of viral diseases, the polymerase chain reaction method is used. This method allows you to find the pathogen among the affected cells and begin to treat the disease.

If itching, burning or pain occurs in the genital area, it is necessary to contact a medical facility as soon as possible and conduct a full examination of the body. In addition, couples planning to have a child must undergo polymerase diagnostics.

Preventing infections

The female body is more susceptible to viral diseases than the male body.

Therefore, in order not to get infected, you must follow certain rules:

1. check with a gynecologist every year;
2. maintain personal hygiene;
3. during sexual intercourse you need to use protective equipment;
4. if a virus is detected, treatment must be started immediately;
5. monitor the state of the immune system.

Women should be attentive to their health and, if they have diseases, begin treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, infections can lead to irreversible

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.

1. group. Non-oncogenic HPV (not causing cancer).
2. group. Oncogenic HPV with a low degree of oncogenicity.
3. 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 contracted in a variety of ways, including 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 quite rare 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 (“sleeping”) 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.