About 30 sexually transmitted infections (STI) have been identified to this date. Infection with these microorganisms occurs most often during sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual contact. They can also spread vertically (mother to fetus) or during childbirth. Some pathogens cause local infections, other infections are generalized, intrauterine or perinatal. Venereal diseases are a serious health problem in Poland as well as around the world. Young people aged 15-30 are usually the most affected. Untreated infections can lead to chronic diseases and even contribute to a threefold increased risk of HIV infection.

How to detect a bacterial infection?

Our store offers Real-Time PCR Bacterial intimate infections, which detects bacteria attacking the genitourinary system, such as Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Genital mycoplasmas: Mycoplasma genitalium ( MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Ureaplasma parvum (UP).

Chlamydia trachomatis

The most abundant gram-negative bacterium of its kind that causes chlamydiosis, the most common sexually transmitted disease. The infection occurs with direct contact of the mucosa during sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal and oral), or during childbirth by an infected mother. The infection is usually asymptomatic, which favours its spread by unaware carriers. Asymptomatic carriage increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, infertility, obstetric failure, and/or chronic pelvic pain. Consequently, untreated chlamydiosis leads to damage to the reproductive organs and even infertility. Being infected does not create immunity, so prevention and regular examinations are important. Effective antibiotic therapy requires the treatment of all partners of an infected person.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

A gram-negative bacterium that causes gonorrhoea, which is the second most common sexually transmitted disease. The infection occurs when the secretions of the mucous membranes come into contact. Therefore the first symptoms of infection, in the form of purulent lesions, usually occur at the site of bacterial penetration. The site of infection can be located on mucous membranes such as the cervix, the urethra both in women and men, and the mucous membranes of the rectum, pharynx and conjunctiva. Infections in women are often asymptomatic, which significantly delays the treatment process. In men, symptoms usually appear 2-5 days after exposure. The consequence of untreated gonorrhoea in women may be perinatal infection of the child with serious health and development consequences. Untreated gonorrhoea in both men and women can lead to infertility.

Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan that lives in the human urogenital tract and causes a parasitic disease – trichomoniasis. The infection could be caught during sexual intercourse, as well as through contact with items of personal hygiene of an infected person (especially things that keep moisture, e.g. towels, sponges) and the use of public toilets, saunas and shared baths. Symptoms of trichomoniasis in women are profuse discharge, pain, burning and itching. In men, trichomoniasis is manifested by a purulent discharge from the urethra, burning sensation and pain in the perineum. In 70% of women of childbearing age, the infection takes the form of acute vaginitis, while the same percentage of men is asymptomatic. Postmenopausal women are more likely to get infections. Chronic infection can lead to infertility and, in pregnancy, to premature birth.

Genital mycoplasmas: Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Ureaplasma parvum (UP)

Mycoplasma and ureaplasma are bacteria that colonize the surface of the urogenital mucosa in both sexes. They cause bacterial infections transmitted through sexual contact. Infections are very often asymptomatic, which makes diagnosis and treatment impossible. The most common symptoms are those indicative of urethritis: soreness and burning in the urethra, frequent urination and a feeling of urgency to urinate, in addition, men may observe urethral discharge and penile irritation. Complications of inflammation may include infertility, miscarriages, rupture of membranes, stillbirths and prematurity.

If a person is diagnosed with any of the infections listed above, treatment must also be carried out on their sexual partners.