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Genitourinary infections often do not signal their existence. However, the absence of symptoms does not mean that the infection does not leave any traces. DNA tests can detect a very small amount of genetic material of a virus or bacteria, which is why they are such an important element of diagnostics. Knowing what a given person has been infected with, you can start treatment that will protect them from serious consequences.

What is the role of genetic testing in the diagnosis of urogenital infections? Today urinary and genital tract infections are diagnosed in various ways, but DNA testing is far behind all available methods.

Untreated infections of the genitourinary system can promote the development of cancer, lead to infertility, premature birth and even miscarriage.

With their help, it is possible to identify the genetic material of bacteria and viruses that are responsible for the development of the disease. Such tests are already carried out all over Poland and allow for a quick and efficient diagnosis, which makes it much easier for the patient to fight the infection and protect himself from possible complications: cervical cancer, infertility, miscarriage or child's disease. DNA for genetic analysis is most often obtained from a cervical or urethral smear. DNA testing for the most popular genitourinary infections should therefore be considered not only by women planning motherhood, but also by all those who care about their intimate he alth.

What is genitourinary tract infection?

Infection of the genitourinary system means that microorganisms have entered the body. Anyone can become infected, both women and men. In most cases, they spread through sexual contact. People with multiple sexual partners are therefore particularly vulnerable to this type of infection. Having one of course reduces the risk of infection, but doesn't rule it out 100%. Since infections of the genitourinary system very often do not make themselves known, a woman or a man may be infected with some virus or bacterium and unknowingly pass it on to a partner. What infections of the genitourinary system will we encounter most often?

HPV virus - the main factor in the development of cancercervix

The human papillomavirus (HPV) has many varieties. Most of them do not pose a he alth risk. The immune system usually deals with it on its own, and the infection will go away after a few months after getting infected. Out of the more than 100 known types of HPV known to date, two main groups can be distinguished: high - and low oncological risk. The most he alth-threatening variants are 16 and 18, which are responsible for over 90% of all cervical cancer cases. Throat cancer, laryngeal cancer, mouth cancer, and rectal cancer can also be added to the long list of HPV-related cancers. Infection with HPV occurs most often at the beginning of sexual life, although infection also occurs through contact with the patient's skin. The woman can also transmit the virus to the baby during childbirth. It is estimated that 80 percent of women who have sex have contact with the human papillomavirus at least once in their lifetime. It is mainly accompanied by skin changes. Depending on the type of virus, these may be called warts on the surface of the skin of the hands and feet or genital warts, also known as genital warts, that are formed around the genitals. The changes caused by HPV can make it more difficult for a woman to get pregnant and even cause a miscarriage. Therefore, before conception occurs, it is worth thinking about researching its direction. What kind? Pap smear tests (pap smears) are the mainstay of cervical cancer prevention and should be performed regularly. Despite its advantages, it cannot clearly indicate whether or not a woman is a carrier of HPV - the main factor in the development of this cancer. The only tool for this will be a DNA test.

Chlamydia trachomatis - may increase the risk of miscarriage

Chlamydia trachomatisLike HPV, it is a sexually transmitted infection and, like it, does not need to show any obvious symptoms. Even so, the consequences of this seemingly innocent bacterium can be very serious. Chlamydiosis often leads to inflammation within the reproductive organs and, as a result, to infertility. It is also especially dangerous for pregnant women. As a result of infection with this bacterium, it may lead to premature birth or rupture of the membranes. It happens that an infected woman fails to deliver pregnancy. What symptoms may be chlamydia? In women it will be vaginal discharge, burning sensation when urinating, pain in the lower abdomen, pain during intercourse and intermenstrual bleeding. In men, chlamydia can manifest as a burning sensation when urinating, swollen testicles and leakage from the urethra.

Genital herpes - maybedamage the baby's CNS

Genital herpes is passed from person to person through sexual contact (all varieties) and affects both sexes equally. Genital herpes is a disease caused by the HSV type 2 virus. It is accompanied by characteristic ulcerations and blisters in the genital area, but may not appear. Therefore, some patients are unaware that they are carriers and unknowingly infect other people. By limiting the number of sexual partners, you can significantly minimize the risk of infection, although it can never be completely ruled out. HSV is a threat to both the pregnant woman and her baby. Infecting a newborn baby with it during or immediately after delivery may end up with damage to the central nervous system.

Ureaplasma urealyticum - most of us have it

The bacteriumUreaplasma urealyticumcan be caught in several ways, through saliva, blood and during sexual intercourse. It can also be passed on to the baby by the mother during childbirth. It is a very common bacterium. Probably even 70% of men and the same number of women have it. It is often asymptomatic and is therefore diagnosed at random.Ureaplasmie Urealyticumis accompanied by symptoms typical of urogenital infections: pain while urinating, abdominal pain and a feeling of urge to urinate. If left untreated, it can result in meningitis, premature birth or miscarriage.

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