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Bacteriospermia - what is it?

Bacteriospermia is infection of sperm with bacterial microflora. Bacteria enter the urethra and ascend into the seminal fluid. The disease is detected, as a rule, by chance - against the background of other diseases of the male genital area, since there are no specific signs of bacteriospermia.

In order for bacteriospermia to develop, pathogenic microorganisms must overcome several defense barriers:

A weakly alkaline environment (almost neutral) in the urethral cavity is unfavorable for the reproduction of pathogens;
A valve on one of the walls in the anterior part of the urethra, not far from its external opening, (Guerin's valve) works in one direction to release urine and sperm and prevents the penetration of microflora into the urethra;
The secretion of Littre's and Cooper's glands mechanically cleans the urethra, flushing out microorganisms;
Local cellular and humoral immunity protects the urethra by deactivating harmful microorganisms.

With adequate work of all these factors, bacteriospermia is not terrible, but in the event of a malfunction of at least one of them. There is a risk of semen contamination by pathogens.

Reasons for the development of bacteriospermia:

Violation of hygiene care of the genitals in men,
Infection during intercourse from a non-hygienic partner,
The ingress of microorganisms when rubbing against underwear or bedding,
When the urethra is injured,
In case of injuries due to medical procedures.

Nonspecific signs of bacteriospermia, indicating a possible infection:

Itching in the urethra,
Irritation, swelling or redness of the skin in the urethra, scrotum,
Burning or pain when urinating.

Treatment of bacteriospermia is carried out on the basis of diagnostics - the detection and identification of pathogenic microorganisms during the collection of semen. Prescribe a course of antibiotics corresponding to the identified pathogen.

Bacteriospermia is dangerous for infertility, since pathogenic microorganisms can damage spermatozoa, cause them to stick together or disrupt the very mechanism of sperm production.