Ureaplasmais a genus of bacteria that primarily infects the genitals and urinary tract.
It is estimated that a large proportion of the sexually active population is infected withUreaplasmawithout it causing any symptoms.
Some infections will clear up on their own; others need to be treated with a course of antibiotics.
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This article explains whatUreaplasmais, including the symptoms, modes of transmission, and methods of diagnosis.
It also explains how infections are prevented and treated and the possible complications of an untreated infection.
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What Does “Ureaplasma-Positive” Mean?
Ureaplasmabelongs to a class of bacteria known as mycoplasma.
There are two major strains known asUreaplasma urealyticumandUreaplasma parvum.
How Common Is Ureaplasma?
Females (people with a vagina) appear more vulnerable toUreaplasmainfections than males (people with a penis).
As such, testing positive for theUreaplasmain and of itself does not mean anything.
It is only when the bacteria overgrows and establishes a symptomatic infection that a person may need treatment.
An active infection may also place a person of any sex at an increased risk ofinfertility.
In fact, the vast majority ofUreaplasmainfections areasymptomatic(without symptoms) and may never cause any symptoms.
This can lead to infections known asnongonococcal urethritis (NGU)orbacterial vaginosis (BV).
Nongonococcal Urethritis
Urethritisis inflammation of theurethra(the tube through which urine exits the body).
Nongonococcal urethritis shows up when the inflammation is resulting from something other thangonorrhea.
Symptoms tend to be mild but can be persistent and difficult to treat.
Ureaplasmacan also be passed to a fetus or newborn during pregnancy.
The test is highly accurate, with asensitivityof 96.5% and specificity of 93.6%.
Results can usually be returned within 36 hours.
The PCR can also be used to detectUreaplasmain the mouth, throat, rectum, and eyes.
The cost of these tests is between $100 and $250.
The results are usually returned via a secure website within two to three business days.
Should My Partner Get Tested?
In the end, havingUreaplasmadoes not mean that you will ever have symptoms or any health concerns.
The only exceptions may be for males who experience unexplained recurrent NGUs or females with unexplained recurrent cervicitis.
In such cases, testing can help determine ifUreaplasmais the cause and direct the appropriate course of treatment.
Because of this unique feature,Ureaplasmaand other mycoplasmabacteria require specific antibiotics to control the infection.
These are taken orally (by mouth) and dosed in milligrams (mg).
Consultation with a specialistobstetricianis needed to make an informed choice.
Can Ureaplasma Go Away On Its Own?
(“Infertility” is defined as the inability to conceive after trying for 12 months.)
Whether the infection alone is the cause of infertility is unknown.
Even so, people who are severely immunocompromised are vulnerable to complications.
Ureaplasma Prevention and Reinfection
BecauseUreaplasmaoften causes no symptoms, it is possible to be reinfected without knowing.
It is unclear if repeated infection poses any health concerns in the absence of symptoms.
On the other hand, recurrent NGU and cervicitis do pose health risks.
So, the avoidance of reinfection is essentialparticularly if you are trying to get pregnant.
It can also be passed from birthing parent to child during pregnancy or delivery.
On occasion,Ureaplasmacan overgrow and cause infections like nongonococcal urethritis or cervicitis.
Possible complications include infertility and preterm birth.
Ureaplasmacan be detected with a urine sample or swab of vaginal or urethral fluid.
The infection may clear on its own or with a course of antibiotics, typically doxycycline or azithromycin.
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