Ureaplasma refers to a group of tiny bacteria found in the respiratory and urogenital tracts. They are among the smallest free-living organisms, so small that they can't be seen under a microscope.

Ureaplasma is often a natural part of the human microbiome, which includes trillions of microorganisms that assist with digestion, infection control, and reproductive health.

However, these typically harmless bacteria can sometimes overgrow and cause inflammation in healthy tissues, leading to infection.

Ureaplasma species have been linked to various medical issues, including bacterial vaginosis and complications during pregnancy. While Ureaplasma infections may increase the risk of certain problems, they are not conclusively proven to be direct causes.

Ureaplasma urealyticum is a common infection primarily spread through sexual contact. Though it is not classified as an STI, it is still a bacterial infection.

This genital mycoplasma colonizes the genital tract and can lead to highly contagious infections, potentially increasing the risk of other STIs. Therefore, it’s crucial to undergo comprehensive testing.

Symptoms of Ureaplasma infections are often subtle, meaning many individuals may not realize they are infected. Regular testing for bacterial infections spread through sexual contact is essential to prevent further transmission. Treating Ureaplasma is important, even in the absence of symptoms, for several reasons:

• It reduces the risk of complications such as infertility and meningitis.
• It helps alleviate psychological concerns related to STIs, such as anxiety and stress.

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Ureaplasma Symptoms

Ureaplasma is often characterized as urethritis in men and genital tract infections in women. Ureaplasma is also often asymptomatic in many cases and the majority of infected people may not even realise they have the condition. If symptoms do appear, these can be very similar symptoms to urethritis, other STIs, and infections.

Venereological patients (those involved in the study of STIs) are often diagnosed with ureaplasma.

Ureaplasma in men

Ureaplasma is commonly diagnosed in men with epididymitis, which is an inflammation of the area behind the testicle where sperm is stored.

Symptoms may include:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Frequent urination
• Slow urine flow
• Difficulty urinating
• Urethral discharge

Ureaplasma in women

Ureaplasma is frequently diagnosed in conjunction with chorioamnionitis, an infection of the vagina often linked to pregnancy, especially when the infection spreads rapidly.

Symptoms may include:

• Redness and inflammation
• Unusual discharge
• Pain during urination (dysuria)
• Lower abdominal pain
• Vaginal discomfort
• Unusual odor

Another symptom associated with ureaplasma is urethrorrhea, which is the flow of fluid from the urethra. Some women may also experience chronic cystitis or other similar urinary tract infections (UTIs).

What's the difference between ureaplasma urealyticum and mycoplasma genitalium?

Ureaplasma and mycoplasma are often connected. The reason is that they are caused by a different bacterium from the same mycoplasma family.

Mycoplasma is responsible for hundreds of types of bacteria, however, some can cause infections; two of which are ureaplasma urealyticum and mycoplasma genitalium. Other infections include mycoplasma pneumonia, mycoplasma hominins, and ureaplasma parvum.

Both infections require the same antibiotics to treat and cure the infection. It is also common for both bacterial infections to present no symptoms whatsoever. It comes as no surprise that they are often intertwined.

Both ureaplasma and mycoplasma are commonly found in the reproductive tract.

Both can be treated completely, often with doxycycline and azithromycin.

Window Period of Ureaplasma Urealyticum

Duration:

• The window period for Ureaplasma urealyticum typically ranges from 1 week to several weeks after exposure.
• Many individuals may remain asymptomatic for an extended period, which complicates timely diagnosis.

Causes of Ureaplasma

The primary cause of ureaplasma is the transmission of an infectious agent from an infected person to their partner through sexual contact, including vaginal and oral sex. Other potential sources of transmission include saliva, blood (such as through transfusions), air, and needles.

It's important to note that other bacterial STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can also lead to ureaplasma and other infections. Infections in the reproductive area can cause scarring and damage, particularly when left untreated, which increases the risk of contracting additional sexual infections. Therefore, undergoing a comprehensive STI check-up when necessary is crucial for preventing the spread of infections and avoiding long-term complications.

Ureaplasma is extremely contagious and is most often spread through sexual contact and unprotected sex with multiple partners. In more extreme cases, you can become infected if you touch an infected person's nose or eye secretions, or if an infected person coughs in your face.

How can I get tested for ureaplasma?

If you are displaying any of the symptoms listed above, then you should book an appointment with your GP or a sexual health clinic, where they will be able to test you for ureaplasma and other STIs by urine test or swab test and the best test is PCR looking for its DNA. An early diagnosis means that you can get treatment straightaway, which will reduce your chances of complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, and infection in the testicles or the brain membrane.

What are the risks of ureaplasma?

While ureaplasma is easily treatable, it often goes unnoticed for months since it rarely presents symptoms. If left untreated, it has been linked to infertility, premature or stillbirth, non-specific urethritis, chorioamnionitis, meningitis, and pneumonia. Prolonged untreated ureaplasma can also spread to other areas of the body, potentially harming your joints, nerves, and muscles. Fortunately, effective treatment for ureaplasma can help prevent these serious health issues.

Prevention for Ureaplasma

Ureaplasma is a fully preventable condition, and you can reduce your risk by following these guidelines:

• Use condoms: This is the safest and most effective way to prevent ureaplasma.
• Limit the number of sexual partners you have.
• Avoid sharing sex toys: If you do share them, be sure to clean them thoroughly and use condoms for added protection.

Attend regular STI screenings, and encourage your partner(s),
to prevent the infection from being passed on.

What treatment options do we offer for ureaplasma?

Currently, the only effective way to treat ureaplasma is through prescription medication. A simple course of antibiotics can successfully address this condition.

There are two main types of antibiotics typically prescribed for complete eradication of ureaplasma: Doxycycline, which is usually taken over a week, and Azithromycin, administered as a single-dose treatment, though it may take up to seven days for the infection to be fully resolved.

If you're unsure which treatment to choose, that’s perfectly okay; just start a consultation, and our partner doctor will recommend the best antibiotics for you. This process takes about ten minutes, and you can receive your order the same day or the next.

Even if your symptoms improve before completing your antibiotic course, it's essential to finish it to prevent the infection from returning.