Ureaplasma: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Ureaplasma is a common type of bacteria that is naturally found in the urinary and genital tracts. They are a normal part of your body’s bacterial population and, in most cases, do not cause any problems. However, if their number increases, it can cause genital symptoms.

Although Ureaplasma can be passed on during sex, it is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Research shows that in the UK, 85% of people carry Ureaplasma.

In this guide, we explore what Ureaplasma is, its symptoms, how it’s treated, and when you should see a doctor.

The most common way that Ureaplasma is passed on is during sexual contact and can enter the body via the vagina or the urethra (the tube that carries pee out of the body). This makes it very common amongst sexually active people.

Ureaplasma can also be passed on from mother to child during childbirth. Research is ongoing into whether Ureaplasma transmission is linked to illness in babies.

Although Ureaplasma can be passed on during sex, it is not a classic sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can act like one and require treatment to manage the symptoms and stop it from spreading, but it is not one. Ureaplasma is a natural member of the genital flora, unlike some STI-causing bacteria. If it overgrows, it can lead to infection and issues, such as:

• urethritis, swelling and soreness of the urethra – the tube that carries urine (pee) out of your body
• unusual vaginal discharge

Myths about Ureaplasma infection

There are some common misconceptions about Ureaplasma, which can make understanding what it is more complicated than it needs to be. Let’s bust some of the myths:

Healthy people with strong immune systems can usually keep Ureaplasma numbers in check and stop it from growing and spreading to harmful levels. However, if its numbers do increase, it can cause the following symptoms:

Ureaplasma symptoms in people with vaginas can include:

• pain or burning when going for a pee
• an unusual or foul-smelling vaginal odour
• unusual vaginal discharge
• vaginal pain
• lower abdominal or stomach pain

Ureaplasma symptoms in people with a penis are:

• pain or burning when going for a pee
• discharge coming from the penis
• pain in the testicles

Many people have no symptoms and are unaware they have Ureaplasma colonisation, in which case it’s generally not recommended to test.

If Ureaplasma overgrows, it can lead to complications, such as inflammation and infections, including urethritis and vaginitis. It could possibly have more long-term consequences, like fertility issues, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and pre-term birth – however, more research is needed to say whether these are likely to be issues, or not.

If you get any new genital or urinary tract symptoms, you should see a doctor and get appropriate treatment to manage any new infections and consider if treatment is needed for Ureaplasma.

Ureaplasma testing involves providing urine samples or genital swabs for analysis by a laboratory.

Urethral swabs are more accurate at detecting Ureaplasma than urine tests. For example, one study found that a urethral swab was almost 99% accurate, compared to 87% for a urine test, in detecting Ureaplasma. However, a urine specimen or vaginal swab may be preferred as it is less invasive and more comfortable.

• Routine testing for Ureaplasma is not recommended in healthy people because it is a common genital bacteria that usually causes no issues, and most people do not get any symptoms. Testing is usually recommended for specific situations, such as unexplained genital symptoms where other conditions have already been excluded.

Can I test at home for Ureaplasma?

Yes, you can test for Ureaplasma infection at home. The tests are easy to do yourself and convenient, and each kit comes with everything you need to provide the requested samples. You can usually expect your results within 3 working days after our partner lab receives your samples. At Superdrug Online Doctor, Ureaplasma testing can be done with our:

• female full STI health screen test – requires a vaginal swab and blood samples for a full STI screening, which includes Ureaplasma
• male full STI health screen test – the full screen involves providing a pee sample, anal and throat swabs, and a blood sample

If a specialist sexual health doctor advises you need treatment for Ureaplasma, this involves antibiotics: usually this would be doxycycline or azithromycin, depending on your suitability.

Your specialist doctor will provide information on sexual activity during your treatment and whether they recommend testing your sexual partners.

Should Ureaplasma always be treated?

No, Ureaplasma treatment is not always needed because it can live harmlessly in the body. However, it may need treatment if you are getting symptoms or if it is associated with other infections or health problems. This is usually only done through a specialist sexual health clinic.

For most people, Ureaplasma is harmless and lives in the body without causing any issues. However, if there is overgrowth, it can lead to complications that may require a doctor’s assessment.

See a doctor if you:

Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria commonly found in the urinary and genital tracts. It usually causes no harm, but if it overgrows, it can lead to inflammation and infection. Some common symptoms include pain when going for a pee and abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis.

If you have genital symptoms or have not had an STI screen since your last sexual partner, take an at-home test or speak to your doctor or sexual health clinic for more advice.

What causes Ureaplasma?

Ureaplasma is caused by bacteria that can be found in the urinary and reproductive tracts. More research is needed, but it could lead to pregnancy complications, inflammation of the urethra, and pelvic pain. It can be passed on during sex or from mother to child during childbirth.

Can Ureaplasma go away on its own?

Yes, Ureaplasma can clear up on its own, especially in people who do not have any symptoms. However, it can be treated with antibiotics if a specialist sexual health doctor thinks this is needed.

Is Ureaplasma serious?

No, Ureaplasma is a bacteria that lives normally in our genitals. If you have genital symptoms and have had all other causes ruled out, then you might need treatment for Ureaplasma to prevent ongoing symptoms and future complications.

Can condoms prevent Ureaplasma?

Condoms can lower the chance of catching Ureaplasma, but they do not offer 100% protection because the bacteria may be present in areas of the body that are not covered. However, condoms alongside regular STI testing are key to effectively preventing Ureaplasma infections.

Can Ureaplasma come back after treatment?

Yes, Ureaplasma can come back after treatment, usually because of being reinfected by a partner who has it, not completing the course of antibiotics, or a weakened immune system, which allows the bacteria to grow again. It is important to complete your course of antibiotics if these are prescribed by a specialist and discuss with your doctor if they recommend partner testing and treatment if you have recurrent symptoms.

Is Ureaplasma curable?

Yes, Ureaplasma is curable with antibiotics. If you test positive for the infection and have otherwise unexplained genital symptoms, a specialist sexual health doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics for you to take, usually azithromycin or doxycycline.