Ureaplasma bacteria live in the human microbiome, specifically in areas like the urinary and reproductive tracts.
Although not everyone has ureaplasma in their body, the bacteria are often a benign presence in healthy people, causing no symptoms and requiring no treatment.
In some patients, however, a ureaplasma infection can develop, and those with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk. A ureaplasma infection is usually spread through sexual contact but can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy and/or childbirth.
Why is it important to know if you have a ureaplasma infection?
Knowing whether you have an infection due to ureaplasma is important because, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems.
In some patients, it can trigger infections in the urinary or reproductive systems, causing discomfort or more serious issues such as pelvic pain, burning during urination, or unusual discharge.
For women, untreated ureaplasma infections may be linked to complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth or miscarriage. Studies also suggest a link between the presence of ureaplasma infection in the reproductive organs of both men and women, which can lead to fertility problems.
It’s important to get tested when you have symptoms or if you believe you have been exposed to the infection. If an infection is found, our doctor can prescribe antibiotics, and early treatment will help prevent potentially serious problems.
Knowing you have a ureaplasma infection enables you to manage your sexual and reproductive health.
What are ureaplasma symptoms?
In general, the prevalence of ureaplasma bacteria in your body is harmless and asymptomatic. However, a weakened immune system can cause bacterial overgrowth, which may lead to ureaplasma infection and symptomatic reproductive and urinary tract infections.
These infections include:
Nongonococcal urethritis
Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is an inflammation of the urethra (a “hollow tube” that transports urine outside the body).
Both men and women are at risk from this infection and often experience the following symptoms:
- Painful, frequent urination
- Burning sensation
- Unpleasant discharge
Additional ureaplasma symptoms in men with NGU include:
- Wetness at the penile tip
- Urethral discomfort
Additional ureaplasma symptoms in women with NGU include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Lower abdominal pain
- Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)
- Vaginal bleeding
Symptoms such as painful urination and unusual discharge can also be symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So, testing and diagnosis are important to determine the type of infection.
These sexually transmitted pathogens include:
Bacterial vaginosis
A 2022 study found that the presence of ureaplasma species infection is strongly associated with an unbalanced vaginal environment.
Ureaplasma bacteria overgrowth in the genital tract can occur with other bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis (G. vaginalis). Under certain conditions, the overgrowth of G. vaginalis can, in turn, cause bacterial vaginosis (BV), a treatable infection.
Symptoms of BV include:
- Watery vaginal discharge
- Burning, itching, and irritation in the vaginal area
- Burning sensation during urination
As with ureaplasma infection, some people with BV have no symptoms.
What are the risks of ureaplasma infection if left untreated?
Although the mere presence of asymptomatic ureaplasma bacteria has generally been considered harmless, more recent studies suggest that, if left untreated, a ureaplasma infection can cause or contribute to infertility in men and women.
Infertility in men
Ureaplasma infection in men is associated with damage to sperm, including sperm shape distortion and reduced sperm motility (how efficiently sperm move along the pathway to fertilizing an egg), which increases the risk of infertility in men.
Infertility in women
If ureaplasma infection travels from the vagina and reaches the upper genital tract (the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries), you may develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Left untreated, PID may cause scarring on those reproductive organs and can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or other serious problems. PID is the most common preventable cause of infertility in the United States.
Early diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic ureaplasma infections are important for both men and women from a general health perspective, especially when assessing sexual health issues or fertility problems, as well as maintaining and improving reproductive health.
How is ureaplasma infection diagnosed?
The presence of ureaplasma is detected through testing, with samples sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Types of ureaplasma tests include:
- Urine sample
- Swab samples from the vagina, cervix, or urethra
- Molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are used to detect the presence of ureaplasma genetic material. The PCR technique allows scientists to generate millions of copies from a small amount of DNA.
Ureaplasma testing determines the presence or absence of bacteria, whether an infection or other complications have developed, and guides appropriate treatment.
What are the treatment options?
Antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment for ureaplasma infections. The specific antibiotic and duration of treatment depend on our healthcare professional’s assessment.
The first line of treatment is a course of antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline, which have reasonable success rates in combating ureaplasma infections.
All sexual partners of the person infected should also be tested, and while treatment is ongoing, abstinence from sexual relations can help prevent recurrent infection. Our doctor may request additional testing upon completing a course of treatment to confirm the eradication of the infection.
Does ureaplasma play a role in adverse pregnancy outcomes?
A ureaplasma infection may play a role in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
These pregnancy complications might include:
- Premature rupture of fetal membranes
- Premature birth
- Chorioamnionitis – an infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid. When the amniotic sac is broken for an extended period before birth, bacteria in the vagina can ascend to the uterus.
- Low birth weight
A 2021 study found a marked association between ureaplasma chorioamnionitis and preterm birth, consistent with other published studies. Low birth weight newborns are at high risk for ureaplasma infection. Their underdeveloped immune system makes them susceptible to bacterial infections that may result in meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis.
A ureaplasma infection in a preterm baby may cause inflammation in underdeveloped lungs, contributing to a chronic lung disease known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Treatment for a newborn focuses on supplemental oxygen and good nutrition.
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Can I get ureaplasma without being sexually active?
Ureaplasma infection is almost always spread through sexual contact but is not always considered an STI in the same way others are. It can also sometimes be spread from mother to baby in the womb and during childbirth.
Additionally, someone with a weakened immune system is at risk of bacterial overgrowth, leading to infection.
As mentioned earlier, many people are unaware of the presence of ureaplasma bacteria in their bodies, while others might develop an infection and experience symptoms like pain during urination, discomfort in the pelvic area, or unusual discharge. If such an infection develops, it can be treated with antibiotics.
However, it is important to note that a ureaplasma infection may be asymptomatic, so if you think you have been exposed to infection, and even if you experience no symptoms, you should get yourself tested.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critically important to prevent complications and minimize the effects on reproductive and sexual health. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, such as itching, pain, or vaginal discharge, let us know so we can initiate testing and appropriate treatment if needed.
Why choose Dr. Steve Rad for your gynecological health?
Dr. Steve Rad is a trusted expert in women’s care. He has been named Best OBGYN in Los Angeles by LA Magazine since the inception of the annual award.
Dr. Rad and his world-class obstetrics and gynecology team understand your healthcare needs before, during, and after birth. They provide compassionate care, help you understand your health, answer your questions, and provide emotional support.
Call us at (844) 473-6100 or schedule your consultation online. We are currently accepting new patients.
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If you can’t see Dr. Rad in person, he also offers virtual consultations worldwide.
Sources
Retrospective Analysis of the Ureaplasma spp. Prevalence with Reference to Other Genital Tract Infections in Women of Reproductive Age – PMC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9944971/
Correlation of mycoplasma with unexplained infertility | Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00404-009-1042-z
Ureaplasma urealyticum: the Role as a Pathogen in Women’s Health, a Systematic Review | Current Infectious Disease Reports
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11908-018-0640-y
Rapid PCR Detection of Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Ureaplasma parvum – Cunningham – 2013 – International Journal of Bacteriology
https://doi.org/10.1155%2F2013%2F168742
