When it comes to understanding sexual health, misinformation can lead to confusion and anxiety, and ureaplasma infection is one such condition that’s often misunderstood. While it’s not as widely discussed as other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), its potential impact on health warrants attention. Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria that can naturally live in the urogenital tract without causing harm, but it may lead to health issues under certain conditions. It’s also commonly associated with sexual transmission, but is it a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
In this blog, we’ll explore ureaplasma, its symptoms, associated risks, and how to protect yourself by getting screened at your local STD testing lab and seeking necessary treatment.
What is Ureaplasma?
Ureaplasma is part of a bacterial group known as Mycoplasma and is a type of bacteria that can live naturally in the body without causing problems. Many people have ureaplasma existing harmlessly within the urogenital tract, which includes the bladder and reproductive system. Unlike similar bacteria, ureaplasma doesn’t have a hard outer cell wall, making it resistant to some antibiotics, like penicillin.
Sometimes, though, the bacteria can grow out of control or infect someone more vulnerable, like a person with a weakened immune system. When this happens, ureaplasma can lead to infections and health issues, including problems in the reproductive system. This condition is known as ureaplasmosis.
Symptoms & Diagnosis of Ureaplasma
One of the challenges of detecting ureaplasma infection is its potential to remain asymptomatic. Many individuals who carry the bacteria are unaware of its presence. However, when symptoms do appear, they often overlap with those of other STDs, which can make diagnosis tricky.
Common Symptoms in Women:
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)-like symptoms
Common Symptoms in Men:
- Urethral discharge
- Painful urination
- Discomfort in the testicles
Medical testing is critical because these symptoms are not exclusive to ureaplasma infection. Comprehensive STD testing can confirm the presence of ureaplasma and identify any co-infections like chlamydia or mycoplasma genitalium, which frequently occur alongside it.
Who Is At Greater Risk of Ureaplasma?
Anyone who is sexually active can be at risk of developing a ureaplasma infection, but some individuals are at greater risk:
- Sexually active individuals: Engaging in unprotected sex increases exposure.
- Newborns: Pregnant women with ureaplasma infection may transmit it to babies during birth.
- Those with multiple sexual partners: Higher numbers of sexual partners correlate with increased risk.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems: Immune suppression can make it easier for ureaplasma to reproduce rapidly and grow.
- People with existing genital infections: Co-infections with other STDs can facilitate ureaplasma overgrowth.
Risks and Complications of Untreated Ureaplasma
If left untreated, ureaplasma infections can lead to serious complications, including:
- Increased risk of other infections: Untreated ureaplasma may heighten susceptibility to STDs like HIV.
- Reproductive health issues: In women, it’s linked to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and complications during pregnancy, such as premature labor. In men, it may cause infertility and prostatitis.
- Impact on newborns: Babies infected during birth may develop respiratory conditions or infections.
- Chronic health conditions: In extreme cases, untreated infections may contribute to joint, nerve, and muscle damage.
Is Ureaplasma an STD?
Ureaplasma is often referred to as a “sexually associated bacterium” rather than an STD. Although not an STD by technical definition, ureaplasma can be transmitted sexually through direct contact with genital secretions. This includes:
- Unprotected vaginal or anal sex: Ureaplasma bacteria can transfer from one partner to another through the exchange of bodily fluids during sexual activity.
- Oral sex: While less common, oral-genital contact can potentially transmit the bacteria, especially if there is an existing infection in the urogenital tract.
- Skin-to-skin contact: Intimate genital contact without penetration may also pose a risk, though the likelihood is lower than with intercourse.
In addition to sexual and non-sexual transmission routes, ureaplasma is frequently detected alongside other STDs like chlamydia and mycoplasma genitalium. These co-infections can increase health risks and complicate symptoms, making broad-spectrum STD testing crucial when symptoms do arise.
How is Ureaplasma Diagnosed?
Ureaplasma is typically diagnosed through laboratory tests because it commonly presents without clear symptoms. If you or your healthcare provider suspect a ureaplasma infection, diagnostic testing may involve:
- Sample collection:
- For women: A swab of the cervix or vaginal area
- For men: A swab from the urethra
- In all cases, a urine sample may also be collected to detect the presence of the bacteria
- Laboratory testing:
- Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT): This highly sensitive test detects ureaplasma DNA, making it a reliable diagnostic tool
- Culture test: Less common, this involves growing the bacteria in a lab from the collected sample to confirm its presence
- Comprehensive STD panel: Because ureaplasma often occurs alongside other STDs, your doctor may recommend a panel of tests to identify any co-infections.
Treatment and Prevention: What to Do if You Test Positive for Ureaplasma
If you test positive for ureaplasma, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline. Even if symptoms improve early, always complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed to prevent recurrence and possible antibiotic-resistant strains.
Treatment Tips:
- Avoid sexual activity until treatment is complete to prevent the spreading of the bacteria
- Encourage your partner(s) to get tested and treated to avoid reinfection
- Follow up with your healthcare provider to confirm the infection has been resolved
Prevention Strategies:
- Practice safe sex: Use condoms to reduce the risk of transmission
- Limit sexual partners: Reducing the number of partners lowers exposure risks
- Get tested regularly: Regular STD testing ensures early detection and treatment of infections, including ureaplasma and associated STDs
Get to Know Your Sexual Health Status & Stay Protected With Priority STD Testing
Understanding ureaplasma is a key step in protecting your sexual and overall health. Whether it’s transmitted sexually or through other means, knowing how to identify and treat it can help you avoid complications.
Don’t let unanswered questions put your well-being at risk. Take charge of your health and discuss your risks with your physician to determine if testing for ureaplasma infection is right for you.