What is Ureaplasma?
Ureaplasma is a bacterium which occurs naturally in men and women. It is not considered a classic sexually transmitted infection. It can, however, be passed through sexual contact. When a colony of the bacteria overgrows, it can cause irritation.
Having a Ureaplasma infection does not mean that there has been infidelity in a relationship. It may simply be out of control bacteria. If you have any symptoms, it is important to get tested.
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How can I catch it?
Ureaplasma is mainly transmitted through unprotected vaginal or anal sex. However, the infection can also be passed in non-sexual ways, including sharing needles, blood transfusions and, in rare cases, through coughing, kissing and nose or eye secretions. In pregnant women, the infection can be passed to the unborn child.
Did you know? ...
In pregnant women, untreated Ureaplasma can lead to complications during birth. Click here to read more.
What are the signs and symptoms?
An infection can cause symptoms that are similar to those of urethritis. These can include:
- Unusual genital discharge
- Pain during urination
- Discomfort in the genital area
- Redness and inflammation around the site of infection.
How can I test for Ureaplasma?
Testing with Better2Know is easy, fast and painless. You simply provide a urine sample at the clinic. Please be sure that you hold your urine before your test, so that you can provide an adequate sample.
The results for this test take five days from when your sample is received in the testing laboratory. Ureaplasma testing is available as part of our Comfort Screen, Full Screen or Platinum Screen.
If left untreated, what are the health risks?
An untreated Ureaplasma infection increases the risk of developing other conditions such as kidney stones and catching other STIs including HIV. In extreme cases, the infection may spread within the body, damaging nerves, muscles and joints. A prolonged infection may also increase the risk of infertility in women.
What if I test positive for Ureaplasma?
Ureaplasma is usually treated with a course of antibiotics, although some people may clear the infection by simply resting and avoiding sexual activity. Once you have completed treatment, you are advised to abstain from any sexual activity for two weeks to avoid passing the bacterium to any sexual partner(s).
If you test positive for Ureaplasma, Better2Know will provide you with a prescription for treatment. You can, alternatively, take your results to your own GP or local health centre. Your chosen clinician will prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic for you.
If you test positive using a home sample collection kit, we can arrange a doctor’s consultation for you. Your doctor will receive a copy of your results, discuss your diagnosis with you and prescribe the appropriate antibiotic. To book your private GP appointment, simply phone us on the number at the top of the page.
You may want to consider having a repeat test at the end of your treatment to check that the infection has cleared. You should also contact your previous partners to notify them about your result as he/she may also need to get tested.
Book your Ureaplasma test
Better2Know is the world’s largest private provider of sexual health testing services. We will arrange a confidential appointment at a clinic near you with fast and accurate results for your peace of mind. Book online or call our Sexual Health Advisors now.