Ureaplasma & Mycoplasma

What is Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma?

Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma are pathogenic species, small bacteria, found in our body. Under normal circumstances, these bacteria are harmless. However, when they overgrow above normal limits, they inflame surrounding tissues and create a colony of bacteria that could possibly lead to infection.Ureaplasma is a bacterium that normally lives in our respiratory and urinary tract.  Mycoplasma are bacteria lacking any cell walls, which makes them hard to treat. These can lead to inflammation of the genital tissues. Both ureaplasma and mycoplasma are transmitted sexually through unprotected sexual contact. Babies born to infected mothers and adults with weakened immune system are at risk of being infected.

When it comes to mycoplasma, there are numerous types. Most of them are harmless. The types that need your attention are Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma hominis. This test is used to detect Mycoplasma hominis.

Mycoplasma hominis, is the type that lives in the urinary tract and genitals.If there is an excess amount of this bacteria in women, it may cause pelvic inflammatory disease, possible complications with pregnancy such as miscarriage or extopic pregnancy.  For men, this bacteria may not present any symptoms, however, the infections can show signs such as swelling of the urethra, burning sensation while urinating, abnormal discharge from the penis or redness and tenderness of the genitals.

What makes the Mycoplasma bacteria special is that they do not have cell walls. When you get a bacterial infection, you are normally prescribed antibiotics to attack the bacteria. Antibiotics normally weaken the cell walls of the bacteria, which makes it vulnerable and easily treated. Having no cell walls makes it harder for any antibiotic to treat mycoplasma.

Ureaplasma bacteria are typically found in the cervix, vagina or urethra. This bacteria may be present in the body and may show no symptoms in healthy individuals.There are two major types of this bacteria that require attention, these are the Ureaplasma Urealyticum and Ureaplasma Parvum. This test is used to detect Ureaplasma urealyticum. Individuals with a weakened immune system or overgrowth of this bacteria may have symptoms such as inflammation of the urethra,dysuria, penile discharge, epididymitis and swelling of the mouth of the urethra. Women may experience symptoms such difficulty or painful urination, abnormal vaginal discharge or atypical vaginal bleeding. 

What your Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma results mean?

A urine test that is positive for ureaplasma and/or mycoplasma, indicates the presence of one of both of these bacteria in the system. The treatment usually consists of antibiotics; but, can be trickier than any other sexually transmitted disease. Penicillin, for example, is not the right choice. The types of antibiotics that are normally prescribed to treat Mycoplasma infections are Fluoroquinolones, Macrolides and Tetracyclines. Ureaplasma, on the other hand, are prescribed azithromycin or doxocycline. While undergoing treatment, you can still transmit the infection to others. So, abstaining from any kind of sexual relations is recommended. Also, individuals who are tested positive for these bacteria need to have their partners tested as well.

Just like for any sexually transmitted disease, abstinence is the only effective way to prevent both bacterial infections. Sexually active individuals need to practice safe sex to lower the risk of infection. This includes engaging in a monogamous relationship with someone who is not infected, effectively and consistently using condoms during sex, not injecting drugs, and being tested after any uncertain sexual encounter.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Aug 12, 2022