Ureaplasma Urealyticum

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Ureaplasma Urealyticum

What is it?

Ureaplasma Urealyticum is a bacterium and is one of the smallest known organisms.

Ureaplasma is common, and can occur naturally in both men and women as well as being sexually transmitted.  There is currently no way of knowing how the individual caught it or for how long they may have been infected with it.

Whilst Ureaplasma can be found in the normal, healthy genital tract. Irritation happens when there is a growth of ureaplasma.  This can also lead to an increased risk of getting other STIs.

Sometimes people who are infected with Ureaplasma have no symptoms at all. Other times, a Ureaplasma infection can have symptoms that include:

• Burning sensation when passing water/urinating
• Stinging around the genital area

MUMS GPs and Sexual Health Consultants offer Ureaplasma Urealyticum testing. The cost of the test is £100.00. The cost of a sexual health consultation is £150.00

Ureaplasma Urealyticum​ is also included in our combined STI multiple tests.

How do you get it?

Ureaplasma can occur naturally in men and women, therefore, it is not considered a classic STI, although it can be passed through sexual contact

Symptoms

Ureaplasma often has no symptoms, but it can cause genital discharge, pain during urination, and redness and inflammation around the site of infection.

How to test and samples

MUMS test for Ureaplasma with a first catch urine sample for men and a vaginal swab for women. 

Times: Incubation, results and re-test

Ureaplasma has a two week incubation period.  Results are available with five days of the sample being received in the laboratory. Regular retesting is advised if you continue to be at risk. A repeat test is recommended with every partner change.

What to do if the test is positive

Ureaplasma is treated and cured with antibiotics.  It is not easy to get rid of a Ureaplasma infection and there are only a few special types of antibiotics that will work.  You may need to take these antibiotics for several weeks. You should not have sex until the treatment has finished and the symptoms have gone away.