Ureaplasma Urealyticum

What is Ureaplasma Urealyticum?

Ureaplasma Urealyticum is a bacterium that can be passed through sexual contact although it is not a classic STI or STD. It is estimated that a large proportion of the sexually active population is infected with Ureaplasma Urealyticum without it causing any problems whatsoever. When there is a rapid expansion of a colonization of Ureaplasma Urealyticum, it can cause symptoms of Urethritis such as pain when passing urine, redness and inflammation around the site of infection and an unusual genital discharge.

Should I be worred about Ureaplasma Urealyticum?

Generally we would advise that Ureaplasma is nothing to worry about although if an infection is causing outward symptoms, we would recommend a course of antibiotics.

Can I be tested for Ureaplasma Urealyticum?

It is now possible to test for Ureaplasma Urealyticum using a urine sample. The urine sample is subjected to a PCR test that looks for the DNA of the bacteria. So long as the bacteria are present in the urine sample (which they will be if you are infected and you take the sample as directed) then this test will produce a positive result. Because of the complexity of the test, results normally take 3 - 4 working days to process.

Is Ureaplasma Urealyticum Easy to Treat?

Fortunately, in most cases, Ureaplasma Urealyticum is easy to treat. The preferred treatment is Doxycycline for 7 days or Azithromycin for 5 days. Some patients require a longer course of Doxycyline or a combination with Metronidazole - although these types of difficult to treat cases are unusual. If you wish to be retested then we recommend waiting at least 3 weeks after treatment has been completed. Some people continue to experience symptoms after the infection has been cleared but these symptoms will disappear in time.