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.