Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria which live in the urogenital and respiratory tract. It is generally a part of human microbiome which includes tiny cells that remain on the human body. These tiny organisms digest food, maintain reproductive health and fight infections.
Sometimes harmless bacteria can overgrow and inflame your healthy tissues. This can lead to the formation of bacteria and infection. Ureaplasma species are somewhat linked to various medical problems such as –bacterial vaginosis and complications in pregnancy. Ureaplasma infections are associated with increased risk of some problems though they are not the direct cause. This lesser-known sexually transmitted infection or STI can take place naturally. Make sure you treat this sexually transmitted infection and avoid any kind of complications in future.
How you can get it
Ureaplasma may spread through sexual contact which is very common among sexually active adults. It can enter into the body through urethra or vagina. Ureaplasma can even be transmitted from the mother to their would-be-born child. The infection will go away in a few months and it is very rare among children and sexually inactive adults.
People who suffer from weakened immune system have highest risk of getting ureaplasma infection. This includes HIV-positive people and the ones who have had organ transplant.
Factors to consider and increase the chance of getting ureaplasma
Having unsafe anal, oral or vaginal sex
Enjoying unprotected sex with multiple partners.
Sharing or using unclean sextoys.
There is no evidence that ureaplasma can spread during anal sex but it is good practice to wear a condom when enjoying sexual activities with your partner.
Symptoms with ureaplasma
Most people having ureaplasma infection do not face any symptoms. Ureaplasma infection is a probable cause of inflammation into your urethra which is known as urethritis. Both men and women experience the symptoms of urethritis:
discharge
burning sensation
pain at the time of urination
Ureaplasma is a probable cause of bacterial vaginosis. Some symptoms include:
watery discharge from the vagina
horrible vaginal odor
Ureaplasma can increase the risk for other conditions such as:
premature labor
kidney stones
respiratory diseases in the newly borns
Can the presence of bacteria affect fertility rate?
Ureaplasma plays a vital role in the risk of preterm delivery. So, it is necessary to be aware that Ureaplasma does not lead to preterm delivery rather, it is a part of complicated series of events.
Inflammation in your reproductive tissues can be a common cause of preterm delivery. Many things may be the reason for inflammation which includes bacterial infections in the vagina, cervix and amniotic sac. Doctors are investigating Ureaplasma to be a possible factor for inflammation.
Ureaplasma species have a vital role in these pregnancy complications:
preterm labor
premature rupture of fetal membrane
chorioamnionitis
funisitis
intra-amniotic infection
low birth weight
placental invasion
Ureaplasma presence has been associated with increased chances of getting postpartum endometritis and this is inflammation of your uterus.
When you need to test for ureaplasma
Ureaplasma may be detected two weeks after the exposure or after the microbiomes start overgrowing and causing irritation to the tissue. If you have been exposed to ureaplasma during sexual encounter, then you need to perform fully comprehensive ureaplasma test and know about your condition.
The testing procedure involves taking your urine sample and getting it examined properly for the signs of ureaplasma. You may be asked to wait for two weeks as it allows bacteria to grow to the levels where it can be detected. You need not worry much about the risks involved as these are only certain problems after a long exposure. The two week time span is when the infection can be detected in the most accurate way. In men, ureaplasma may affect the number of sperm and the ability of sperm to move properly. In the case of women, a swab test may be offered.
How this can be diagnosed
Most doctors don’t test for Ureaplasma. If you experience the symptoms and other problems have been ruled out, then doctors take your blood sample and send it to the laboratory. They may use any of these tests for diagnosing ureaplasma:
cervical swab
endometrial swab
endometrial biopsy
urine sample
Different treatment options
The treatment typically involves following an antibiotics course for Ureaplasma infection. Some of these are – azithromycin (Zithromax) or doxycycline (Doryx, Acticlate, Vibra-Tabs). In the case you fail to respond to the treatment, your doctor may suggest taking another kind of antibiotic known as fluoroquinolones.
How to prevent the infection
The only way to prevent ureaplasma infection is abstinence. Make sure you practice the habit of safe sex to lessen the risk of infection from this and other sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. Birth control will not prevent STDs. You may use barrier methods such as dental dams and condoms to prevent this infection.
Ureaplasma infection is dependent upon health problems it causes and severity of your condition. Luckily, you can take certain antibiotics which seem to be effective against the bacteria and generally clear up infections when taken as it is directed. You may conduct ureaplasma test in London and know about your health condition before it is too late. Pregnant women should visit their gynaecologist regularly to perform prenatal checkups and discuss about any unusual symptoms. This can prevent any kind of complications for the mother or the baby.
