OVERVIEW

Ureaplasma is a genus of bacteria that belong to the family Mycoplasmataceae. The bacteria are typically found in the genital tract, but can also be found in other body tissues and fluids. Ureaplasma is a common cause of genital infections, and is often sexually transmitted.

Ureaplasma infection can cause a number of symptoms, including pelvic pain, burning during urination, and discharge from the urethra. In some cases, the infection can also lead to infertility.

Ureaplasma can be treated with a course of antibiotics. However, the bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics over time. Therefore, it is important to be tested for ureaplasma infection regularly, especially if you are sexually active.

Additional Information

Often, ureaplasma causes no symptoms or discomfort of any kind in people with a healthy immune system. However, ureaplasma does sometimes trigger uncomfortable symptoms and lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Its symptoms can be similar to those associated with sexually transmitted infections.

Individuals with a weakened immune system or an antibody deficiency are vulnerable to more serious complications, such as lung infection. If left untreated it can also spread to other parts of the body and damage joints, nerves and muscles causing meningitis or pneumonia. It is also believed that a ureaplasma infection can increase the likelihood of contracting STIs.

There is no vaccine for ureaplasma, but it can be treated with a course of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. The current ureaplasma antibiotics treatment regimen involves the use of doxycycline and/or azithromycin.

Symptoms

• Lower abdominal pains.
• Inflammation in the urethra.
• Pain during urination.
• Burning sensation.
• Penile discharge.
• Watery vaginal discharge.
• Redness or chronic inflammation around the area of infection.

Lab Testing

NOTE: Lab testing is NOT required prior to treatment if you have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms.

My Doctor Online offers both at-home test kits and in-person lab testing. After treatment we recommend a test of cure 2-3 weeks after completing treatment to confirm clearing the infection.

TREATMENT

Available treatments we offer:

• Doxycycline
• Azithromycin
• Moxifloxacin