Login to your account
Ureaplasma Urealyticum (UU) is a very common bacterial infection that affects both men and women.
Whilst it is easily transmittable during sexual contact, it isn’t always classed as an STI (sexually transmitted infection).
This is because Ureaplasma bacteria occur naturally in healthy genitals. Sometimes this bacteria can become imbalanced, causing an infection without having sex.
Keep reading to learn more about this condition, including the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and means of prevention.
Ureaplasma Urealyticum is a bacterial infection that affects the male and female reproductive systems. It can cause pain, discharge, or further health conditions if left untreated.
Ureaplasma bacteria live naturally in the body and are usually harmless. However, if these bacteria increase too much in number, they can cause complications.
You will need to take a prescribed course of antibiotics to restore the bacteria levels back to normal.
The main cause of UU is unprotected sex. As the infection is usually asymptomatic, it is frequently passed on during sex as people are not aware that they have it.
It can be transmitted via all of the following forms of sexual contact:
Other causes of UU (which are rarer) include:
Unfortunately, UU is often symptomless and can go undetected until it has caused further problems.
Two conditions that are more likely to develop if you have UU are urethritis and bacterial vaginosis. Symptoms of these conditions include:
Urethritis symptoms | Bacterial vaginosis symptoms |
---|---|
|
|
Ureaplasma Urealyticum can also make it more difficult to get pregnant. If you have been struggling to conceive, this could be a potential sign of a Ureaplasma infection.
If UU is left untreated, it can put you at risk of developing more serious health complications. These include:
It can also put you at risk of becoming infertile. Multiple studies have shown infertile men to have more Ureaplasma strains in their semen compared to fertile men.
This is thought to occur because Ureaplasma bacteria are able to attach to sperm cells and hinder their mobility.
UU can also affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant and has been seen more often in women with unexplained infertility. Ureaplasma’s connection with BV is also of concern (as bacterial vaginosis can also impact a woman’s ability to conceive).
If you get Ureaplasma Urealyticum while you are pregnant, you must seek treatment quickly so as not to put your unborn child at risk.
It is possible to pass your infection onto your child whilst they are inside the womb.
A foetus that develops Ureaplasma is more likely to:
A preterm delivery (when the baby is born too early) puts the baby at further risk.
If you suspect UU during your pregnancy, get tested immediately and consult with your doctor about which treatments are safe to take.
In order to confirm that you have Ureaplasma Urealyitcum, you have to get tested at a sexual health practice.
Alternatively, you can purchase an ‘at home’ test kit.
Testing for Ureaplasma bacteria requires either a vaginal swab or a urine sample.
Always get tested after having unprotected sex with a new partner to prevent letting an infection go untreated unknowingly.
Ureaplasma Urealyticum is easily prevented through the practice of safe sex.
When done correctly (during all forms of sexual contact) you cannot pass on or catch sexually transmitted infections.
Preventative measures include:
You will usually need to take a short course of antibiotics in order to treat a UU infection.
Doxycycline is commonly prescribed as the first line of treatment. If this isn’t suitable, Azithromycin is the next available option.
With treatment, your infection should clear in 5-7 days. If you have had any symptoms it is likely they will clear even sooner than this - however, this is not an indication to stop taking your medication.
Always complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to ensure the infection has definitely been treated and will not return
Please note: You should refrain from any sexual activity for up to 14 days after completing your course of antibiotics. It is also recommended that you take another STI test to ensure that the treatment has worked.
Yes, you can buy treatment for Ureaplasma Urealyticum online here at euroClinix.
Simply fill out the online consultation form before placing your order. Once approved, the right treatment will be sent straight to your door in discreet packaging with free next-day delivery.
Common STI symptoms: what to look out for
Reviewed by Dr. Caroline FontanaCan you drink alcohol on antibiotics?
Reviewed by Dr. Plauto Filho7 reasons you feel a burning sensation after sex
Reviewed by Dr. Plauto FilhoThe do's and don'ts of foods whilst taking antibiotics
Reviewed by Dr. Plauto FilhoSelect
medication
Fill out a short
medical form
Doctor issues
prescription
Medication sent
from pharmacy