Ureaplasma Urealyticum

Ureaplasma urealyticum is a bacterial infection transmitted via unprotected sexual contact. This condition is highly common in the UK and symptoms aren't usually noticeable, which reflects how important it is to get tested for this bacterial infection. Although this condition is normally spread via sexual contact, it can also be spread by needles, air, saliva or blood.

Ureaplasma urealyticum is caused by a pathogenic bacteria of the same name, ureaplasma urealyticum. Ureaplasma is a species of bacteria that usually lives harmlessly in the urogenital (urinary and reproductive) and respiratory tracts, and is a vital part of the human microbiome. A healthy immune system keeps ureaplasma levels balanced, however sometimes these bacteria overgrow and inflame healthy tissues. They override the ‘good bacteria’ and become pathogens (organisms that cause disease) as their growth rates rise, resulting in an infection. These ureaplasmas are then sexually transmitted and cause complications in men and women.

Ureaplasma belongs to the class of bacteria known as Mycoplasma which is a family of bacteria that lack a cell wall around their cell membrane. This is a unique trait among many types of bacteria and makes it particularly resistant to antibiotics. It can result in conditions all across the body, including respiratory tract infections (Mycoplasma pneumoniae or ‘walking pneumonia’) or genital and urinary tract infections (Mycoplasma genitalium or Mycoplasma hominis).

U.urealyticum can also be confused for another ureaplasma species known as Ureaplasma parvum. However, an infection of this bacteria is usually commensal, meaning it causes symptoms less often and does not usually require treatment. It is also less likely to be sexually transmitted.

In the majority of cases, U.urealyticum infections are asymptomatic, which is why most people do not realise that they are infected. For this reason, it is a good idea to regularly take an STI test to ensure you are free from infection.

Physical symptoms of U.urealyticum will normally present themselves in the form of other conditions. One of the main conditions is non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in men and women, which is inflammation of the urethra. It mainly presents the following symptoms:

• pain during urination
• burning sensation
• abnormal vaginal discharge

U.urealyitcum can also cause bacterial vaginosis (BV), which presents the following symptoms:

• vaginal discharge that is white or grey and watery in texture
• unpleasant smell, often described as fishy
• menstrual blood may also carry a distinct odour or different consistency

It’s difficult to pinpoint sometimes, as it presents symptoms that are similar to many STIs or urogenital tract infections.

You can cure ureaplasma urealyticum very easily with a simple course of antibiotics, but there is a possibility of long-term damage if the infection is not treated.

Untreated U.urealyticum infections can lead to more painful conditions. It has been linked to prostatitis in men, which is an inflammation of the prostate gland. In women, research has found that the infection can be linked to endometritis which is an inflammation of the lining of the womb; pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis). It can also play a role in the development of kidney stones in some cases.

Another serious complication of U.urealyticum is an increased incidence of infertility. Research has found it has a high prevalence in women who have unexplained infertility. Similar research has also linked high rates of U.urealyticum to a reduced sperm count in men. Infertility is a common complication in several STIs such as chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea). In fact, genital tract infections account for up to 15% of male infertility.

Pregnancy

The complications of U.urealyticum are most prevalent in pregnant women, as the bacteria can be passed onto the fetus whilst still in the womb and cause neonatal infections. The fetus can be infected before birth, which affects pregnancy outcomes. This can result in premature birth (also known as preterm birth), miscarriage and still birth. It can also result in PROM (a premature rupture of membranes) where there is a rupture in the amniotic sac, leaking amniotic fluid (when your “water breaks”) before labour begins.

A ureaplasma infection can also cause the mother complications. It can cause an intra-amniotic infection, known as chorioamnionitis, which infects the amniotic fluid. This may also occur with funisitis, an inflammation of the connective tissue of the umbilical cord. Most women will have a fever, a rapid heartbeat, a tender uterus and unusual vaginal discharge.

Infections can also be passed onto newborns, with premature babies being more susceptible. They may develop congenital diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, brain injury as well as lung injuries or breathing problems like bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Due to the unique microbiology of ureaplasma bacteria and the complex analysis required, it is not a routine test that is offered at GP practices nor GUM and sexual health clinics. Whilst the sampling itself is simple, consisting of a blood and/or urine sample; endometrial, urethral or cervical swab; or a biopsy, U.urealyticum detection requires specific equipment and testing. Samples will have to be sent to a lab, where they will be amplified by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing, which looks to detect the bacteria DNA of U.urealyticum. This is because ureaplasma bacteria are so small and cannot be seen under a microscope. This is a similar diagnostic process to genital mycoplasma (Mycoplasma Genitalium). You can purchase STI testing kits from private healthcare providers, but generally it will be diagnosed through a process of elimination to make sure your symptoms are not caused by another STD.

Ureaplasma urealyticum should be treated as soon as possible because it can potentially lead to long-term complications. With a correct course of antimicrobials (antibiotics) you can successfully cure ureaplasma urealyticum and avoid any harmful complications caused by this condition. They work by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of the ureaplasma bacteria.

U.urealyticum infections can only be treated with certain antibiotics. The preferred treatment is a short course of either Azithromycin or Doxycycline, which are both available here at euroClinix. In the rare case where the bacteria do not respond to these treatments, you may need to be prescribed erythromycin or fluoroquinolones. Children, newborns, pregnant women and those experiencing complications may also require different treatment, such as other macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin.

These treatments should be taken exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms appear to disappear during the course of treatment. This is to prevent re-infection and antibiotic resistance, where the strong bacteria survive and develop unique characteristics that make them resistant to antibiotics.

To give yourself the best chance possible at completely curing this bacterial infection it is recommended that you try to avoid sex until your course of treatment is complete.

Despite ureaplasma urealyticum being highly contagious, you can significantly reduce your susceptibility and prevent chances of infection by:

• using male or female barrier contraceptives – this is the safest and most effective method of prevention
• getting regularly tested at STI or GUM clinics
• avoid sharing sex toys with other individuals and ensuring that they are cleaned thoroughly before use
• decrease the number of sexual partners you have to give you the best chance possible at avoiding this bacterial infection as well as other STIs.

You can find your nearest sexual health service through the NHS in the UK so that you can get tested.

You can order ureaplasma urealyticum treatments here at euroClinix to successfully cure this bacterial infection and alleviate symptoms. The antibiotic treatments we offer are Azithromycin and Doxycycline and they should be taken as instructed. All you need to do is complete a free and confidential online consultation to ensure your suitability for the medication. Once this quick and simple online consultation has been assessed by one of our doctors, they will prescribe the treatment for you. The treatment will then be dispensed and dispatched in discreet packaging from our UK registered pharmacy with free next-day delivery service.