What is Ureaplasma?
Ureaplasma is a bacteria, and one of the smallest known organisms. The infection often occurs naturally in both men and women but can also be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse.
How is it transmitted?
Though it is not considered a classic STI, Ureaplasma can be contracted sexually. This does not necessarily mean that someone has had sex outside of their relationship if their test is reactive.
How will I know if I have it?
Ureaplasma infections are often symptomless, when present though, the infection can cause symptoms which are similar to those of Urethritis. These may include unusual discharge, pain during urination, and redness/ inflammation around the site of infection. Also, when a colony of the bacteria overgrows, it can cause irritation.
Testing
Testing for Ureaplasma with Better2Know is simple, stress-free and straightforward. Our clinicians will require a simple urine sample which, as well as testing for the infection individually, can also be used as part of a screen to look for other STIs. Please be sure that you hold your urine for two hours prior to testing. The results for this test take up to five working days from your sample’s arrival at our central, fully certified laboratory.
Treatment
Ureaplasma is treatable with a course of antibiotics. As it can be a difficult infection to remove, only a select few types of antibiotics will prove successful. This medication may need to be taken for several days or weeks.
Adverse Consequences
If a Ureaplasma infection goes untreated, it increases a person’s risk of contracting other STIs, such as HIV. You should also abstain from unprotected sexual intercourse for one week after you have completed your course of antibiotics.