Ureaplasma Testing in London

Ureaplasma is a bacterium commonly found in the urinary, respiratory, and reproductive tracts. Though it can be transmitted through sexual contact, it's not classified as an STI in the traditional sense. Ureaplasma can make individuals more susceptible to other STIs. Our sexual health clinic offers comprehensive testing for Ureaplasma, either individually or as part of a package with Mycoplasma testing.

Causes

Ureaplasma is a sexually transmitted infection that results from unprotected vaginal or oral sex. This can lead to symptoms in men such as urethritis and epididymitis. In women, ureaplasma is related to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and cervicitis.

• Having had sex with multiple partners
• Passing on from an infected mother to her infant at childbirth
• Engaging in unsafe oral, anal, or vaginal sex may facilitate transmission

When should I get tested?

When you exhibit symptoms such as genital discharge or pain during urination, plan to have sex with a new partner, engage in unsafe sex, or are pregnant, it is necessary to get tested for ureaplasma. Routine STI screenings are very important for your sexual health if your partner has been diagnosed with this infection.

Symptoms: 

Symptoms in women:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina
• Lower abdominal pain
• Unpleasant discharge
• Painful urination

Symptoms in men:

• Wetness at the penile tip
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Painful urination
• Urethral discomfort

What does the test include?

The test might differ for men and women. In women, a urine sample or vaginal swab is taken. For men, a urine test usually suffices, though a swab of penile discharge will be taken if this is one of  the main symptoms.

What to Expect

FAQS

How quickly will Ureaplasma show up?

The window period for Ureaplasma testing is correctly stated as 14 days post-exposure.

Can Ureaplasma ever go away?

Ureaplasma can resolve on its own without treatment but treatment may be necessary in certain cases. However, if you are experiencing symptoms or wish to become pregnant, it can be treated with certain antibiotics.

Is it possible for Ureaplasma to return after antibiotic treatment?

People who have had Ureaplasma and required treatment for symptoms might experience a recurrence of the infection and symptoms. You should consult with a doctor if symptoms return after treatment.

What is the lifespan of Ureaplasma?

In identical conditions, Ureaplasma cells perished 24 hours post-exposure, their antigens became disrupted after 3 days, and both intracellular and extracellular DNAs from various species could be detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) within a timeframe of 17 to 40 days.