Ureaplasma Testing, Diagnosis & Treatment

Understanding Ureaplasma

Ureaplasma is a parasitic bacteria belonging to a family known as Mycoplasma. The bacteria lives in the urinary or genital tract of a human or an animal. Ureaplasma cannot survive without an host but do not normally cause any problems. As a result, most people do not know about the presence of the bacteria. People can live several years without detecting any signs of the bacteria. In extreme cases, the Ureaplasma reproduces in large numbers thereby leading to infection and other health problems. Perhaps, becoming aware of this bacteria is really important because of its uniqueness. The bacteria is resistant to over the counter medicine and other antibiotics because it has no cell wall. This resistance makes the bacteria grow comfortably and increases the risk of reproductive diseases in men and women and in animals too.

This article is an expository guide aimed at helping you understand all there is to know about Ureaplasma. We have examined its mode of transmission, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and how to prevent it. This article may therefore be an eye opener or may contain the solution you have been looking for.

How is Ureaplasma Transmitted?

There are three known modes of transmission for Ureaplasma although in many cases, medical evidence does not show the cause of the bacterial presence.

Ureaplasma is often transferred during sexual contact thereby making people with multiple sexual partners more prone to the bacteria. Pregnant women with Ureaplasma are at risk of transmitting the bacteria to the fetus or to the newborn. The third group of people who have been shown to have Ureaplasma have never been sexually active. This later finding makes it difficult to assign a single mode of transmission to the bacteria. Besides, it points to the fact that there may be unknown modes of transmission.

What are the Symptoms of Ureaplasma?

Patients who have a healthy immune system do not experience any symptoms of Ureaplasma. In fact, the bacteria is kept in check under such condition and does not lead to any further disease conditions. Such people never get to know that they have the bacteria. When the Ureaplasma reproduces and increases in population, infection and other health problems develop. It is at this stage that the bacteria showcases any symptoms. When a patient starts to experience any of the symptoms, he ought to see a doctor immediately. The symptoms of Ureaplasma include fertility, uneasiness in the genitalia, abdominal or pelvic pain. Ureaplasma is a major cause of inability to conceive in both men and women. The symptoms are a little different for pregnant women and newborns. For newborns, symptoms include pneumonia, meningitis and breathing problems. Miscarriages, premature birth and still births are also linked to Ureaplasma although this may not be the only cause. Seeking treatment can downplay the symptoms and reduce complications in pregnant women.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Ureaplasma

In order to determine the presence of Ureaplasma, the doctor will remove a biopsy or swab from the vagina, urethra, uterine lining or from the urine of the patient. The doctor will then run a test on this sample using specialized equipment. If the presence of Ureaplasma is determined, the disease resulting will also be determined before the doctor decides how to treat the bacteria. Often, antibiotics are used in treating Ureaplasma but not all antibiotics are effective against the bacteria. The doctor may treat the infection using doxycycline or azithromycin. In more severe cases, the doctor may use fluoroquinolones or erythromycin. In newborns, the antibiotics can reduce the risk of contacting the bacteria. If the newborn has a lung problem associated with Ureaplasma, then the doctor may use erythromycin in treatment. Ureaplasma can cause premature rupture of membranes in pregnant women and in such cases, the doctor can carry out treatment using erythromycin, clarithromycin or azithromycin.

Prevention of Ureaplasma

Effectively keeping the bacteria away is the best way to tackle it. Abstinence from sexual contact is the first way to prevent Ureaplasma. However, since the bacteria has been found in sexually inactive people also, the most effective way to combat its occurrence is getting checked regularly by a medical practitioner. Ureaplasma will often surface on its own when any conditions such as stress or illness weakens the immune system.

At STI Clinic, the doctors can help you get on top of the situation whether as a preventive measure or as a curative method. STI Clinic has high technology equipment and certified professionals with the adequate experience needed to combat the bacteria. Call today to book an appointment and get STD test