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A ureaplasma test checks for bacteria from the ureaplasma group, including ureaplasma urealyticum, one of the most commonly identified strains. These bacteria can be found in the urinary and reproductive tracts and may be passed through sexual contact or, in some cases, from mother to child during childbirth.
In many people, Ureaplasma can exist in men and women without causing any symptoms or health problems. However, in certain situations, particularly when symptoms are present, the presence of Ureaplasma urealyticum may be linked to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
If left untreated in symptomatic cases, this may contribute to complications such as fertility issues or adverse pregnancy outcomes.
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our detailed guide on everything you should know about Ureaplasma symptoms and causes.
Ureaplasma urealyticum is typically transmitted through close physical contact, and while it is not strictly considered a sexually transmitted infection, it can be passed through sexual activity, including vaginal or oral sex, so it is more common among sexually active individuals.
However, for men and women, it’s possible to carry the bacteria for long periods without knowing. In some cases, it may be present in the urinary or genital tract without a clear source of transmission.
Because of this, a positive result does not always indicate a recent infection. Instead, it reflects the presence of the bacteria at the time of testing.
While it is quite common to carry the bacteria without it causing any immediate issues, ongoing symptoms can develop and are often subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions.
Some of the common symptoms of Ureaplasma urealyticum are:
Because symptoms overlap with other infections, it’s not always obvious that ureaplasma infection is the cause, which is why proper testing is often recommended if symptoms persist or don’t respond to standard treatment.
If you’ve been experiencing ongoing discomfort without a clear explanation, a Ureaplasma test can help identify whether this bacterium may be contributing and guide the right next steps. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critically important to prevent potential reproductive health issues, pregnancy complications and minimise the effects on reproductive and sexual health.
Due to the fact that symptoms can overlap with other infections, testing becomes particularly important when common STIs have already been ruled out for sexually active individuals.
Testing is usually slightly different from routine sexual health screenings. Unlike many other bacteria, Ureaplasma bacteria lack a cell wall, which means they cannot be detected using standard bacterial cultures. As a result, more specialised laboratory testing is required to accurately identify its presence.
In most cases, testing involves:
These samples are then analysed using sensitive methods designed to detect the bacteria.
It’s also worth noting that Ureaplasma is not typically included in standard STI panels. This is because it is not always classified as a sexually transmitted infection and is commonly found in people without causing symptoms. For this reason, many doctors will only recommend testing when there are ongoing symptoms or specific clinical concerns.
However, if you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or unexplained symptoms, a targeted Ureaplasma test can help provide clarity and guide appropriate treatment if needed.
Once testing has been completed, the next step is understanding what your results mean and whether any action is needed. At Broadgate GP, we make this process straightforward, so you’re not left interpreting results on your own.
As soon as your results are ready, a GP will review them alongside your symptoms and medical history to give you clear and personalised advice.
If your result is negative:
If you test positive:
It’s important to understand that a positive result does not always indicate a serious health problem. In many cases, it simply confirms the presence of the bacteria at the time ot testing.
The focus is always on giving you clarity and ensuring you receive the right care for your individual situation.
If your test is positive and treatment is appropriate, the good news is that it can usually be managed effectively with a straightforward course of antibiotics.
The most commonly prescribed antibiotics include:
These antibiotics are prescribed based on your individual symptoms, medical history, and any previous treatments you may have had. Luckily, in most cases, symptoms improve quickly once treatment begins.
As with many bacterial infections, there can be occasional cases where the initial treatment is less effective and where the infection does not respond to the initial antibiotic therapy, which can be due to antibiotic resistance or other underlying factors. If symptoms persist after your first course of treatment, we may recommend switching to an alternative antibiotic.
To give the treatment the best chance of working, it’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics exactly as prescribed, avoid stopping treatment early if symptoms improve, and follow any additional guidance given by your healthcare provider.
Yes, it is possible to have Ureaplasma urealyticum without being sexually active.
While it is commonly passed through sexual contact, Ureaplasma bacteria can also exist naturally within the urinary and reproductive tract. In some individuals, the bacteria may be present without a clear source of transmission or without ever causing symptoms.
This is why a positive test result does not always indicate a recent infection or exposure. Instead, it reflects the presence of the bacteria at the time of testing.
If symptoms are present, testing can help determine whether Ureaplasma urealyticum may be contributing and whether treatment is appropriate.
In many cases, Ureaplasma can be present in the body for a long time without being detected.
Because symptoms are often mild or completely absent, it’s possible to carry the bacteria for months or even years without realising it. Many people only discover it when they are being tested for persistent symptoms or during more detailed investigations, such as fertility checks.
This is one of the reasons why a Ureaplasma test is often recommended when symptoms are ongoing but standard tests have not identified a cause.
When you’re dealing with ongoing symptoms or uncertainty, having quick access to clear answers makes a real difference.
At Broadgate GP, we provide:
Our clinic is conveniently located near Liverpool Street, Moorgate, and Bank, making it easy to attend appointments around your working day.
We focus on providing straightforward, high-quality care without unnecessary delays, so you can get clarity and move forward with confidence.
If your Ureaplasma test results are positive, treatment is through a prescription of antibiotic therapy. A course of antibiotics, using certain antibiotics effective against Ureaplasma, will be prescribed as part of the available treatment options to clear infection from the urinary and reproductive tracts and reduce the risk of complications. These medications can also be obtained from the in-house pharmacy at Broadgate’s STI Testing Clinic London Wall.
If you’re unsure whether testing is necessary, it’s usually best to speak with a GP. However, you may want to consider booking a Ureaplasma test if you are experiencing symptoms. It is generally recommended to wait around 14 days after potential exposure before testing, as this allows for more accurate detection.
We aim to keep the process simple, efficient, and discreet.
During your appointment:
Appointments are designed to fit easily into your day, with minimal disruption and no unnecessary waiting.
In some cases, Ureaplasma can resolve without treatment, particularly if it is not causing symptoms. However, if symptoms are present or there are related health concerns, treatment is usually recommended to prevent complications and reduce the risk of ongoing discomfort.
Ureaplasma has been associated with certain pregnancy-related complications, although the relationship is not always straightforward.
Research suggests that, in some cases, the presence of Ureaplasma may be linked to:
Newborns exposed to Ureaplasma during childbirth, particularly premature infants, may also have an increased risk of conditions such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a type of chronic lung disease.
Because of these potential risks, testing may be considered during pregnancy if there are symptoms or specific clinical concerns. Any treatment decisions are made carefully, based on individual circumstances.
The relationship between Ureaplasma urealyticum and fertility is still being studied.
In women, Ureaplasma is sometimes found in cases of unexplained infertility, although a direct cause-and-effect relationship has not been clearly established. This means it may be a contributing factor in some cases, but not the sole cause.
In men, some research suggests a possible link between Ureaplasma urealyticum and reduced sperm quality, including lower sperm concentration and motility, which can affect fertility.
If you're suffering from any type of health problem and you're based in the Central London area, then be sure to book an appointment with a GP.
We are a Private GP, therefore there is a charge for every appointment booked, to be paid on the day. Broadgate GP can only take appointments for patients
AGED 18 AND ABOVE.
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