The human body is a host to numerous germs, as we know. The equilibrium of microorganisms in our bodies is crucial for optimal bodily function. Ureaplasma is a small bacterial species living in the reproductive and urinary tracts. These bacteria are among the tiniest known living things; even when examined under a microscope, they cannot be distinguished.
These microscopic orgasms are regarded as a component of the human microbiome. The trillions of cells in the body make up this collection. These tiny creatures support various body processes, including digestion, immunity, and reproductive health.
Though these bacteria are generally harmless, they tend to overgrow and cause inflammation to healthy tissues. As a result, bacteria begin to colonize and eventually create an illness. Ureaplasma has been connected to diseases, including bacterial vaginosis and problems during pregnancy, among others.
This article will thoroughly examine Ureaplasma, its mode of transmission, potential signs and symptoms, and various treatments.
What is Ureaplasma?
A bacteria called Ureaplasma is frequently detected in individuals’ vaginal or urinary tracts. Because it is parasitic, it depends on a host—a person or an animal—to survive.
Ureaplasma bacteria are a standard component of the body’s bacterial flora and typically coexist in harmony with no adverse effects. However, occasionally they can increase, leading to illness and infection.
Ureaplasma is a member of the Mycoplasma genus of bacteria. The Mycoplasma species are the tiniest known organisms of their kind that are capable of duplicating themselves.
The absence of a cell wall distinguishes Ureaplasma from other bacteria. It is resistant to some common antibiotics, including penicillin, because it lacks a cell wall. It can, however, be handled in a group setting.
Most people don’t even realize they have Ureaplasma in their bodies. Nevertheless, the male and female reproductive systems are affected by diseases and disorders associated with Ureaplasma. If the mother spreads the germs to the fetus during pregnancy, it can potentially afflict babies.
Symptoms of Ureaplasma
If Ureaplasma coexists in harmony with other microorganisms, symptoms are not noticed. The bacteria can’t infect you since a robust immune system can keep them in check.
Specific health issues could arise and manifest ureaplasma symptoms when its population grows.
A physician should investigate the following signs and symptoms of ureaplasma infection. Ureaplasma might not just cause these problems.
Trouble getting pregnant (symptoms of ureaplasma in females)
Men and women with reproductive issues have both been identified with ureaplasma bacteria. Twelve months of unsuccessful trying to conceive is considered infertility.
The bacterium may impact both the quantity and mobility of sperm in males. It might give women an infection that makes pregnancy more challenging.
According to a study, women who experience unexplained infertility are more likely to have Ureaplasma urealyticum, a specific type of Ureaplasma. The authors advise testing for the bacterium (testing for ureaplasma) in women who are experiencing unexplained infertility as a result.
Up to 15% of all cases of male infertility may be brought on by genital tract infections, albeit not all of these are caused by Ureaplasma. Many are caused by STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, which are sexually transmitted.
A literature review revealed that U. urealyticum was linked to an increased incidence of male infertility. Ureaplasma parvum, a different kind, was not connected to male infertility.
Some disorders that result in pain and discomfort in the vaginal area can be brought on by ureaplasma infection. They consist of the following:
Inflammation of the urethra (urethra plasma infection), the tube that removes pee from the body, is referred to as urethritis. Itching around the urethra, burning or pain during peeing, and odd or unpleasant-smelling discharge are all possible symptoms of urethritis.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
A vaginal infection which includes itching in and around the vagina, unusually foul-smelling or burning vaginal discharge, and burning during urination, are all symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Ureaplasma has been linked to several health problems that can cause pelvic, abdominal, or groin pain. These include:
Prostate gland inflammation is the pain while urinating, bloody or murky urine (ureaplasma in urine), incontinence, vaginal pain, and a pressing need to urinate are all symptoms of prostatitis.
This is an infection of the uterine lining. Pelvic pain, unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, and fever may result from this. A variety of bacteria can cause endometritis. However, Ureaplasma infection has previously been connected to the disorder.
Ureaplasma may contribute to the development of kidney stones in some individuals. Kidney stones can result in excruciating pain in the lower back, abdomen, and pelvic region, fever, difficulties urinating, and murky, red, or foul-smelling urine.
Consult one of our Doctors for Ureaplasma Treatment
Ureaplasma in pregnant women and newborns
Ureaplasma infection may be more common in premature infants.
- Premature infants may be more vulnerable to Ureaplasma infection, particularly those weighing less than 1,000 grams (2.2 pounds).
- Pneumonia, Meningitis, and brain damage can all occur in newborns.
- Breathing issues and lung damage
- A fetus may contract Ureaplasma before delivery, resulting in an early membrane rupture.
- Miscarriage, early pregnancy Stillbirth
- Ureaplasma infections in pregnant women can be treated, significantly decreasing the likelihood of severe problems.
What causes Ureaplasma?
Generally speaking, sexual contact is the primary way that Ureaplasma is spread. Nevertheless, Ureaplasma is a common disease in sexually active people. These bacterial populations may enter the body through the urethra or vagina.
On rare occasions, a woman will transmit Ureaplasma to her unborn kid. This particular illness is relatively transient and typically disappears on its own after one to two months. Ureaplasma is often relatively uncommon in kids and adults who aren’t sexually active.
Those with compromised immune systems are also at a higher risk of contracting ureaplasma infection. People who have had organ transplantation or contracted HIV are among the population subset covered by this scenario (HIV positive).
Additionally, it has been found that women with numerous sexual partners are more likely to get ureaplasma infections and vaginal infections.
How to Diagnose Ureaplasma?
Ureaplasma is so tiny that it is almost hard to spot it under a microscope. The doctor does not utilize a particular diagnostic technique to find Ureaplasma. It takes sophisticated lab tests and tools to identify Ureaplasma. Ureaplasma infections can be identified using the following tests:
- Cervical swab
- Urine sample
- A biopsy of the endometrium
How do you get Ureaplasma?
Sexually active people frequently have Ureaplasma. The main methods of infection transmission are unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse.
The illness can spread to unborn children in pregnant mothers. The problem typically improves on its own after a few months or improves with antibiotics.
Antibiotics for ureaplasma
Ureaplasma infections call for antibiotic treatment. However, only a few antibiotics are effective against these bacteria.
The medical condition being treated and the person receiving treatment influence the antibiotic choice. Certain ureaplasma antibiotics pose risks to unborn children and expectant mothers.
Azithromycin or doxycycline may be used for the cure of Ureaplasma-related vaginal or urinary tract infections.
If these medications are ineffective against the bacteria, erythromycin or fluoroquinolones may be administered.
Erythromycin can help newborns with Ureaplasma-related lung issues.
Macrolide antibiotics can treat pregnant women whose membranes have ruptured prematurely. Clarithromycin, azithromycin, and erythromycin are a few of these.
Antibiotic therapy may lower the newborn’s risk of contracting Ureaplasma infection.
How long does it take for treatment to work?
Most patients will start to feel better a few days after beginning an antibiotics course, and by the time it is over, they should have completely recovered from their symptoms.
However, some people might not get much better after finishing their antibiotic treatment. This may imply that Ureaplasma is not the cause of the symptoms, and further research may be necessary.
How effective is the treatment for Ureaplasma?
Ureaplasma infection treatment is brutal since treatment outcomes might range between 40% and 100%. Because Ureaplasma lacks a cell wall, which typical antibiotics target to treat the infection, this is the case.
What would cause my treatment for Ureaplasma to fail?
- If Ureaplasma is not the cause of your symptoms (even if your Ureaplasma test was positive)
- If you have a resistant strain of the ureaplasma infection
- If, when taking medications, you acquire an antibiotic resistance
- If you cannot take the antibiotics as directed (you miss one or more tablets)
- If you vomit or get diarrhea right after taking antibiotics (this can reduce the level of antibiotics in your blood and tissues to ineffective levels)
- If you engage in sexual activity with an infected partner before they have received the necessary treatment
The primary preventive measure that can aid in avoiding ureaplasma infection is practicing safe sex because Ureaplasma is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Adults who engage in sexual activity must use contraceptives like dental dams and male and female condoms and refrain from other unsanitary behaviors. The chance of contracting an infection is considerably decreased by adhering to these straightforward, safe sex practices.
Before having intercourse, remember to wash your penis and vagina. This will assist in eliminating any infectious pathogens that could result in urethral inflammation. Barrier birth control techniques offer no defense against these illnesses or other STDs.
Regular doctor visits and medication monitoring are crucial for patients with compromised immune systems who also have other health issues to prevent further infections in addition to Ureaplasma.
Both children and adults may experience complications from bacterial pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia can cause difficulties in anybody, but those with weakened immune systems, young children, and older persons are at greater risk.
Complications may include the following:
- If carbon dioxide levels rise or oxygen levels in the lungs fall too low, respiratory failure may result. It may be brought on by insufficient breathing capacity, and respiratory failure may even result in a total cessation of lung function.
- Sepsis. This condition develops when an infection triggers a severe inflammatory reaction all over the body. Sepsis has the potential to be fatal and can cause multiple organ failures.
- When a pus-filled pocket of infection grows in the lung, it becomes a lung abscess.
- An infected buildup of pus in the pleural space that encloses the exterior of the lungs is known as empyema.
Risk Factors for Ureaplasma
Although anyone can develop bacterial pneumonia, certain factors increase the risk.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with a weakened immune system because of cancer, cancer treatment, or an organ transplant face an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia.
Smoking tobacco products and having a long-term lung condition, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis COPD, increases the risk. Being over 65 and having had recent surgery also puts people at a higher risk.
Can Ureaplasma come back?
People with Ureaplasma and symptoms requiring treatment may develop the infection and symptoms again.
Ureaplasma Affecting Fertility
The connection between Ureaplasma and infertility has received very little attention from studies or research. Even those investigations have yet to produce any definite proof. However, the ureaplasma bacteria have been found in infertile men (ureaplasma in men) and women. Doctors have hypothesized that the bacteria may impact the number and quality of sperm in males. In situations of unexplained infertility in women, a specific kind of Ureaplasma termed ureaplasma urealyticum is frequently discovered.
Generally, 15% of all male infertility cases are caused by genital tract infections. These infections are caused by sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea and Ureaplasma.
Results, however, indicate that Ureaplasma plays a sizable part in raising the risk of premature delivery. The context is that Ureaplasma is merely one complex set of events; it does not cause preterm delivery.
Inflamed reproductive tissues are the leading cause of preterm birth. Numerous things, including bacterial infections in the cervix, vagina, and amniotic sac, can cause this inflammation. When pregnant, Ureaplasma can lead to severe issues like
- Preterm labor.
- Intra-amniotic infection.
- Low birth weight.
- Premature rupture of the fetal membrane.
- Placental invasion.
Also, Ureaplasma has been associated with an increased risk of postpartum endometritis, an inflammation of the uterus after delivery.
Ureaplasma During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, health concerns rise as women want to protect their newborns’ health. Unfortunately, if the bacterial illness of Ureaplasma is passed on to the fetus during pregnancy, the unborn baby can be at risk.
Although the infection is likely to resolve on its own for a pregnant woman, following ureaplasma transmission through the womb, complications may emerge during pregnancy and birth.
- Rupture of the membranes prematurely
- Risk of miscarriage
- The risk of premature birth
- Risk of stillbirth
If a pregnant woman tests positive for Ureaplasma during pregnancy, the mother must receive adequate treatment to limit the risk of passing the infection on to her unborn child. However, if the condition is passed on, the following are some issues that a newborn baby may have due to ureaplasma transmission.
- Brain injury and Meningitis
- Breathing issues and damage to the lungs
We have discussed in further detail treatment options for pregnant women who have Ureaplasma below.
Treatment for Ureaplasma during Pregnancy
Extra caution should be exercised when treating a pregnant woman for any infection, especially when administering antibiotics. According to research (source), women at risk of premature prelabour rupture of the membranes due to conditions such as Ureaplasma have demonstrated some short-term benefits after taking a course of antibiotics.
If a pregnant woman suspects she has Ureaplasma, she should consult her doctor immediately. The quicker you treat the infection, the more effective your treatment will be, and the chance of passing the virus on to their baby will be lower.
Medications for Ureaplasma
The most common antibiotics used to treat Ureaplasma infections are:
It is important to note that the selection of an antibiotic for the treatment of Ureaplasma infection should be based on the susceptibility of the particular strain causing the infection, as well as the patient’s overall health and medical history. Additionally, it’s recommended to complete a full course of antibiotics as directed by a healthcare provider to ensure that the infection is fully treated.
Ureaplasma Natural Treatment
Tea Tree Oil
One of the most extraordinary all-natural remedies for Ureaplasma is tea tree oil. Treatment for ureaplasma infection using tea tree oil is quite successful. In addition, it is pretty straightforward.
- Add some water to some tea tree oil.
- Witch hazel is another option you have.
- Apply this remedy now to the affected region.
- Tea tree oil should always be diluted before use because it is potent and could hurt your skin.
Increasing your immunity is an essential component of ureaplasma infection treatment. A weakened immune system typically brings on this infection. Therefore, the best natural remedy for ureaplasma infection is to increase your immunity.
Include a lot of broccoli, ginger, and bell peppers in your diet. On all processed goods, pick the least profitable options. Consume whatever makes you happy, and your white blood cells will be in good shape.
Apple cider vinegar
As apple cider vinegar is so acidic, it regulates the pH of the vitamin pathway and creates an environment that is not conducive to the growth of Ureaplasma. This is the best home remedy to treat ureaplasma infection naturally.
- Take an equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water.
- Mix it properly and apply it to the affected area.
- Repeat this remedy twice a day.
Restoring the health of your genetic tract is easy with probiotics. These substances contain lots of lactobacilli, which are healthy bacteria for you.
Consuming probiotics is a natural treatment. You can use it to repair problematic genetic flora as well. Try cultured probiotics like kefir, kimchi, and curd for the best results.
Fenugreek seeds can also be used to treat ureaplasma infections organically. It aids in raising the vaginal ph level and also strengthens immunity.
Take two tablespoons of these seeds and soak them in a glass of water for this natural cure. The next day, keep it. The next day, strain the juice and ingest it on an empty stomach.
- For at least a month, repeat this procedure each morning.
- Fenugreek seed, 2 tsp, should be soaked in water overnight.
- Drink the beverage after being strained and without food in the morning.
- For a month, use this medication daily.
Neem, commonly referred to as Indian lilac, is one of the most excellent herbs for treating ureaplasma infection. In addition to potent antibacterial actions, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics.
- Heat a few handfuls of Indian Lilac leaves in a pan.
- Grind them into a fine powder once they have cooled.
- To make it, add a little bit of water.
- Directly apply this paste to the affected region, then let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Finally, use lukewarm water to cleanse the affected area.
Continue using this natural remedy twice a day until the infection is gone.
Oregano oil contains anti-inflammatory which helps in treating ureaplasma infection. The oil contains minerals, including iron, calcium, zinc, copper, and manganese. It is also rich in car color and thymol, which are good antibiotics.
- Take three drops of oregano oil and mix it with 1 tsp olive oil.
- Apply this mixture to the affected area and leave it for a few hours.
- You can also use a mixture of oregano oil and a cup of warm water.
- Drink this super tonic twice a day until you get rid of a ureaplasma infection.
Prevention Of Ureaplasma Infection
- Drink 10-12 glasses of water
- Stop smoking
- Wear cotton undergarments
- Avoid oily and spicy food
- Use a condom while having intercourse
Ureaplasma vs BV
Several medical conditions, including bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy difficulties, have been associated with ureaplasma species. Although they are not the root cause of some problems, ureaplasma infections are linked to an elevated risk of some of them. However, a more conclusive study is required.
Mycoplasma Hominis and Ureaplasma Infections
Mycoplasma hominins and Ureaplasma species have been associated with several urogenital infections and pregnancy complications. They also cause infections at nongenital sites, especially in immunocompromised patients and neonates.
When Should I see my Healthcare Provider?
A person should not wait until symptoms emerge before consulting a doctor because many sexually transmitted illnesses or sexually transmitted infections(STIs), STIs will not cause symptoms.
Instead, persons who believe they may have been exposed to an STI or Ureaplasma and have a sexual partner who either has or may have an STI or ureaplasma should seek medical counsel.
A doctor might do a test to determine whether an infection is present.
Antibiotics are used as a treatment for bacterial illnesses. Even if the symptoms disappear, it is crucial to finish any antibiotic treatment. If you stop your therapy too soon, the leftover bacteria could start to develop once more, and your symptoms could return. The infection may become more challenging to treat at this point.
FAQs about Ureaplasma Answered by Your Doctors Online Team
Initially, Ureaplasma typically has no symptoms. However, when they do, both men and women have symptoms such as urethral irritation. This may result in discomfort when urinating, a burning feeling, odd discharge, and redness and inflammation near the infection site.
Ureaplasma is usually treated with antibiotics, although some people might clear the infection by simply resting and avoiding sexual activity. In extreme cases, Ureaplasma can spread to other body parts and damage your joints, nerves and muscles, causing Meningitis and even pneumonia. In women, a prolonged Ureaplasma infection also increases the risk of infertility. However, if the proper care and treatment are given, there is no reason to be concerned.
It is now known that the genital tract commensals Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum also contribute to urogenital infection. Even though Chlamydia trachomatis is the pathogen that most frequently causes urogenital diseases such as urethritis or cervicitis, commensals are increasingly more regularly discovered in the genital tract.
A bacterium called Ureaplasma can be transmitted during sexual activity; however, due to its low level of pathogenicity, it is not regarded as a typical STI or STD.
Sexual interaction is often how Ureaplasma is spread. Sexually active adults frequently experience it. It can enter the body via the urethra or vagina. Additionally, Ureaplasma can be transferred from the mother to the fetus.
Doxycycline is one of the antibiotics that may be used to treat bacterial vaginosis. After taking doxycycline, the effects can be felt as soon as two hours later. However, depending on your infection, it could take up to 24-48 hours to start feeling the effects. Doxycycline usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to clear an infection altogether, but it might take up to 2 months for some cases.