What is ureaplasma? Ureaplasmas are small bacteria that inhabit the respiratory and urogenital tracts. They are some of the smallest microorganisms in the world and are so small that they cannot be seen through a microscope. Ureaplasma is often part of the human microbiome, which consists of trillions of tiny microorganisms that live in and on the human body. These tiny bacteria help the body with digestion, fight infection and maintain reproductive health. Sometimes, however, normally harmless bacteria grow and inflame healthy tissue. This creates a colony of bacteria that can lead to infection. Ureaplasma species are associated with a variety of health problems, including bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy complications. Ureaplasma infections seem to be associated with an increased risk of developing some diseases, but are not their direct cause. However, research is inconclusive. How is ureaplasma transmitted? Ureaplasma is usually transmitted through sexual contact and can enter the body through the vagina or urethra. Ureaplasma can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy. The infection usually clears up within a few months. Rarely, ureaplasma occurs among children and sexually inactive adults. People with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of Ureaplasma infection. This includes people who are HIV-positive and people who have had an organ transplant. What are the symptoms of ureaplasma infection? Most people with ureaplasma infection (ureaplasmosis) do not experience any symptoms. Ureaplasma infection is a possible cause of inflammation of the urethra (urethritis). Both men and women can develop the following symptoms of urethritis: Pain during urination; Steaming; Leakage of secretion. Ureaplasma is also a possible cause of bacterial vaginosis. Symptoms may include: Watery vaginal discharge; Bad smell. Ureaplasma may also increase the risk of other conditions, such as: Kidney stones; Premature birth; Respiratory diseases in newborns Doctors investigated the presence of ureaplasma in infertile couples in the 1970s and 1980s, but the results were mostly inconclusive. Little research has been done since then. Ureaplasma appears to play a role in the risk of preterm birth. However, ureaplasma does not cause premature birth, but is only one part of a complex series of events that cause it. Inflammation of the reproductive organs is a common cause of premature birth. Many causes can lead to inflammation, including bacterial infections in the amniotic sac, cervix, and vagina. Doctors are investigating ureaplasma as a possible contributing factor to the inflammation. Ureaplasma species may play a role in the following pregnancy complications:Premature rupture of the amniotic sac; Premature birth; Intra-amniotic infection; Chorioamnionitis; Low fetal birth weight The presence of Ureaplasma is also associated with an increased risk of postpartum endometritis, which is inflammation of the uterus. How is ureaplasma infection diagnosed? In most cases, tests for ureaplasma are not carried out. If the patient is complaining and all other problems have been ruled out, a sample can be taken and sent to a laboratory. Some of the following testing methods may be used to help diagnose ureaplasma infection: Cervical swab sampling; Urine sample; Endometrial biopsy. What are the treatment options? Treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics. The preferred antibiotics for ureaplasma infection are azithromycin or doxycycline. If the patient does not respond to treatment, another type of antibiotic may be prescribed. References: 1. Larsen B, et al. (2010). Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, and adverse pregnancy outcomes 2. Kokkayil P, et al. (2015). Ureaplasma: Current perspectives 3. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Urinary tract infection 4. Waites KB, et al. (2005). Mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas as neonatal pathogens