What is Ureaplasma?

Ureaplasma is a type of bacterium that infects the genitals and urinary tract. Ureaplasma bacteria are normally a part of the body’s bacterial microbiome.  Ureaplasma can grow under the correct conditions, usually when the immune system is low. Some infected individuals will clear up an infection on their own, while most will need to be treated with antibiotics.

Is Ureaplasma an STD?

First, let’s identify both types of Ureaplasma: Urealyticum and Parvum. While Ureaplasma Parvum is more frequently linked to clinical disease, Ureaplasma Urealyticum is more commonly associated with conditions such as urethritis or bacterial vaginosis. 

Despite the infection site and transmission, Ureaplasma Urealyticum is not considered to be a Sexually Transmitted Disease / Infection. While Ureaplasma is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse, it is not capable of causing a disease because, remember, Ureaplasma is a part of the human’s natural bacterial microbiome.

How do you get Ureaplasma?

Ureaplasma can spread by sexual contact (oral, anal, intercourse), but that is not always the case. It can appear in individuals with low immunity or those with other genital infections. Sharing sex toys with others could also transmit the bacteria. The infection can be transmitted with and without symptoms.

Ureaplasma does not usually cause symptoms if living in balance with your body’s natural bacterial microbiome, as a healthy immune system will keep it in check. The most common first symptom is painful and burning urination and discharge. Other symptoms are rare but could include (in women) bacterial vaginosis, Cervicitis, Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pregnancy-related issues, infertility, and kidney stone formation. In men, symptoms, if any, include urethritis, prostatitis, infertility, and kidney stone formation. Ureaplasma can infect the oral and rectal areas and stay there without causing symptoms for years. Studies have shown that individuals with rectal Ureaplasma are known to have a higher risk of acquiring HIV.

How to test for Ureaplasma?

A Ureaplasma test is usually advised when the individual is showing symptoms, but there are other reasons. Men with chronic urethritis, individuals with low immune systems, women with PID or urethritis, and men and women with infertility should all be screened for Ureaplasma.

You can reduce the chances of acquiring Ureaplasma by wearing condoms (or other barriers), cleaning sex toys after use, wearing clean, breathable underwear, and changing dirty or sweaty clothing.

A Ureaplasma test can be done 2-3 weeks after exposure unless the person is experiencing symptoms. Ureaplasma can be tested via urine culture testing.

How can Request A Test help with Ureaplasma testing?

Request A Test partners with one of the largest certified lab companies in the United States.  This means you have nearly 7,000 testing sites across the US to choose from.  It also means you can be confident that your testing is accurate and reliable, in addition to being quick and affordable.  In most cases, you can get tested the same day, and this test typically takes 1 – 2 weeks.  Results are provided through your secure online account.  There’s no need to wait to see a doctor to get the results.  As soon as they are available, you will be notified by email and able to view them online. 

The team at Request A Test is available to help you understand your results if you have any questions.  STD testing is an essential part of personal healthcare.  Request A Test is committed to making getting tested as hassle-free as possible. 

Once you’re ready to take charge of your health journey, visit us online or call our team at 888-732-2348.

Why choose Request A Test?

• Affordable pricing
• Over 7,000 convenient nationwide locations
• Same-day testing and rapid results
• No doctor's order needed, we provide one
• No insurance is required

Preventive screening is important for your sexual health. With Request A Test, you are empowered to take charge of your health. In addition to Ureaplasma Urealyticum, we offer a full selection of STI / STD screenings and hundreds of other testing options. Do Not Wait. Place an order or contact us at 888-732-2348 today to get started.

DISCLAIMER: The medical information in this post is for informative purposes only.

References:

• https://www.verywellhealth.com/ureaplasma-8419998
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321636
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/ureaplasma-urealyticum
• https://stdcenterny.com/ureaplasma/test.html

DISCLAIMER: The medical information in this post is for informative purposes only

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