Private Ureaplasma Test | Same-Day Results UK

Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria that naturally inhabits the urogenital tract. Two species exist: Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum. Both can be present without causing symptoms, but in some people they lead to infection, inflammation, and complications including urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and pregnancy-related problems.

In men, ureaplasma most commonly causes urethritis, which includes a burning sensation when urinating, discharge from the penis, and inflammation along the urethra. As with women, many men have no noticeable symptoms and may not know they carry the bacteria.

Ureaplasma is not formally classified as a sexually transmitted infection in the traditional sense, as it can also be present in people who have never had sexual contact and can be passed from mother to baby during birth. However, it is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact and is treated in the same clinical context as other sexually acquired infections.

Both are species of ureaplasma bacteria, but they differ in their clinical associations and how commonly they are found. Ureaplasma urealyticum is more frequently associated with active symptoms and complications such as urethritis and PID. Ureaplasma parvum is more commonly found in the general population and is often harmless, though it can cause problems in certain individuals. A PCR test can identify which species is present.

Yes. We offer combined ureaplasma and mycoplasma genitalium testing at our clinics. We test both infections from the same sample and often screen for them together, as they share transmission routes and can co-exist. Your doctor can advise on the most appropriate testing panel for your circumstances.

In women, ureaplasma can cause unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, pain during sex, bleeding between periods or after sex, and recurrent urinary tract infections. It has also been linked to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and complications in pregnancy. Many women with ureaplasma experience no symptoms at all.

Ureaplasma is tested with a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, the most accurate method available. A urine sample or a genital swab is collected, depending on your symptoms and the nature of your exposure. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and results are typically returned within a few days.

Yes. Ureaplasma has been associated with reduced sperm motility and quality in men, and with endometritis, fallopian tube inflammation, and implantation difficulties in women. It has also been linked to recurrent pregnancy loss and preterm birth. If you are experiencing unexplained fertility problems, ureaplasma testing is worth considering as part of a broader assessment.

Yes. Doctors treat ureaplasma with antibiotics, most commonly doxycycline or azithromycin. Your doctor will select the appropriate antibiotic based on your symptoms, medical history, and test results. A test of cure is typically recommended after completing treatment to confirm the infection has cleared.

Ureaplasma testing is not part of standard NHS sexual health screening and is not routinely offered at NHS sexual health clinics. A private test gives you faster access to results and a consultation with a GMC-registered doctor who can advise on the clinical significance of your result and prescribe treatment where needed.