Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria commonly found in the genitourinary tract, which includes the urinary and reproductive organs. While often part of the normal bacterial population, they can sometimes overgrow and lead to symptoms or complications. Many individuals carrying Ureaplasma remain asymptomatic, meaning they show no noticeable signs.
How Ureaplasma Spreads
Ureaplasma is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Due to this common mode of transmission, if one partner is diagnosed with Ureaplasma, there is a high likelihood that their sexual partner also carries the bacteria, even if that partner is not experiencing symptoms.
While sexual contact is the main route for partner transmission, Ureaplasma can also be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth. It is considered common among sexually active adults.
What Your Partner Needs to Do
If you have been diagnosed with Ureaplasma, it is important for your sexual partner to be aware and consider testing. Even if your partner is asymptomatic, they may still carry the bacteria and could unknowingly reinfect you after your treatment. Testing for Ureaplasma typically involves a urine sample or a swab from the vagina or urethra.
Concurrent treatment for both partners is often recommended to prevent a “ping-pong effect” where the infection is passed back and forth. This approach aims to break the cycle of reinfection and ensure effective eradication of the bacteria. The general approach to treatment involves antibiotics, as Ureaplasma can be effectively targeted by certain medications.
Commonly prescribed antibiotics include doxycycline, typically taken as 100 mg twice daily for 7 days, or azithromycin, which may be given as a single 1-gram dose or a multi-day course. It is crucial for both partners to complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to fully clear the infection and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. In some cases, if the infection does not respond to initial treatment, alternative antibiotics like moxifloxacin may be prescribed.
Preventing Future Infections
To prevent reinfection and manage Ureaplasma effectively, practicing safe sex is important, especially during and immediately after treatment. Using barrier methods like condoms can significantly reduce the risk of transmission between partners. Abstaining from sexual activity until both partners have completed their full course of antibiotics and the infection has cleared is also recommended to prevent re-infection.
Both individuals should ensure they complete the full prescribed course of antibiotics, as incomplete treatment can contribute to antibiotic resistance and recurrence. While routine retesting after treatment is not always required if symptoms resolve, if symptoms persist or return, follow-up testing may be necessary to confirm eradication and guide further treatment if needed. Open communication between partners regarding sexual health, including any diagnoses and treatment plans, is also important for managing and preventing future infections.