Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma are tiny bacteria that can reside in the human body, often without causing noticeable problems. These microorganisms are distinct from more commonly recognized sexually transmitted infections, yet they can still lead to various health concerns if they become overabundant or spread to certain areas.
What are Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma
Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma belong to a class of bacteria known as “mollicutes,” distinguished by their lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic makes them resistant to certain common antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis, such as penicillin. Within this group, specific species are more frequently associated with human health issues, including Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum, alongside Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma hominis.
These bacteria are often found as part of the normal microbial environment in the genitourinary tracts of some individuals, particularly Ureaplasma parvum and Mycoplasma hominis. While they can exist without causing harm, an imbalance or specific conditions can prompt them to multiply excessively or invade new tissues. This shift from commensal presence to pathogenic activity can lead to various infections and inflammatory responses within the body.
Transmission and Risk Factors
The primary mode of transmission for Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma infections is through sexual contact, occurring during vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. These bacteria can be passed between partners even in the absence of visible symptoms, making their spread often unnoticed. The risk of transmission increases with the number of sexual partners an individual has.
Beyond sexual activity, transmission can also occur from a mother to her child during birth. This vertical transmission is less common but can lead to infections in newborns. Engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse elevates the risk of acquiring these bacteria, as does having a history of other sexually transmitted infections, which can make the genital tract more susceptible to new pathogens.
Recognizing Symptoms
Symptoms of Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma infections can vary, and many individuals experience no symptoms at all, making detection challenging without specific testing. When present, symptoms in men often include urethritis, characterized by a burning sensation during urination or a clear to cloudy discharge from the penis. Some men might also develop epididymitis, which involves inflammation and pain in the epididymis, located at the back of the testicle, or prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland.
Women may experience cervicitis, an inflammation of the cervix, which can manifest as unusual vaginal discharge, spotting between periods, or bleeding after sexual intercourse. Pelvic pain, particularly in the lower abdomen, and dyspareunia, or pain during sexual activity, are also reported symptoms. Due to their often asymptomatic nature, regular screening is an important consideration for individuals who may be at an elevated risk.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma infections involves specialized laboratory tests, as these bacteria are too small to be seen with standard microscopy and cannot be easily cultured. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, are the most reliable methods for detection. These tests identify the genetic material of the bacteria from samples.
Samples for testing can include urine or swabs taken from the affected areas, such as the urethra, vagina, or cervix. Accurate diagnosis is important because the symptoms can mimic those of other common infections, leading to potential misdiagnosis if specific testing is not performed. Once diagnosed, treatment involves antibiotics.
Commonly prescribed antibiotics belong to classes like macrolides, such as azithromycin, or tetracyclines, like doxycycline. The specific antibiotic and duration of treatment will depend on the species identified and the individual’s clinical picture. It is important for sexual partners to also be treated simultaneously to prevent re-infection. Following treatment, a follow-up test is recommended to confirm eradication.
Potential Health Implications
If Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma infections remain untreated, they can lead to serious health complications. In women, persistent infections can progress to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the upper reproductive organs. PID can result in chronic pelvic pain, increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, and potentially lead to infertility by damaging the fallopian tubes.
For men, untreated infections may contribute to recurrent urethritis, where inflammation of the urethra persists or returns, and epididymitis, causing ongoing discomfort and potential issues with sperm transport. During pregnancy, the presence of these bacteria has been linked to adverse outcomes, including an increased risk of preterm birth or miscarriage. Newborns can also acquire the infection during delivery, potentially developing conditions such as pneumonia or meningitis.