Ureaplasma is a bacterial species that dwells in the reproductive and urinary tracts of our bodies. When bacteria grow too much, they can trigger inflammation in tissues that are otherwise healthy. Ureaplasma is thought to be linked to certain diseases, such as issues during pregnancy.
Thanks to YourDoctors.online, we can now learn the basics about ureaplasma, its symptoms, what are the causes, and more.
What exactly is ureaplasma
Ureaplasma, which is a member of the Mycoplasma genus of bacteria, is also a parasitic condition, and it’s frequently detected inside the vaginal or urinary tracts of the person who suffers from it. Otherwise, ureaplasma represents a usual component of the bacterial flora of the body, and it typically coexists without triggering any adverse effects. But if ureaplasma increases, illness and infection can kick in as well.
Ureaplasma is even resistant to some of the commonly used antibiotics, such as penicillin.
What are the symptoms of ureaplasma
There aren’t any symptoms of ureaplasma that coexist in harmony with the rest of the microorganisms from the individual’s body. But if the population of ureaplasma grows, certain symptoms can occur, such as:
- Trouble getting pregnant (for females)
- Urethritis: itching, burning, or pain during peeing, along with unpleasant-smelling discharge, indicates an inflammation.
- Bacterial vaginosis: vaginal infection, such as itching around the vagina, along with foul smell, as well as burning sensation during urination, should concern you.
- Prostatitis: if you experience pain while urinating, or you have a pressing need to urinate, or have bloody or murky urine, it means that you have prostatitis.
- Endometritis
- Kidney stones
Ureaplasma can even occur in pregnant women and newborn children. For newborns, pneumonia, brain damage, and meningitis can occur.
What are the causes of ureaplasma
The first way that ureaplasma can spread from one person to another is through sexual contact. People who are sexually active often deal with the condition. Women who have numerous sexual partners have higher chances to deal with ureaplasma and vaginal infections.
In rare cases, a woman who has ureaplasma can pass it to her unborn child. However, this illness will usually disappear on its own after a maximum of two months.
If your immune system is compromised, you’re at a higher risk of dealing with ureaplasma infection at some point.
How can you treat ureaplasma
Antibiotic treatment represents the best approach when it comes to dealing with your ureaplasma infection, but you need to keep in mind that only several such kinds of medicines are effective. A consultation at your doctor is mandatory in order to find out which treatment is efficient for you, as certain antibiotics can pose risks to unborn children and their mothers.
In the case of vaginal or urinary tract infections, for instance, azithromycin or doxycycline could be used. If these medications aren’t enough, the doctor might give you erythromycin or fluoroquinolones.
How to prevent ureaplasma infections
As you’ve probably already figured out, practicing safe sex is the primary preventive measure that you can take to avoid ureaplasma infections. In other words, using condoms and dental dams represents great measures that you need to take before going into bed with the chosen one.
Carefully washing your genitals before sexual contact is also crucial. Any infection pathogens will be eliminated in this way. Otherwise, urethral inflammation could kick in.
Remember to first seek professional and medical advice from your doctor each time you deal with ureaplasma infections or if you even suspect that you might have such a condition!
