Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria that lives naturally in the urinary and reproductive tracts of many healthy people — and often causes no symptoms at all. But in some cases, especially when the balance of bacteria is disrupted or when the immune system is stressed, ureaplasma can lead to infections that mimic sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
There are two main species that affect humans: Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum. These bacteria are part of the mycoplasma family, which includes other tricky-to-detect organisms like Mycoplasma genitalium.
Ureaplasma is not considered a classic STI, but it is often transmitted through sexual contact, and symptoms typically appear in the genital or urinary tracts. It’s more common among people with multiple sexual partners and can be linked to infertility, urethritis, bacterial vaginosis, and pregnancy complications.
What Are Symptoms of Ureaplasma?
Most people with ureaplasma won’t notice any symptoms. But when symptoms do occur, they often resemble those of other urogenital infections — which can make it hard to know what’s causing the problem without testing.
In people with male biology:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Discharge from the penis (often clear or white)
- Pain or discomfort in the urethra
- Testicular pain (in rare cases)
In people with female biology:
- Vaginal irritation or unusual discharge
- Pain during urination or sex
- Pelvic discomfort
- Increased risk of bacterial vaginosis or cervicitis
In both:
- Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
- Symptoms that don’t respond to standard UTI or STI treatment
Ureaplasma can also be found during investigations for unexplained infertility or recurrent miscarriages.
What Does Ureaplasma Look Like?
Ureaplasma can’t be seen with the naked eye or identified through visual exam. There are no visible sores, bumps, or lesions. The infection doesn’t produce a specific “look,” which makes it easy to miss or misattribute to something else.
If symptoms are present, they’re often internal — like discomfort during urination or sex, or discharge that’s not obviously abnormal. In people with vaginas, ureaplasma may contribute to recurring bacterial vaginosis, but the bacteria itself won’t produce an odor or visual change that’s specific.
How Is Ureaplasma Transmitted?
Ureaplasma spreads primarily through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. Many people carry ureaplasma without ever knowing it, and transmission doesn’t require symptoms to be present.
Because it’s naturally found in the urogenital tract of many people, ureaplasma isn’t always treated unless it’s causing problems. But in sexual health contexts, it becomes important when:
- You or your partner have symptoms of urethritis or cervicitis
- You’ve had repeated negative STI tests but symptoms persist
- You’re dealing with infertility, recurrent miscarriages, or pregnancy complications
How Do You Test for Ureaplasma?
Testing for ureaplasma isn’t included in standard STI panels, so you’ll usually need to request it specifically. Diagnosis is made through a urine test, vaginal or urethral swab, or semen sample.
Because symptoms overlap with other infections, testing is especially useful when:
- STI and UTI tests are negative but symptoms persist
- There’s unexplained vaginal irritation or discharge
- A provider is evaluating causes of infertility or pregnancy loss
Some clinics use PCR (nucleic acid amplification) testing, which is the most sensitive and accurate method for detecting ureaplasma.
How Is Ureaplasma Treated?
Ureaplasma is treated with antibiotics, but not all antibiotics work against it. Unlike typical bacteria, ureaplasma lacks a cell wall — which makes some common antibiotics (like penicillin) ineffective.
The most effective treatments include:
- Doxycycline for 7–14 days
- Azithromycin, usually as a single dose or short course
If symptoms don’t resolve, a different antibiotic or longer course may be needed. It’s also important to test and treat sexual partners, especially in cases of recurrent infection.
Complications of Ureaplasma
When ureaplasma becomes symptomatic or goes untreated, it can cause more serious complications, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Potential risks include:
- Chronic urethritis or cervicitis
- Infertility or reduced sperm motility
- Infections in the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Preterm labor or miscarriage during pregnancy
- Joint infections or sepsis in immunocompromised individuals
For most people, ureaplasma causes no problems — but when symptoms arise, it’s worth taking seriously.
Outlook & Prognosis
If diagnosed and treated properly, ureaplasma infections usually clear up without long-term consequences. The challenge is that many people don’t know they have it — and it may keep getting passed back and forth between partners.
For people dealing with chronic symptoms, infertility, or unexplained pelvic pain, identifying ureaplasma can provide a clear path to relief.
Living With Ureaplasma
Living with ureaplasma can be frustrating, especially if you’ve had lingering symptoms that weren’t addressed by standard STI or UTI treatment. Some people go through multiple rounds of testing before a provider thinks to check for ureaplasma.
If you’re in a relationship, it’s important that both partners get tested and treated to prevent reinfection. Even if only one of you has symptoms, you can pass it back and forth. Good communication, follow-through on treatment, and sometimes abstaining from sex until you’ve both completed antibiotics can make all the difference.
How to Tell Your Partner(s) You Have Ureaplasma
This conversation can feel awkward — especially because ureaplasma sounds unfamiliar and isn’t widely known. But the key is keeping it simple and fact-based:
“I tested positive for something called ureaplasma — it’s a common bacterial infection that can be passed through sex. It’s not dangerous, but I’m getting treated and wanted to let you know so you can get checked too.”
Most people will appreciate your honesty and follow your lead. You don’t have to explain everything — just enough to help them understand it’s treatable and worth checking on.
Last reviewed: May 2025
This content is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest medical guidelines.
Quick Facts About Ureaplasma
- Caused by: Bacteria (Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum)
- Spread through: Sexual contact; sometimes passed from mother to baby
- Symptoms: Often none; may include urethritis, discharge, pelvic pain
- Testing: Urine test or genital swab; PCR-based detection
- Treatment: Antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin
- Risk if untreated: Infertility, recurrent symptoms, pregnancy complications
- How common: Frequently present in healthy people; can become pathogenic in some cases