7 Key Female Symptoms of Ureaplasma: What to Watch For

Ureaplasma is a little-known but surprisingly common infection that affects the body harmlessly until it worsens. In most women, it may pose no symptoms, making it easier to ignore. But when it persists and exacerbates, it can lead to complications, especially associated with the reproductive system.

Understanding the symptoms of Ureaplasma in females is key to detecting and treating it early. This blog lists all the potential symptoms, along with treatment and preventive measures. 

Understanding Ureaplasma

Ureaplasma is a bacterium that naturally lives in the genital or urinary tract. It is basically a part of the natural flora of the body, which means it exists without causing any harm. This bacterium spreads from one person to another through sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission, or contaminated objects.

This infection is common in up to 80% of women who develop no visible symptoms, as the healthy immune system keeps it balanced and prevents it from causing infection. 

Symptoms of Ureaplasma in Females

Ureaplasma can lead to several symptoms in women that can affect their reproductive health. Identifying the symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

Here are the common signs of Ureaplasma infection in women:

• Unusual or Unpleasant Vaginal Discharge: By causing inflammation and disrupting the natural vaginal flora, ureaplasma can cause vaginal discharge that might look watery, yellowish in color with a foul odor.

• Pain and Burning Sensation During Urination: Ureaplasma causes urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), which contributes to pain and a burning sensation while urinating.

• Lower Abdominal Pain: Leads to inflammation and irritation in the urethra and cervix, which, in turn, causes mild to moderate pain in the lower abdominal region.

• Pain During Sexual Intercourse: Causes inflammation in the urethra and also contributes to bacterial vaginosis (imbalance of vaginal bacteria), which leads to pain during sexual activity.

• Frequent Urination: The inflammation and irritation in the urethra and bladder can trigger the bladder to shrink quickly and frequently than normal, contributing to frequent urges to pee, often in small amounts.

• Itching or Irritation: The overgrowth of ureaplasma can disrup the natural balance of vaginal flora, which leads to itching or irritation in the vagina. However, this symptom is less common. 

• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Causes inflammation in the reproductive tract and also contributes to or worsens infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease and bacterial vaginosis. This can disrupt the menstrual cycles. 

Can Women Have Ureaplasma Without Any Symptoms?

Yes, women can have Ureaplasma in their genital or urinary tract without any visible symptoms. These bacteria remain asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) because of:

• Normal Flora: Ureaplasma is a part of the natural flora (bacterial population) of the body, living in the urinary and genital tracts.

• Immune System Control: The healthy immune system keeps these bacteria in balance and also prevents them from growing in number and causing infections.

• Self-seeking Nature: When the immune system becomes weak, Ureaplasma can overgrow and cause several symptoms. 

Could Ureaplasma Symptoms Be Mistaken for Other STIs or Infections?

Yes, Ureaplasma symptoms can be mistaken for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea or infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). Why? Here are the reasons:

• Shares similar symptoms: Ureaplasma cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, frequent urination, unusual vaginal discharge, and painful urination which are also common in gonorrhea, chlamydia, and UTIs.

• Appears as an underlying cause: Sometimes, Ureaplasma can be the cause of vaginitis (inflammation in vagina) which share the same symptoms.

The best advice is to get tested properly if women experience any symptoms or have concerns about their sexual health. 

How Long Does Ureaplasma Last Without Knowing?

The potential duration can be months and even years, without experiencing any visible symptoms, as the body’s defence system keeps Ureaplasma under control. However, if the immune system becomes weak or vaginal flora get disrupted, it can lead to infections with noticeable symptoms.

In some cases, Ureaplasma also goes unnoticed for a longer period, as it is misdiagnosed as other infections like STIs or UTIs due to similar symptoms. If you have doubts or concerns, consult a doctor for testing. 

Ureaplasma Complications

The risks of untreated Ureaplasma may include:

Reproductive Issues

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (bacterial infection in the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes)

• Bacterial Vaginosis (infection causing imbalance of vaginal bacteria)

• Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)

• Infertility

Pregnancy Complications

• Pregnancy complications

• Miscarriage

• Preterm labor

• Stillbirth

• Premature rupture of membranes, a study reports that.

• Chorioamnionitis (infection of the amniotic fluid and placenta)

Neonatal Risks:

• Low Birth Weight

• Respiratory infections, like pneumonia, are particularly common in premature infants

• Brain inflammation in newborns

How Does Ureaplasma Impact Fertility?

Ureaplasma can lead to several reproductive complications, which can affect fertility. How? Let’s break it down:

• Inflammation: May cause inflammation of the reproductive organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, interrupting the conception process.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Leads to PID, a bacterial infection that damages fallopian tubes and uterus, preventing fertilization.

• Implantation Failure: Ureaplasma inflammation might contribute to implantation failure, which prevents the embryo from adhering to the uterine lining.

• Increased Preterm Birth Risk: If pregnancy happens, Ureaplasma can increase the chances of preterm birth, which can complicate the gestation period.

By understanding the impact of Ureaplasma on fertility:

• Go for timely diagnostic tests.

• Consider preventive measures.

• Seek appropriate infection treatment

In case you face any challenges in conceiving, see a doctor for proper fertility treatment.

When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical help if you experience Ureaplasma symptoms, especially when they persist or worsen. Even if your Ureaplasma infection is completely resolved, you could be diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections or UTIs. Hence, it is crucial to consult a doctor for proper diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of any type of infection in the genital or urinary tract. 

Treatment for Ureaplasma

The first-line treatment is basically a course of antibiotics, which is prescribed based on your condition and medical history. The antibiotics provided include:

If you don’t respond well to these antibiotics, the healthcare professionals may prescribe another antibiotic, such as fluoroquinolones. Along with medication, the doctor also recommends the following important precautions to protect against the Ureaplasma infection:

• Partner treatment, if one is diagnosed with the infection.

• Practicing safe sex during the treatment period

• Follow-up tests.

These measures can help protect against the Ureaplasma infection.

Can Ureaplasma infections Recur?

Yes, Ureaplasma infections can recur even after the antibiotic treatment. The factors that can increase the likelihood of recurrence of infection include:

• Incomplete course of treatment

• Having many sexual partners

• Not using condoms

• Having a weak immune system

• Being pregnant

These factors allow the Ureaplasma to grow again and cause infection. So, the best advice is to consider the preventive measures until it resolves completely. 

Preventing Ureaplasma Infection

To prevent the recurrence of Ureaplasma infection, follow these tips properly:

• Practice safe sex hygiene by using condoms correctly and consistently using condoms, limiting sexual partners, cleaning contaminated sex toys, and getting STI screening regularly.

• Consider partner testing if one partner is diagnosed with the infection, or especially if you have several sexual partners.

• Avoid sexual intercourse until you complete your antibiotic treatment or get tested.

• Use clean sex toys and also clean them after use.

• Maintain vaginal pH balance by cleaning the vagina with unscented soap and water, wearing clean, breathable, cotton underwear, and changing dirty or sweaty clothes.

• Boost your immune system by consuming a healthy diet, exercising regularly,  getting adequate sleep, and reducing stress.

• Attend regular health check-ups to detect potential infections early and to monitor your sexual health.

Final Thoughts

These are the key symptoms of Ureaplasma in females that can trigger severe medical complications like infertility, miscarriage, preterm birth, etc., if left untreated. Early detection of these symptoms can help receive effective and timely treatment. So, if you develop any symptoms, report them to the healthcare providers. Also, protect yourself from it by completing the antibiotic course, practicing protected sex, and getting retested. 

Frequently Asked Questions