Mycoplasma and ureaplasma

What are mycoplasma and ureaplasma?

Mycoplasma and ureaplasma are very common bacteria that belong to the same family, Mycoplasmataceae. Most of us live with them in our urinary or respiratory tracts and they don’t cause any harm to us at all.^[1] But a few types of these bacteria can sometimes multiply and cause problems. They can trigger respiratory symptoms or symptoms similar to some genito-urinary conditions.

They’re a rare form of bacteria in that they don’t have cell walls, and are much smaller than most other forms of bacteria. In fact, they’re one of the smallest living free organisms in existence.

Who gets mycoplasma and ureaplasma infections?

The kind of mycoplasma that cause urogenital infections are most commonly spread through sexual activity. The bacteria is often found in the urinary tracts of men and women and can be spread through unprotected sex.

You’re also more likely to develop problematic mycoplasma infections if you already have an STI like trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea.^[1]

How common are mycoplasma and ureaplasma infections?

They’re very common infections, but for many people they’re asymptomatic and so don’t show any signs or symptoms. It’s thought that only a few of these sorts of infections will cause any real issues when they occur.

In the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles, just over 4500 sexually active men and women aged between 16 and 44 were tested for mycoplasma genitalium. It was found that 1.2% of men and 1.3% of women had mycoplasma genitalium. But results also showed that 94% of men and 56% of women who had the mycoplasma genitalium infection didn’t have any symptoms at all.^[2]

What causes mycoplasma and ureaplasma infections?

Most mycoplasma bacteria live in the body without causing any problems. Of all the hundreds of mycoplasma bacteria, there are only five that lead to symptomatic infections.

What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

This type is contracted by inhaling infected respiratory fluid. For example, if someone with mycoplasma pneumoniae sneezes near you and you breathe it in. These infections usually have symptoms similar to a common cold or flu like coughing, sore throat, headache and fatigue.

Mycoplasma genitalium

This type was only identified in the 1980s. It causes symptoms of urethritis in men and women and symptoms of cervicitis in women. Urethritis symptoms can include pain while peeing or cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis. Cervicitis symptoms include bleeding between periods and pain during sex. Mycoplasma genitalium is also believed to be a contributing factor to cases of pelvic inflammatory disease in women.

What is Mycoplasma hominis?

This can cause discharge and pain from the urethra in men when they urinate. In women, it has been linked to cases of pelvic inflammatory disease, too.

Ureaplasma urealyticum

This is a type of urinary tract infection that is passed on via sexual contact. Women can pass the infection to their unborn baby in the womb, or can pass it on to their baby during childbirth. In many cases, this infection doesn’t cause any issues, but there are instances of it being linked to low birth weight in babies born to pregnant women who have it. It has also been linked to pneumonia and septicemia infections if left undiagnosed and untreated.

What is Ureaplasma parvum?

This is another mostly symptomless infection. But in cases where symptoms do arise, it tends to cause issues such as pain and inflammation in the urethra, which can then result in a burning or painful sensation when you urinate.

What are the symptoms of mycoplasma and ureaplasma infections?

The symptoms of mycoplasma infection will depend on the type of infection you have, but most people who have it won’t notice any symptoms at all. If it’s sexually transmitted or affecting the urethra, your symptoms might include pain during sex or when urinating, discharge and swelling of the urethra. In women, there may also be vaginal bleeding in between periods.

If you have a respiratory infection caused by this bacteria then you may experience symptoms similar to flu or pneumonia, such as coughing, fever, fatigue, headache and sore throat.

Can mycoplasma and ureaplasma lead to other problems?

If the infections are left untreated, most people won’t come to any harm at all. For a few people they can cause more serious issues further down the line. It depends on the type of infection you have. For women, conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease can arise and for men, it can occasionally lead to problems with the testicles.

There is some evidence to suggest that in the cases of lung infection, pneumonia can arise. It’s important to note that these complications are rare if you seek help, as these types of infections are really easy to treat once they’ve been diagnosed.