A Ureaplasma PCR test is done using a high-vaginal swab for women and a urine sample for men. The sample is sent to an external laboratory to test for the DNA presence of Ureaplasma.

There are 2 common species of Ureaplasma infections found in humans. They behave in a very similar fashion clinically, but can be distinguished from each other by genetic tests and other laboratory characteristics.

Of the 2 species of Ureaplasma, Ureaplasma urealyticum is more likely to be sexually transmitted and more likely to produce symptoms compared to Ureaplasma parvum.

The testing for Ureaplasma may be considered in the following situations:

• You are experiencing symptoms.
• Your partner has tested positive.
• As part of NSU investigation where all other test results are negative.
• As part of Cervicitis and PID work-up in the women where all other tests are negative.
• As part of investigation for recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) as Ureaplasma can be seen in 60-95% of patients with BV.
• As part of a complete STI screen where you want to know your ureaplasma status as a baseline.

We recommend waiting 14 days after sexual contact before testing. If you are experiencing symptoms or your partner has tested positive, please attend without delay.

An examination may be recommended if you have symptoms so that your clinician can promptly address and manage your symptoms and rule out any secondary complications.

If you do not have any symptoms but wish to test for Ureaplasma, an examination is not necessary. However, in the absence of any symptoms it is not generally recommended that you test for Ureaplasma. Your clinician will be able to explain this in more detail during your consultation.

Male patients will need to drink enough water and hold their urine for 2 hours before their appointment time. Female patients do not need to hold their urine as a high-vaginal swab will be taken instead.

There is no extra preparation required.

Yes. Everything you share with us is confidential and will not be shared with the NHS or anyone else unless you wish for us to do so.

You can receive your Ureaplasma test results by either text or email.

It is essential that you practise safe-sex whilst waiting for your results. Your clinician will advise you on any extra precautions depending on your situation, your symptoms and if you are taking treatment.

The results will be either NOT Detected (i.e. negative) or DETECTED (i.e. positive).

In some cases, the test may come back as equivocal which means that it was not possible to gain a conclusive result from the sample given. If this happens, we will request another sample free of charge.

If your Ureaplasma test result is positive, you will be given a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. However, treatment may not always be necessary in those who do not have any symptoms. This is particularly so in cases where the Ureaplasma bacteria exists harmlessly in the body (i.e. is a commensal infection).

It is not always easy or possible to work out if the Ureaplasma species you have is commensal or an STI. It is often narrowed down by assessing factors such as previous negative test results, a history of unprotected sexual contact, subsequent development of symptoms, and a resolution of symptoms after a course of antibiotics.

Typically, if you have been treated for Ureaplasma following a positive test result, and you are still testing positive for Ureaplasma, it may be classified as a commensal infection.

Yes. It is essential to tell your sexual partners that you have tested positive for Ureaplasma so they can get tested and treated to avoid passing the infection onto others.

Pregnant people with an acquired infection should seek treatment as soon as possible after being diagnosed with Ureaplasma to avoid passing it on to the fetus via the womb or the baby during birth.

Evidence is limited, however, If transmission occurs through the womb, it can cause complications such as premature birth, still birth, risk of miscarriage and premature rupture of the membranes.

If transmission occurs during birth, it can cause complications for the baby such as meningitis, brain injury, pneumonia, breathing issues and injury to the lungs.

Yes. Along with a text or email of your Ureaplasma test results, we can email a certificate for official purposes. You will need to bring along your passport or driving licence for proof of identity.