Biological Marker(s)
Ureaplasma urealyticum and parvum DNA
Window Period
14 days
Sample Required
Men: urine sample
Women: high-vaginal swab
+/- oral swab (where indicated)
Turn Around Time
4 working days (exc. sat/sun & holidays)
Locations
Fees
£200 (£140 as Drop and Go)
Journey Overview
#1 Pre-Appointment Questionnaire
To help make your appointment as efficient and informative as possible, we ask you to complete a short questionnaire before attending.
#2 Consultation
We will begin by assessing your medical & sexual history, any symptoms you may be experiencing and discuss any questions you may have.
#3 Sample Collection
If it is still appropriate to proceed with the Ureaplasma test (and you would like to), we will collect the appropriate sample. This may be a vaginal swab or first-catch urine sample, depending on your anatomy and test pathway.
#4 Receive Results
Results are available within 4 working days.
If you have tested positive, we will discuss the result and next steps with you. A positive result does not automatically require treatment, as Ureaplasma may be present as asymptomatic colonisation.
Patient Feedback
Eligibility
Best For
Patients with persistent symptoms despite negative routine STI results.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding
Testing is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Menstruation
Testing can usually be performed during menstruation.
Prior/Repeat Use
Retest is recommended two weeks after finishing treatment.
Do NOT use if
You have taken antibiotics within three weeks.
Avoid/Discuss if
Symptoms are persistent or unexplained.
FAQs
Ureaplasma is detected by PCR test, which detects the DNA of the bacteria and is highly accurate.
For men, the test is usually performed on a first-catch urine sample. Avoid passing urine for at least 1–2 hours before providing the sample. For women, the test is usually performed using a vaginal swab, which may be collected by a clinician or self-collected if appropriate.
Preparation depends on the type of sample being collected.
For a urine test, avoid passing urine for at least 2 hours beforehand. For a vaginal swab, avoid using tampons, vaginal douches, or spermicides for 24 hours before testing, as these may affect the sample quality.
The recommended window period is around 14 days after potential exposure. Testing earlier may increase the chance of a false-negative result.
If you develop symptoms before this time, seek medical advice rather than waiting for the window period to pass.
Ureaplasma testing uses Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect the bacteria's DNA. PCR can identify very small amounts of genetic material, making it more sensitive and accurate than traditional culture methods.
PCR testing for Ureaplasma is highly accurate when performed after the recommended window period and with the correct sample.
Because Ureaplasma can be present without causing symptoms, a positive result should be interpreted alongside your symptoms and clinical assessment.
Consider testing if you have symptoms such as unusual discharge, discomfort when urinating, pelvic pain, or if a sexual partner has been diagnosed with Ureaplasma.
For the most accurate results after a possible exposure, wait at least 14 days before testing.
Not always. If you do not have symptoms, testing can usually be performed using a urine sample or vaginal swab without a physical examination.
If you have symptoms such as pain, discharge, or pelvic discomfort, a physical examination may be recommended to help determine the cause.
Most PCR tests detect both Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum.
The main difference is the sample type: a vaginal swab is generally preferred for women, while a first-catch urine sample is commonly used for men. Ureaplasma testing may also be performed as part of a broader PCR panel that checks for other genital infections from the same sample.
You can receive your test results by either text or email.
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 Ureaplasma infection is suspected, it is best to avoid sexual activity until you receive your results. If treatment is needed, avoid sex until you and any current partners have completed treatment and any symptoms have resolved.
If you have symptoms such as irritation or discharge, avoiding sexual activity may also help reduce discomfort.
A positive test does not always mean treatment is needed, as Ureaplasma can be present without causing symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and individual circumstances before deciding whether antibiotics are appropriate. If treatment is recommended, current sexual partners may also need assessment or treatment to reduce the risk of reinfection.
There is no routine requirement to tell your partner if you test positive for Ureaplasma, as it is commonly found in healthy people and is not managed in the same way as infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
If you are being treated because you have symptoms, it is generally recommended that current sexual partners are assessed and treated where appropriate to help prevent reinfection.
Yes. A certificate can be provided if you need your results for official purposes.
You may be asked to provide a valid form of identification so the certificate can be issued with the correct details.
Page last reviewed by Mrs Magdalena Nowacka 24 September 2026 for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.