Ureaplasma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim, Board-Accredited Family Physician

Board-Accredited Family Physician | MBChB, MMed (FM)

MBChB, MMed (FM) | Last updated: 12 Oct 2026

Found this page helpful?Helpful?

What Is Ureaplasma?

Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria found naturally in the urinary and reproductive tracts of men and women. Most of the time it is harmless, but it can lead to infection if it multiplies to large numbers or spreads beyond the areas where it normally lives.

Unlike most bacteria, ureaplasma has no cell wall, which makes it naturally resistant to certain antibiotics. It belongs to the Mycoplasmataceae family.

Two species, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum, affect humans. People often carry them without any signs, although in some cases they may contribute to urinary, genital or fertility-related problems.

How Is Ureaplasma Transmitted?

Ureaplasma is most often spread through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. Because the infection may not produce noticeable symptoms, it can be passed on without someone realising it.

While it is not officially classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is strongly linked with sexual contact and often detected alongside other STIs. Transmission can also take place from mother to baby during childbirth.

What Are the Symptoms of Ureaplasma Infection?

Most ureaplasma infections cause no symptoms, but when the bacteria multiply excessively or occur together with other infections, symptoms may appear.

These can include:

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Vaginal or penile discharge that is unusual
• Pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal area
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Genital irritation or itching

What Are the Risks of Untreated Ureaplasma?

If ureaplasma is left untreated, it may occasionally lead to health complications, particularly in individuals with other risk factors. Possible issues include:

• Vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, cervicitis, or endometritis in women
• Chronic urethritis or prostatitis in men
• Pregnancy-related complications such as premature birth, chorioamnionitis, or infections in newborns
• Reduced fertility, including poor sperm motility or difficulty conceiving

Although ureaplasma does not always lead to health problems, it is advisable to seek medical attention if symptoms develop or complications are suspected.

How Is Ureaplasma Tested?

Ureaplasma is typically detected using swabs from the cervix, vagina, or urethra, or from a urine sample. Because the bacteria lack a cell wall, they cannot be identified using standard bacterial cultures and require more specialised methods.

Common diagnostic tests include:

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing — detects ureaplasma DNA and is highly sensitive
• Culture testing — cultivates the bacteria from the sample in a laboratory to verify its presence
• Multiplex STI panels — More comprehensive screenings that check for ureaplasma along with other sexually transmitted infections

When Is Treatment for Ureaplasma Recommended?

Treatment with antibiotics is usually advised when ureaplasma is associated with symptoms, recurrent infection, fertility concerns, pregnancy complications, or other medical issues.

The antibiotics commonly prescribed include doxycycline, azithromycin, or erythromycin, depending on the individual case. In certain situations, follow-up testing may be recommended after treatment to ensure that the infection has been fully cleared.

Preventing Ureaplasma

While ureaplasma is commonly present in healthy individuals, certain steps can reduce the risk of symptomatic infection or transmission:

• Consistent and correct use of condoms during sexual activity
• Schedule regular sexual health screenings if you are sexually active, even when no symptoms are present.
• Consult a doctor promptly if you develop any signs of infection, so that treatment can begin early.
• Discuss sexual health matters openly with your partners to support mutual protection and awareness.

For couples planning pregnancy or considering fertility assessments, both partners may be advised to undergo screening, with treatment recommended if ureaplasma is detected.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Ureaplasma?

If you experience persistent, recurrent, or disruptive symptoms such as burning during urination, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or genital discomfort, you should see a doctor. Medical advice is also recommended if you are concerned about recent exposure, or if symptoms continue or return after treatment.

Cost of Ureaplasma Testing & Treatment in Singapore

At Singapore Women's Clinic, we provide discreet and confidential ureaplasma testing, with treatment available whenever required. Our prices are as follows:

Test / Treatment	Price*
Consultation	From $49.05
Urogenital Mycoplasma Swab Test	$76.30
STD Screening Packages
Enhanced Female Genital Screen (9 tests) – Swab Test Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Candida, Gardnerella Vaginosis Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Candida, Gardnerella Vaginosis	$348
Complete Female STD Screen (15 tests) – Blood + Swab Test HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Candida, Gardnerella Vaginosis HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Candida, Gardnerella Vaginosis	$478
Enhanced Genital Ulcer Testing (18 tests) – Blood + Swab Test Blood: HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C Swab: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus Ducreyi (Chancroid), Cytomegalovirus, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis), Varicella Zoster Virus Blood: HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C Swab: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus Ducreyi (Chancroid), Cytomegalovirus, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis), Varicella Zoster Virus	$538
Treatment
Oral Antibiotics	From $1.09 per tab

*All prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.

Payment Options We Accept

Credit Cards

NETS / PayNow / GrabPay

Cash

Confidential testing for a range of STIs is available either as individual tests or within comprehensive screening packages. Male and female doctors are available upon request, depending on your comfort and preferences.

For details about available tests, treatment options, or to arrange an appointment, please contact us directly.