Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum (PCR)

Ureaplasmas are bacteria living in the urinary and genital organs of many healthy people without any symptoms. The PCR test shows whether Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum are present in the sample. Testing may be useful when symptoms remain unexplained after investigation of more common causes, or when requested by a gynaecologist or fertility treatment centre.

Who the test is for

• men with burning when urinating or urethral discharge, when tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and Mycoplasma genitalium are negative;
• women with recurrent vaginal or urinary symptoms, when a doctor considers the test necessary after investigating more common causes;
• couples undergoing fertility investigations or before assisted reproduction, when the centre requests the result;
• women planning pregnancy or who are pregnant, when a gynaecologist recommends testing;
• people wanting broader sexually transmitted infection testing as part of a panel; it is important to know that a positive result without symptoms usually does not require treatment.

Ureaplasma testing is not a routine test for every vaginal symptom, pregnancy or infertility. A doctor assesses whether it is justified in your situation after investigating more common and important causes. Routine testing without symptoms and without a doctor’s recommendation is not advised. Ureaplasmas are often found in healthy people, and such a result rarely changes treatment.

What the test reveals

The PCR test looks for the bacterium’s genetic material, reliably detecting even small quantities. This page covers two tests:

• Ureaplasma urealyticum is more often associated with urethral inflammation in men, particularly when the bacterial quantity is high.
• Ureaplasma parvum is found more commonly and is mostly a harmless inhabitant of the mucosa. Its role in disease is poorly understood.

Ureaplasmas are also being studied in relation to premature birth and infertility, but there is currently insufficient evidence that testing and treating women without symptoms improves outcomes.

The procedure and preparation

The sample is the first portion of the first morning urine, or urine after not urinating for at least two hours. Collect only the first portion, not midstream, into a clean container, and bring it as soon as possible, preferably within 2 hours. Women can also provide a vaginal swab, which they can collect themselves at home using a self-sampling kit obtained at a branch, then return the sample to the branch. Men can provide an anogenital swab instead of urine.

Do not use vaginal pessaries, creams or douches for several days before sampling, unless a doctor says otherwise. Mention if you have recently taken an antibiotic. Providing the sample takes a few minutes.

What your result means

• Ureaplasma urealyticum positive: with symptoms, it may cause inflammation, so a doctor decides on treatment and whether a partner needs testing. Without symptoms, it most often simply means the bacterium lives on the mucosa.
• Ureaplasma parvum positive: most often represents a normal inhabitant of the mucosa. Without symptoms, treatment is usually not recommended.
• Negative: ureaplasmas were not found in the sample. If symptoms persist, a doctor looks for other pathogens, such as Mycoplasma genitalium, chlamydia or Gardnerella.

A gynaecologist, urologist or dermatovenereologist interprets the result alongside your symptoms, examination and other findings.

How to arrange testing

The test is available without a referral or appointment. A nurse takes the swab, while urine or a swab collected at home can be handed in at any of our branches (list on the page Contact). You can also be tested anonymously, without disclosing personal details. Prices for all tests and panels are listed in the price list. Ureaplasma urealyticum is part of the STD4 basic panel, while both ureaplasmas are included in the STD10 full panel. All options are described on the page STI testing.

Frequently asked questions

Is ureaplasma a sexually transmitted disease?

Ureaplasmas can be sexually transmitted, but are part of the normal flora in many people. A positive result is not the same as chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection.

Should ureaplasma be treated without symptoms?

Usually not. A doctor assesses exceptions, for example when a fertility treatment centre requests the result according to its protocol.

Does ureaplasma affect fertility?

The association is being studied but has not been clearly established. Some centres nevertheless request a result before a procedure, so have the test when they request it.

Does my partner also need testing?

If you are being treated for symptoms caused by ureaplasma, a doctor may also advise partner testing. This is not done routinely without symptoms.