If you’ve just found out you have Ureaplasma, you’re not alone, it seems Ureaplasma is popping up everywhere these days (namely my own pelvic health).

OK, so to get to it... Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria in the Mollicutes family (it doesn’t even have a cell wall, which makes it tricky to detect and treat). The two species most often seen in humans are Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum.

Here’s the kicker: lots of people carry Ureaplasma without any symptoms at all. For some, it’s just part of the genital microbiome and doesn’t cause trouble.

 

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When Does Ureaplasma Become a Problem?

A positive Ureaplasma test doesn’t always mean infection. It matters most when there are symptoms like ongoing irritation, pelvic pain, or urethritis—or if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, since Ureaplasma has been linked to pregnancy complications in some studies.

Researchers are still figuring out Ureaplasma’s exact role in other aspects of our pelvic and reproductive health. In some cases it’s associated with bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or even fertility challenges, but it’s not always the main culprit. It's important to always look at the full picture. Consider symptoms, test results and other lifestyle factors.

 

How Ureaplasma is Diagnosed?

Because Ureaplasma is so small and lacks a cell wall, standard STI panels won’t pick it up. The most accurate tests are PCR (DNA testing) or specialized cultures. Since so many people carry it without issues, test results are usually interpreted alongside your symptoms and exam findings. It's important we always advocate for additional tests when Ureaplasma could be an issue.

Ureaplasma Treatment: Why It’s Complicated

If your provider decides Ureaplasma is causing problems, antibiotics can help but like so many vulvovaginal infections treatment isn’t always straightforward and resistance is globally very common.

 

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Why Does Ureaplasma Keep Coming Back?

If you keep testing positive here are a few possible reasons:

• Persistent colonization - meaning sometimes it just hangs out in the background.
• Inadequate treatment — wrong antibiotic, too short a course, or like many you are resistant. 
• Reinfection from a partner who hasn’t been treated.
• Microbiome imbalance  (like BV), which makes Ureaplasma harder to clear 

Ureaplasma vs. BV, Yeast Infections, and UTIs

It’s easy to confuse Ureaplasma with other vaginal or urinary issues. Here’s how they differ:

• Yeast infections 
  • Cause: fungal overgrowth.
  • Symptoms: thick white discharge, itching, soreness.
    
• Bacterial vaginosis 
  • Cause: imbalance in vaginal flora.
  • Symptoms: thin gray discharge, fishy odor.
    
• Urinary tract infections 
  • Cause: bacteria (often E. coli) in the bladder/urinary tract.
  • Symptoms: burning with urination, urgency, frequency.
• Ureaplasma
  • Cause: bacterial overgrowth (a type of bacteria naturally present in the urogenital tract).
  • Symptoms: often none; when present, may include burning with urination, discharge, pelvic discomfort, or recurrent infections.

 

Bottom line: testing and context matter.

 

Learn: What is the difference between a UTI and Interstitial Cystitus 

 

What to Do If You Have Recurrent Ureaplasma

Don’t panic, a positive test doesn’t always equal infection. Ask your provider if you had a PCR or culture test? Should your partner(s) be tested or treated?

And remember avoid repeated antibiotics unless they’re truly needed. Over-treating can disrupt hurt your microbiome and make future infections harder to manage.

Add daily antimicrobial support to fight over colonization of Ureaplasma.

 

 

Further Reading

My Experience With Chronic UTIs

Questions About UTIs You're Too Afraid to Ask

Comparing 3 Common Vaginal Issues

Decode Your Vaginal Discharge

A Comprehensive Guide to Probiotics to Help Balance Your Gut & Support Vaginal Health