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Top three reasons to consider testing yourself for an STI
new STI cases in 2018
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
people in the USA have an STI
Ureaplasma is a common occurrence, and ureaplasma symptoms don't usually cause discomfort. It is present as part of people's microbiome. While it is usually harmless, pregnant women who are experiencing ureaplasma symptoms should talk to their doctors and see if ureaplasma might complicate pregnancy and delivery.
Ureaplasma belongs to the bacteria called mycoplasma. They are found in the reproductive organs and urinary tract. Generally, ureaplasma is harmless and does not cause problems. However, in some cases, if it begins to multiply rapidly, it can affect the balance and cause infections.
The distinctive feature of ureaplasma is that it does not have a cell wall like other types of bacteria. So this means that antibiotics like penicillin may not be effective in treating it. But if you have ureaplasma symptoms, there are other antibiotics that respond well to ureaplasma.
Many people with ureaplasma do not even know about it. While it is not a great health concern, it may lead to reproductive issues in some cases. That is why pregnant women should talk to their doctors about their options to prevent their babies from getting affected by ureaplasma during birth.
Top three reasons to consider testing yourself for an STI
new STI cases in 2018
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
people in the USA have an STI
So, what is ureaplasma, and how is it caused? Ureaplasma is a group of bacteria that is transmitted through sexual contact. But it is not considered an STI or STD because it hardly causes grave health complications. They are some of the world's smallest microorganisms that cannot be seen even through a microscope. Ureaplasma has two types – Urealyticum and Parvum.
Ureaplasma is usually part of people's microbiome. A microbiome has billions and trillions of minute cells that help in digesting, fighting off infections, and upholding reproductive health. Ureaplasma can sometimes multiply rapidly. When this happens, it can throw the system out of balance and affect healthy tissues that can cause infections.
There is much research on whether or not ureaplasma symptoms can pose a threat to health. But it is not conclusive. Some studies suggest that ureaplasma can cause pregnancy complications and medical conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV). But the answer is vague.
A person who is sexually active can get ureaplasma through sexual contact. It is a common occurrence in adults who live a sexual life. Ureplasma can get into the body through the urethra or vagina. A mother who has ureaplasma can transmit it to her baby from the womb itself. However, the infection typically subsides within some months. Children and adults who live an inactive sexual life have a low chance of getting ureaplasm.
Ureaplasma symptoms usually affect people with a weak immune system more than others. The chance is high for people with organ transplants or HIV-positive people. A recent study shows that women who have multiple sex partners are more prone to getting vaginal infections that are induced by ureaplasma. However, another study found out that ureaplasma symptoms can be present in sexually inactive women. So the presence of ureaplasma is quite vague and inconclusive.
Since ureaplasma is usually spread through sexual contact, you might think it is a ureaplasma STD. However, ureaplasma is not an STD as it does not cause serious long-term health complications like STDs, where untreated STDs can lead to complications like infertility and even cancers in some cases. Ureaplasma has been linked as a likely cause for urethritis which is the inflammation of the urethra. Ureaplasma symptoms may or may not appear in people who are infected. However, when ureaplasma symptoms appear, they may cause a burning feeling while urinating. Men may experience urethral irritation and discharge while ureaplasma symptoms female may include abnormal vaginal discharge. It is also a likely cause for bacterial vaginosis in women where they may experience foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Although rare, ureaplasma may raise the chances of getting kidney stones, breathing problems in newborns, and premature birth.
Having ureaplasma is usually not something to be worried about. But if ureaplasma symptoms are causing discomfort, you should consider a test to see if it is potentially causing other infections such as a urinary tract infection or bacterial vaginosis. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for the treatment of ureaplasma. If you are being treated for ureaplasma, ensure that your partner does the same as it can again be transmitted through sexual contact.
If you think you are experiencing ureaplasma symptoms, you can opt for a test to feel better. Tests involve a vaginal swab or urine sample to look for ureaplasma DNA. Results usually take about 36 hours to come out. Ureaplasma can resemble many conditions, including an STD. While some STDs are easily treatable with antibiotics, some are lifelong and require ongoing treatment. Unlike ureaplasma, STDs can lead to potential health risks like reproduction problems, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervical cancers, and others. So, if you live an active sexual life, always consider a regular STD test to protect you and your partner from any possible infections that can hamper a happy and healthy sexual life.
Top three reasons to consider testing yoursef for and STI
new STI cases in 2018
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
people in the USA have an STI
Top three reasons to consider testing yoursef for and STI
new STI cases in 2018
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
people in the USA have an STI
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