Although ureaplasma bacteria have an important place among sexually transmitted infections (STDs), many people do not know enough about this microorganism. Pointing out that ureaplasma infection is a disease that can cause serious health problems if left untreated, Gynecology, Obstetrics and In Vitro Fertilization Specialist Surgepm Zeki SALAR said that sexually active individuals encounter this infection at a rate of 40-50 percent, even if they have no symptoms.  Stating that patients/women who cannot be diagnosed correctly and cannot receive appropriate treatment are exposed to long-term infections and therefore their quality of life decreases. Surgeon SALAR pointed out that ureaplasma should be considered especially in chronic discharges and vaginal infections that do not go away.

What is Ureaplasma?

Ureaplasma infection is a type of infection that is often very contagious, its incidence increasing over the years and can cause widespread infection in both men and women. Dr. SALAR underlines that the infection cannot be detected in normal tests and that special culture tests are needed for diagnosis. Surgeon Zeki SALAR pointed out that culture tests must be performed for correct diagnosis and treatment. 
Pointing out that the disease impairs the quality of life in both men and women and causes negativities in sexual and daily life, Surgeon Zeki SALAR stated that reproductive health may be seriously affected if treatment is delayed.  

How Is Ureaplasma Transmitted?

Saying that the infection is most commonly transmitted through sexual intercourse, Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynecology, Obstetrics and In Vitro Fertilization Specialist Surgeon Zeki SALAR also explained that it can be transmitted from mother to baby in common areas such as toilets, Turkish baths, epilation centers and, in rare cases, during pregnancy and birth. Dr. SALAR stated that early detection of the infection and its correct treatment are also important. Dr. SALAR said, “Unfortunately, patients do not consult a doctor in time because there is not enough information on this subject. "When timely and correct treatment is not given, treatment can still be very difficult as resistance develops."  He said.

What are the symptoms of ureaplasma?

Dr. SALAR said that ureaplasma often progresses without any symptoms. Surgeon SALAR pointed out that the complaints may/may be different/show differences in men and women and continued his words as follows: “Bad-smelling, yellow-green genital discharge is the most common symptom. Burning sensation after urination and pain during urination are among the more common complaints. Unrest, burning and stinging sensations in the genital area are among the most common complaints from our patients.  In addition, if the infection affects the kidneys, waist and back pain, if it affects the tubes, groin pain, high fever, pain during sexual intercourse and joint pain are among the symptoms of the disease. In men, it may cause burning and pain in urination, as well as discharge from the penis and pain in the groin and testicles. If left untreated, infection may progress to the prostate. “It may have a negative effect on sperm values and cause a decrease in sperm count and impaired motility.”

How is Ureaplasma Diagnosed?

Surgeon Zeki SALAR points out that one of the biggest problems in diagnosing ureaplasma is that it can often attract different infections. Surgeon SALAR gave important information on the subject: “Ureaplasma can often occur together with fungal infection. Since the fungal infection covers the vaginal wall like a white-cream colored oil paint, sometimes only fungal infection is considered and treatment is performed only in this direction. Therefore, the real underlying problem that hides itself remains untreated. In addition, it can sometimes occur together with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). If ureaplasma, fungal infection and HPV occur together in a woman, then treatment becomes more difficult. For this reason, in cases of persistent discharge or persistent fungal infection, a test for ureaplasma must be performed.”

How is Ureaplasma Treatment Done?

Surgeon Zeki SALAR said that ureaplasma is a resistant infection and therefore it is extremely important to use the right antibiotic at the right time and in the right way. Dr. SALAR said, “You can think of it this way, we have only one bullet, we must use this bullet in the right place at the right time against the enemy so that there is a solution. Unfortunately, most of the patients who reach us have developed resistance to ureaplasma due to repeated use of antibiotics. Since treatment is more difficult in these patients, time is required to solve the problem. That's why we must avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics.” he said.

“Your spouse also needs treatment”

"Although no problems were detected in the man in the tests, we consider partner treatment necessary in ureaplasma treatment," said Dr. Zeki SALAR said, “Because in the tests performed on men, the ureaplasma test is often negative. However, since men are carriers, there is a risk of transmitting the infection to women again and again. For this reason, women diagnosed with ureaplasma and their spouses or sexual partners also need to receive antibiotic treatment. One of the biggest problems we encounter in spouse treatment is that spouses do not use medications or leave treatment unfinished. It is very important for us that spouses also receive full and complete treatment.” he said.

Things to Do During Ureaplasma Treatment

Dr. Zeki SALAR said that antibiotic treatment alone is not sufficient in the treatment of infection and that some life habits must be changed. Dr. Zeki SALAR continued his words as follows: “In order to get rid of ureaplasma, the body must be strong and resistant to it. To achieve this, if you smoke, you should quit or at least reduce it, comply with 7-8 hours of quality a day and take care of a balanced diet. "I would also like to emphasize that exercising is important in removing ureaplasma from the body by strengthening the immune system."