Ureaplasma Testing: What It Is, Who Should Be Tested, and What to Expect
Many people have never heard of Ureaplasma, but it can sometimes be a cause of persistent urinary or reproductive symptoms. If you have ongoing discomfort, irritation, or unexplained symptoms that haven’t improved with typical treatments, testing for Ureaplasma may help identify the cause.
At Aslan Health, we believe healthcare should be transparent and affordable.
Our pricing for Ureaplasma testing is simple:
- Office Visit: $75
- Ureaplasma PCR Test: $80
No insurance is required, and results are typically available within 24–72 hours depending on the day of the week.
What Is Ureaplasma?
Ureaplasma is a type of very small bacteria that can live in the urinary and reproductive tracts of some people. It belongs to a group of organisms related to Mycoplasma.
Many people carry Ureaplasma without any symptoms, which means it may be part of the normal bacteria found in the genital tract. However, in certain situations it can contribute to symptoms or health concerns.
Ureaplasma has been associated with:
- Burning or discomfort with urination
- Vaginal irritation or discharge
- Pelvic discomfort
- Chronic urinary symptoms with negative UTI tests
- Fertility concerns
- Pregnancy complications in some cases
Because the symptoms can overlap with other infections, testing can help determine whether Ureaplasma may be contributing to the problem.
Who Should Be Tested for Ureaplasma?
Testing is not necessary for everyone, but it may be appropriate for individuals who have persistent symptoms.
You may benefit from testing if you experience:
- Persistent vaginal or pelvic symptoms
- Burning with urination
- Recurrent urinary symptoms with negative UTI tests
- Pelvic pain without a clear cause
- Symptoms that continue despite treatment for other infections
- Fertility concerns
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
Your healthcare provider will help determine whether testing is appropriate based on your symptoms and medical history.
When Should Someone Consider Testing?
Testing may be recommended when:
- Symptoms continue despite treatment for common infections like UTIs or yeast infections
- Standard testing does not explain ongoing urinary or pelvic symptoms
- A provider is evaluating reproductive health or fertility concerns
- Symptoms begin after a new sexual partner
At Aslan Health, we take time to evaluate the whole clinical picture before recommending testing.
What Is the Ureaplasma Test?
Ureaplasma is typically detected using a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction). This test looks for the DNA of the bacteria, making it very sensitive and accurate.
Depending on the situation, the sample may be collected using:
- A vaginal swab
- A cervical swab
- A urine sample
The test allows laboratories to detect even small amounts of the bacteria.
Is the Test Painful?
Most patients describe the test as quick and only mildly uncomfortable.
- A vaginal or cervical swab may feel similar to a Pap test and lasts only a few seconds.
- A urine sample is completely painless.
The sample collection usually takes less than a minute.
How Long Do Results Take?
Results are usually available in:
24–72 hours
Timing depends on:
- When the sample is collected
- Whether the laboratory is processing samples over a weekend or holiday
Once results are available, our team will contact you and discuss whether treatment is recommended.
False Positives and False Negatives
Like all medical tests, Ureaplasma testing is not perfect.
False Positives
PCR testing is highly accurate, and false positives are uncommon. Studies suggest they occur in less than about 5% of cases, depending on the laboratory.
However, because some people naturally carry Ureaplasma without symptoms, a positive test does not always mean it is the cause of symptoms.
False Negatives
False negatives are also uncommon but can occur if:
- The infection is very early
- The bacterial level is low
- The sample collection missed the bacteria
PCR testing generally has very high sensitivity (often above 90–95%), making it one of the most reliable methods available.
Your provider will interpret the results along with your symptoms and medical history.
Should My Partner Be Tested or Treated for Ureaplasma?
If a woman has symptoms and tests positive for Ureaplasma, many patients naturally ask whether their male partner should also be tested or treated.
Unlike infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, Ureaplasma can sometimes be part of the normal bacteria found in the genital tract. Because of this, providers usually make decisions about partner treatment based on symptoms and the clinical situation.
When Male Partners Should Consider Testing
Testing may be recommended if the male partner has symptoms such as:
- Burning with urination
- Penile discharge
- Testicular pain or discomfort
- Pelvic or urethral pain
- Persistent urinary symptoms without another explanation
In men, Ureaplasma can sometimes cause non-gonococcal urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra.
Should Male Partners Be Treated?
Many clinicians recommend treating both partners when a symptomatic woman is treated, even if the male partner does not have symptoms. This helps prevent reinfection between partners.
Partner treatment may be particularly important if:
- Symptoms continue to return
- The couple is sexually active without protection
- There are concerns about fertility
- The woman is pregnant or planning pregnancy
Avoiding Reinfection
Couples are typically advised to:
- Avoid sexual activity until treatment is completed
- Wait about 7 days after finishing antibiotics
This helps prevent the infection from passing back and forth between partners.
Affordable Ureaplasma Testing at Aslan Health
At Aslan Health in St. Cloud, we believe that healthcare should be accessible and straightforward.
Our pricing is transparent:
- Office Visit: $75
- Ureaplasma Test: $80
Results typically return within 24–72 hours, and our team will guide you through the next steps if treatment is needed.
If you have persistent urinary symptoms, pelvic discomfort, or unexplained irritation, we are here to help.
📍 Aslan Health – Caring for our Neighbors
📞 320-297-6800
🌐 https://aslanclinic.com
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma infections.
Waites KB, Katz B, Schelonka RL. Mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas as human pathogens. Clinical Microbiology Reviews.
Horner PJ et al. Should we be testing for urogenital Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma? International Journal of STD & AIDS.
Taylor-Robinson D. The role of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma in genital infections. Clinical Microbiology Reviews.