Ureaplasma Urealyticum

What is ureaplasma urealyticum?

Ureaplasma urealyticum is a bacterial infection, which can cause non-specific urethritis (NSU) in men.

What are the symptoms?

Roughly a third of men with NSU have no symptoms. Those who do experience symptoms get:

• Cloudy discharge when they urinate
• Stinging or burning when they urinate

What causes it?

• Ureaplasma urealyticum is found in the semen of up to 40% of men.
• Any form of sexual contact can cause the bacterium to spread, therefore wearing a condom can protect you against it.
• The infection can also be transferred on sex toys.
• It cannot be transferred on toilet seats, towels or when shaking hands.

Who is at risk?

Ureaplasma urealyticum is thought to be responsible for up to 20% of all cases of NSU in men.

Those most at risk are gay men aged 20 to 35.

Diagnosis and treatment

If you think you've been infected, visit your GP or genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic immediately. They will:

• Examine your genital area and swab it for a specimen
• Ask for a urine sample
• Prescribe antibiotics to clear it up
• Avoid sexual contact during treatment and inform any sexual partners, so they can also be treated