Ureaplasma is a bacterium that is usually found in the urinary or genital tract. Symptoms of Ureaplasma in females are rare, however, in certain situations, it can lead to infections, reproductive issues, or pregnancy concerns.
Ureaplasma, a genus in the Mycoplasma tales order and frequently referred to as genital mycoplasma, is one of the most common microorganisms isolated from women experiencing infection/inflammation-associated preterm labor (PTL).
Ureaplasma is a low-virulent bacterium that lives in females’ lower genitourinary tracts. From here, it can enter the amniotic fluid, causing inflammation in the amniotic compartment throughout pregnancy. Ureaplasma spp. are the most often isolated organisms from women with chorioamnionitis.
How Ureaplasma Infections Present in Women
Ureaplasma is found in the mouth and genitals of many healthy persons, generating no symptoms and requiring no medical treatment. Such innocuous infections in the body are known as commensal infections.
Ureaplasma, on the other hand, can be sexually transmitted through unprotected vaginal intercourse and cause symptoms in women, Ureaplasma is linked to illnesses including Bacterial Vaginosis, Cervicitis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and infertility.
It can also spread to infants during pregnancy.
Recognizing Symptoms of Ureaplasma in Females
When Ureaplasma coexists with other bacteria, it seldom causes symptoms. A strong immune system may keep microorganisms under control, preventing illness. However, if Ureaplasma colonizes a region of the body, it may cause health problems.
Ureaplasma in women participates in causing disorders like Bacterial Vaginosis, Cervicitis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and infertility.
Typically, the vagina has a low pH, and the acidity prevents infections. A high or alkaline pH, on the other hand, might promote the growth of dangerous bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis, the bacterium responsible for bacterial vaginosis (BV). So, BV symptoms include the following:
- itching, burning.
- discharge with a fishy odor.
- pain.
Symptoms of Ureaplasma in females
- A burning, uncomfortable feeling when urinating
- strange or unpleasant vaginal discharge.
- Pain in the vagina.
- Ache in the lower abdomen.
- Inflammation and redness.
Read Also: What Causes a UTI in a Woman?
When Ureaplasma Infections Become Problematic for Women
There is scientific evidence linking a high concentration of Ureaplasma bacteria in the vagina to premature delivery, including early rupture of the membranes. A preterm birth is a birth that occurs three weeks or more ahead of the anticipated due date. furthermore, Premature babies are more likely to experience prenatal morbidity and death.
Symptoms of Ureaplasma in females that end pregnancy:
Early membrane rupture:
A relationship between Ureaplasma and early membrane rupture is present. This occurs when the membrane covering the amniotic fluid ruptures before a woman is ready to give birth.
Early membrane rupture might result in a preterm delivery. BV and other infections also increase the risk.
Chorioamnionitis: is a uterine infection that occurs during pregnancy. It often happens in patients whose amniotic fluids rupture prematurely, although it can also occur in those with an unbroken membrane. While several bacteria are related to this sickness, Ureaplasma was the most common in their sample.
Pregnancy loss: Researchers discovered that specific species of Ureaplasma are common in some persons who experience pregnancy loss. For example, 66.3% of patients who lost their pregnancy had Ureaplasma parvum in the placenta. Overall, curable genital tract infections account for 15% of early pregnancy loss and 66% of late pregnancy loss.
Reference
Berry, J. (2018, April 26). What is Ureaplasma? Symptoms and treatment. Retrieved January 2, 2025, from Medicalnewstoday.com website: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321636#pregnancy-and-newborns
Combaz-Söhnchen, N., & Kuhn, A. (2017). A Systematic Review of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma in Urogynaecology. Geburtshilfe Und Frauenheilkunde, 77(12), 1299–1303. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-119687
Kallapur, S. G., Kramer, B. W., & Jobe, A. H. (2013). Ureaplasma and BPD. Seminars in Perinatology, 37(2), 94–101.
https://doi.org/10.1053/j.semperi.2013.01.005
Ureaplasma urealyticum – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.sciencedirect.com website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/ureaplasma-urealyticum
Ureaplasma: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. (2018, April 26). Retrieved from www.medicalnewstoday.com website:
