Ureaplasma urealyticum is asymptomatic (has no symptoms) in many cases and the majority of people with the infection do not even realise they have it. If symptoms are present they can include inflammation of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the body), unusual genital discharge and pain during urination. Lower abdominal pain, urethral bleeding and inflammation around the area of the infection may also be experienced.

Ureaplasma urealyticum will normally not show any symptoms and many people may not even know they have it. This is why safe sex and regular STI screening is so important.

Left untreated, ureaplasma urealyticum can lead to serious complications such as infertility, premature or still birth, non-specific urethritis, meningitis and pneumonia. If ureaplasma urealyticum is left untreated for several months, it can spread to other parts of the body and damage joints, nerves and muscles.

Ureaplasma urealyticum can be easily cured through a course of antibiotics. If you suspect you have ureaplasma urealyticum or any other STI, don’t delay in getting tested.