Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are often associated with well-known pathogens such as chlamydia or gonococci (gonorrhea). However, there are other, less well-known bacteria that also play an important role – including mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas. Many people have never heard of them, yet they can cause symptoms and have long-term consequences – especially if they go undetected.
What are mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas?
Mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas are very small bacteria without a cell wall that primarily settle in the urogenital tract. They are present in many people, often even without causing symptoms. This makes it not always easy to distinguish between harmless colonization and clinically relevant infection.
In the context of STIs, the following types are particularly significant:
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Mycoplasma genitalium (MG): Today, it is considered a confirmed STI pathogen and can lead to urethritis in men and uterine or fallopian tube infections in women.
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Mycoplasma hominis (MH): It is common but can cause infections, especially when there are disturbances in the vaginal environment or a weakened immune system.
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Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and Ureaplasma parvum (UP): These pathogens are detected in many healthy individuals but can be associated with inflammation, infertility, or preterm births in certain cases.
Symptoms – often nonspecific
Infections with mycoplasmas or ureaplasmas often go unnoticed or present with very mild symptoms.Possible symptoms include:
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Burning during urination
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Itching or slight discharge
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Pain during intercourse
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Lower abdominal discomfort
Since these symptoms can also occur with other conditions – or be completely absent – many infections go unnoticed.
Why a test can be useful
A targeted test is especially useful:
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for recurring urogenital complaints without a clear cause
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when there is a desire to have children or after an unfulfilled desire to have children
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for chronic infections of the lower abdomen or prostate
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for abnormal results from other STI tests
Modern laboratory tests, especially PCR tests, now allow for very reliable detection from urine or swab samples.
Treatment
If an infection is detected and is clinically relevant, treatment is usually carried out with antibiotics. Due to increasing resistance – especially with Mycoplasma genitalium – a targeted selection of the active ingredient is important.A consultation with the attending physician is required in any case.
Testing options with Probatix
Those who wish to discreetly gain clarity about possible infections with mycoplasmas or ureaplasmas can use the STI-Check Complete from
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Mycoplasma genitalium
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Mycoplasma hominis
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Ureaplasma urealyticum
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Ureaplasma parvum
The urine sample is conveniently collected at home and analyzed in a specialized laboratory – anonymized, secure, and without a doctor's visit.
Summary
Mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas are not marginal phenomena – they are widespread and can have serious consequences if they become clinically relevant. Targeted diagnostics are therefore advisable – especially in cases of unclear symptoms or as part of a comprehensive STI screening.
