Ureaplasma Testing and Treatment in NYC for Men and Women

by Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4125.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. 

We offer affordable, highest-quality urology care with or without insurance.   Find out our office hours or directions to our office. We offer weekday, weekend, and evening office hours.


Ureaplasma: What You Need to Know 

What is Ureaplasma?

Ureaplasma is a bacteria that belong to the Mycoplasma family. As the name suggests, Ureaplasma in men and women infects the urinary and genital (sexual) tracts.

These bacteria are unique because they do not have a cell wall. Certain antibiotics, such as penicillin, act on the cell wall of bacteria to kill them. Lack of cell wall makes penicillin ineffective against Ureaplasma. However, there are other antibiotics that can be used to treat the infection.

The two species of Ureaplasma that commonly infect humans are U. urealyticum and U. parvum. A large percentage of sexually active adults are infected with Ureaplasma without any symptoms, but they can pass it on to others.   

In some men and women, Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum) can cause significant urinary problems.  Ureaplasma has also been implicated as a cause of infertility.

Where to Get Tested and Treated for Ureaplasma in NYC?

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer same-day mycoplasma and ureaplasma testing and treatment for men and women.

We also perform comprehensive STD testing for other infections. We offer confidential appointments. Our prices are affordable with or without insurance.  Call/text today: 1-646-663-4125 or make an appointment online.  

How is Ureaplasma Transmitted?

Ureaplasma is transmitted from person to person through sexual contact.  It appears that Ureaplasma may also be passed through close direct contact.  These bacteria enter the human urogenital tract through the urethra in men and women, or through the vagina in women. They cannot survive without a human or animal host. Ureaplasma can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby.

Ureaplasma infection is rare in children and sexually inactive adults. Studies (link) show that women who have multiple sexual partners are more likely to have vaginal infections of Ureaplasma. However, men and women who have never been sexually active may also have Ureaplasma present in their urinary and genital tracts.

Practicing safe sex with barrier methods such as condoms can significantly reduce the risk of Ureaplasma in men and women as well as protect against other STDs.

How Effective are Antibiotics in Treatment of Ureaplasma in Women and Men?

Ureaplasma infection can persist after antibiotic treatment in 25 to 45 percent of men and women (link). Sometimes symptoms disappear, but the bacteria persist in the body. Repeat testing is necessary to confirm that the antibiotic has worked and Ureaplasma has been eradicated from the body.

Studies have shown that a single azithromycin dose is more effective than multiple doses of doxycycline for Mycoplasma infections in men. Research shows that extended treatment with azithromycin 500 mg daily for six days works significantly better than single-dose azithromycin 1 gram in women with Ureaplasma symptoms for more than three weeks.

In patients who have failed Ureaplasma treatment with azithromycin and doxycycline, Avelox (moxifloxacin) 400 mg once a day for 7-14 days may be prescribed.   

Schedule an appointment internationally recognized urologists at New York Urology Specialists for the best course of treatment for you.  We also offer HPV vaccination for adults.

Ureaplasma Symptoms

Different strains of Ureaplasma have different virulence (strength). Some strains cause severe infections. The severity of Ureaplasma symptoms also depends on the person’s inherent and acquired immunity.  Ureaplasma urealyticum appears to be the only Ureaplasma that causes urethritis symptoms in men.   

In women, ureaplasma can cause urinary symptoms such as urethral pain, pelvic pain, and vaginal discharge. However, even when Ureaplasma urealyticum is present, other organisms often cause the symptoms.

One of the main symptoms of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in women and men is an inflammation of the urethra (urethritis). The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body. Urethritis is associated with symptoms such as burning, pain on urinating, itching, and urethral discharge.   Typical symptoms may include pain or burning sensation in the penis in men or urethra in women, penile and vaginal discharge (often clear), and a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, urge to urinate and frequent urination.  A slow urine stream may also occur. 

Studies show there is a high prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum in heterosexual men and women with symptoms of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) (link).

In men, Ureaplasma urealyticum infection can cause inflammation of the prostatic urethra or prostate (prostatitis) with painful urination, bloody or cloudy urine, difficulty with urination, urgency, and pain. 

Infection with Ureaplasma may affect the number and motility of sperm. Research shows that Ureaplasma urealyticum in men increases the risk of infertility. Ureaplasma parvum, however, does not appear to be associated with male infertility.

It is important to recognize that ureaplasma infection may be present but may not be causing your symptoms. Other causes of similar symptoms include other STI (sexually transmitted diseases) such as chlamydia, typical UTI such as E. coli UTI, overactive bladder, bladder stones, and bladder cancer

Why Did Treatment for Ureaplasma Not Cure My Symptoms?

Many times Ureaplasma is a silent infection and does not cause any symptoms. Sometimes it causes symptoms that do not disappear after treatment.

One possible cause of persistent symptoms after Ureaplasma treatment is that the antibiotic caused a yeast infection with similar symptoms. Ureaplasma may not be the cause of persistent symptoms. Our experienced Ureaplasma specialists in New York City will explore other possible causes for your symptoms, which may include:

  • Overactive bladder
  • Other STI
  • Antibiotic resistance
  • Re-infection from sexual partners (need to avoid sex and test and treat both partners until a cure is confirmed)

My Boyfriend/Girlfriend Has Ureaplasma – Do I Also Have It?

Ureaplasma can remain in the body for many years without causing any symptoms. For this reason, the presence of Ureaplasma in a sexual partner does not indicate sexual misconduct or infidelity.

If your sexual partner has Ureaplasma infection, there is a fairly good chance you have it too. The infection rate is not 100 percent, but if you’ve had sex on multiple occasions or even one occasion, there is a chance you got infected and need to get tested and treated along with testing and treatment for other STDs.

Where to Get Ureaplasma Testing in New York City?

Because Ureaplasma does not show any symptoms in many people, safe sex and routine screening for Ureaplasma and other STDs is essential.

At New York Urology Specialists, we perform Ureaplasma testing for both men and women. Residents of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens can get tested for Ureaplasma at our offices. We also welcome visitors to NYC as well as international visitors.   You can schedule an appointment online.

Scheduling Appointments for STI Treatment and STD Testing at New York Urology Specialists


If you have any questions about testing or treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI), to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4125.  

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. 


STDs are Treatable in Nearly Every Man and Woman

Excellence-Urology_Care-banner2At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI).  We understand the challenges that STDs such as chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, and ureaplasma create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem.  We help you find an effective treatment for your symptoms that may be caused by STD, UTI or another cause. 

Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of infections in men and women caused by sexually transmitted diseases as well as bladder infections (UTI). By the virtue of our experience and skill, we are able to offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man and woman with urinary problems and bladder control problems.   

We treat some of the most complex STD problems including:

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:

Call today: (646) 663-4125 or make an appointment online

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship-trained board-certified urologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of urological problems in men and women using modern effective and proven treatment methods.  He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area. If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, make an appointment to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyuger’s expert advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

 

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