In this article:
To understand better, you must know how they affect your reproductive system. It will help you take precautionary measures to prevent them or get treatment on time.
What Are Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma?
Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma are types of bacteria belonging to a group called “Mycoplasmataceae.” They do not have a cell wall, unlike other bacteria, making them harder to detect and treat.These bacteria are part of the natural flora that reside in your reproductive tract without causing any health problems. However, they may lead to infections in some cases. There are several types of bacteria, but the most common ones that affect fertility are mentioned below.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum
- Ureaplasma parvum
- Mycoplasma hominis
- Mycoplasma genitalium
How Do You Get Infected?
These bacteria can be transmitted through sexual contact, and your partner may have passed them on to you without any symptoms. You may even have them for years without being aware of it, in some cases.They are undetectable because they show no signs until you experience problems like repeated miscarriages, pelvic pain, or difficulty conceiving.
How Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma Affect Female Fertility
Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma bacteria can travel through the reproductive tract in women, causing chronic inflammation or infections. You may only notice them when you struggle to get pregnant. The following explanation will help you better understand how these bacteria interfere with your reproductive health.- Inflammation of the uterus or fallopian tubes: Blocks the tubes, making it hard for the sperm and egg to meet.
- Changes in cervical mucus: Changes the cervical mucous quality, making it difficult for sperm to pass through.
- Recurrent miscarriages: Causes pregnancy loss in early stages due to implantation error or affect fetal growth.
- Endometritis: Leads to inflammation of the uterine lining, which may prevent successful implantation.
Testing for these bacteria may provide you with a clue if you have been unable to conceive without a clear reason, even after trying for a long time.
How Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma Affect Male Fertility
The effect of these bacteria is not limited to just women. They affect male fertility in the following ways.- Damage sperm cells: Studies suggest that Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma may attach to sperm and reduce their motility (movement) and count.
- Cause urethritis or prostatitis: Infections in the urethra or prostate can lead to discomfort, pain, or even lower semen quality.
- Lead to DNA fragmentation in sperm: This affects the ability of sperm to fertilise the egg or produce a healthy embryo.
If your semen analysis shows low sperm count or poor movement, it may be due to an undetected infection.
Are There Any Symptoms?
The infections from Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma bacteria are often missed because of the lack of visible signs or symptoms. You may experience the following signs if they do appear.- Pain during urination
- Unusual discharge
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain during sex
- Itching or irritation
You may not take these signs seriously because they are also common with ordinary urinary or vaginal infections. However, you must get infections treated no matter the severity, especially when you are trying to conceive.
How Are These Infections Diagnosed?
Your doctor will not suggest tests for Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma unless there is a specific reason, such as infertility, repeated miscarriages, or persistent symptoms. Testing methods may include:- Swab test by taking a sample from your cervix, vagina, or urethra
- Urine test
- Semen culture for men
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
These tests are usually simple and painless, and you get results within a few days.
What Is the Treatment?
Please do not worry, even if you test positive. Your doctor may prescribe specific antibiotics to treat these infections. Both partners may need to undergo treatment to prevent transmission of infection, even if only one tests positive. Follow the tips mentioned below to allow the treatment to work.- Finish the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve
- Avoid sex during treatment
- Retest after treatment only if your doctor suggests
These bacteria lack a cell wall, so not all antibiotics work on them. You need specific medication, which only your doctor can prescribe.
How Soon Can You Try to Conceive After Treatment?
Your body needs time to heal after the treatment is over. Doctors usually recommend waiting a few weeks to a month before trying again. This allows inflammation to subside and improves your chances of conception.The success rates of fertility treatments like IUI or IVF also increase if you treat infections before the procedure.
Should You Get Tested Even If You Have No Symptoms?
Treatment of Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma infections is helpful in cases of unsuccessful attempts at pregnancy, even after trying for more than a year (or 6 months if you’re over 35) without a clear cause.Your doctor may also suggest the test if you have gone through multiple miscarriages, pelvic infections, or abnormal semen results.
FAQs on Why Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma Can Affect Fertility
- Can I get pregnant if I have Ureaplasma or Mycoplasma?
Bacterial infections may lower your chances of conceiving by causing inflammation in your uterus, fallopian tubes, or affecting sperm quality. Therefore, their treatment is necessary to achieve a healthy pregnancy. - Is it necessary for both partners to get treated?
Ideally, both partners must take antibiotics even if only one of you tests positive. This prevents the passing of infection back and forth. - Can these infections come back after treatment?
When both partners are not treated or leave the treatment incomplete may cause the infection to recur. You can significantly reduce the risk by using protection and following up with your doctor.
