Ureaplasma testing: At-home diagnosis

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Ureaplasma bacteria live in the urinary tract and elsewhere in the genitals. They often cause no harm, but there can be a link between a Ureaplasma infection and infertility.
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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) do not recommend routine testing for Ureaplasma. But in certain circumstances, it may be advisable.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
At-home testing kits are available, but anyone who suspects that they have the infection should speak with a doctor.
This article looks at symptoms of an infection, who might consider a test, and more.
Health Testing Centers Ureaplasma & Mycoplasma Test Kit
Health Testing Centers Ureaplasma & Mycoplasma Test Kit
LetsGetChecked Complete 8
LetsGetChecked Complete 8
What are Ureaplasma? 
Ureaplasma are bacteria, and they are a regular part of the body’s microbiome. They belong to a group of bacteria called Mycoplasma, and they generally cause no problems.
Mycoplasma
generally
These bacteria do not have a cell wall, so they are resistant to some antibiotics, including penicillin.
penicillin
If Ureaplasma cause an infection, this may play a role in the following health issues:
urethritis
urethritis
bacterial vaginosis
bacterial vaginosis
kidney stones
kidney stones
endometritis
endometritis
prostatitis
prostatitis
Also, Ureaplasma can pass to a fetus in utero or at birth. If the fetus develops this infection, it can cause:
can cause
preterm birth
premature rupture of membranes
lung infections, including pneumonia
pneumonia
meningitis
meningitis
brain injury
pregnancy loss
pregnancy loss
stillbirth
stillbirth
Ureaplasma infection symptoms 
Most of the time, the presence of Ureaplasma bacteria does not lead to any symptoms. However, in some circumstances, the bacteria can form an infection that causes complications. The symptoms depend on the type of complication.
Most
For example, if Ureaplasma cause inflammation in the urethra, known as urethritis, it can cause pain and a burning sensation during urination, as well as discharge from the urethra.
a burning sensation during urination
Ureaplasma can also cause bacterial vaginosis. One characteristic symptom is foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
foul-smelling
discharge
If a Ureaplasma infection leads to kidney stones, a person may experience back pain and bloody urine.
may experience
In pregnant people, the bacteria can cause premature labor. Signs of this include a backache, cramping pelvic pressure, and bleeding.
Is the infection easy to treat? 
In most cases, doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat a Ureaplasma infection. The specific antibiotic may depend on the location of the infection. For example, a 2020 study suggests that the antibiotic clarithromycin may be most effective at treating this infection in amniotic fluid. Doxycycline and azithromycin may be other options.
most
antibiotics
2020
may be
However, certain antibiotics may be inappropriate for some people. Pregnant people and newborns may be unable to take the typical antibiotics for Ureaplasma infections. A doctor can describe the best approach for each person.
Learn more about Ureaplasma here.
Learn more about Ureaplasma here.
Who is Ureaplasma testing for? 
People who should consider testing include:
include
people who have had oral, anal, or vaginal sex without a barrier method of protection
people with new sexual partners
anyone with a present or past sexual partner who has had the infection
anyone with symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
sexually transmitted infection (STI)
people who are pregnant
An at-home testing kit may help identify the infection, but anyone who may have it should contact a doctor.
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
Laboratories: When possible, MNT selects companies that process test samples in labs with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification labs. This means that they follow state and federal regulations.
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
Budget: MNT chooses tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
Privacy: MNT selects companies with robust, transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
Test result speed: MNT chooses companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether this will be by email, app, or phone.
Further support: MNT indicates whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss the test results.
The best Ureaplasma tests of 2022 
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and was correct at the time of publication.
MNT follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here.
Health Testing Centers Ureaplasma & Mycoplasma Test Kit
This kit costs $99, and it tests for two common STIs.
A person can pick up the test at a local LabCorp or Quest lab or order it to arrive by mail.
Next, the person collects a specimen and returns it to the lab for testing. The results arrive in 2–3 business days by email.
Learn more about Mycoplasma tests here.
Learn more about Mycoplasma tests here.
There is the option to drop off or ship the test.
The results are ready within a few days.
A person can only get a refund before they send in their sample. A $25 return fee applies.
It is unclear whether the company pays for shipping specimens.
A person may not prefer to receive results by email.
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LetsGetChecked Complete 8
This company sells a wide variety of at-home test kits. This test checks for eight STIs, including:
chlamydia
chlamydia
gonorrhea
gonorrhea
HIV
HIV
syphilis
syphilis
Mycoplasma
Ureaplasma
trichomoniasis
trichomoniasis
Gardnerella
The test costs $249, and the company covers the cost of shipping the test kit and the specimen.
A person can subscribe and receive a new kit every 3 months for $174.30.
A person can buy the kit online. Once it arrives, they need to register the kit, collect a sample, and send it back to the lab the same day. It can take about 2–5 business days for the lab to test the sample and send the results.
In some states, a person with a positive result can order medication for a Ureaplasma infection at no extra charge.
The treatment may be free if the test is positive.
Subscription and single-purchase options are available.
The company sends the results to a secure online account.
This is a more expensive option.
A person may not want or need testing for all eight STIs.
The test requires blood and urine samples.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.
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Frequently asked questions 
Some common questions about Ureaplasma testing include:
The accuracy can depend on the brand and whether the person collects the sample without errors. Many companies use certified labs or make sure that their own tests have third-party verification to help improve accuracy.
A Ureaplasma infection does not always cause health issues.
However, it can cause complications during pregnancy. Without treatment, the infection may lead to health problems and infertility.
Speak with a doctor if the result of an at-home test is positive.
A Ureaplasma infection may cause no symptoms. Even if it does, the only way to diagnose the infection is via testing. A person should follow up with a doctor about any positive result.
If any STI test is positive, contact a healthcare professional for treatment as soon as possible.
Summary
Ureaplasma bacteria can pass from person to person through sexual contact. The infection can cause complications, including during pregnancy. The treatment involves antibiotics.
Anyone who thinks that they might have a Ureaplasma infection, especially if a test result is positive, should contact a healthcare professional.