Is a Positive Result for the Ureaplasma Serious? Does It Require Treatment?

A positive result for ureaplasma indicates that the patient is infected with this bacterium and usually requires treatment for a complete recovery. Whether it is serious or not cannot be generalized, as the severity of symptoms varies among individuals. Some may experience mild symptoms, while others may suffer more severe consequences. The manifestations can differ between male patients, female patients, and newborns.

1. Male patients: Ureaplasma can cause genitourinary tract infections in males. It is responsible for 30%-40% of cases of non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis. It can also lead to epididymitis, orchitis, chronic prostatitis, urinary tract stones, among other conditions. With prompt intervention, these conditions generally do not result in serious consequences. Additionally, ureaplasma can adhere to the surface of sperm, impair sperm motility, interfere with sperm-egg binding by producing neuraminidase-like substances, and cause immune damage to sperm, leading to infertility. This condition is more serious and requires attention.

2. Female patients: In women, ureaplasma can proliferate extensively and cause a range of clinical manifestations when their immune system is compromised. It can result in vaginal infections, cervicitis, and non-gonococcal urethritis. Clinical symptoms may include itching in the urethra, accompanied by frequent urination, urgency, and incomplete voiding. Mild urinary pain, thin purulent discharge, and unpleasant odor in the genital area may also be present. With active treatment, serious consequences can generally be avoided.

However, if a pregnant woman is infected with ureaplasma, the situation can be more severe. The bacterium can infect the placenta and lead to spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, and other complications.

3. Newborns: In newborns, infection with ureaplasma during the neonatal period is more severe, especially in premature infants, and can lead to respiratory tract infections and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

If a patient tests positive for ureaplasma through vaginal secretion testing but has no symptoms, the condition is not very serious and does not require treatment. Observation is sufficient because ureaplasma is an opportunistic pathogen. When the body's immune system is strong, the proliferation of ureaplasma is inhibited and does not cause significant clinical symptoms.

When significant symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention and receive proper diagnosis and treatment. In general, tetracycline drugs such as doxycycline and minocycline, as well as macrolide drugs such as erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and fluoroquinolone drugs such as ofloxacin and levofloxacin, are commonly used to treat genital Mycoplasma infections.

However, ureaplasma infection is difficult to cure and tends to recur. Excessive use of antibiotics not only leads to drug resistance in ureaplasma but also disrupts the body's microbial balance, resulting in worsening treatment outcomes. Therefore, traditional Chinese medicine should be used at this time. Male patients can choose Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill, while female patients can choose Fuyan pill for treatment.

During treatment, pay attention to necessary disease care:

1. Avoid sexual activity during the treatment period to prevent the transmission and recurrent infection of ureaplasma through sexual intercourse.

2. Spouses or sexual partners should undergo examination at the hospital and preferably receive treatment simultaneously.

3. Practice necessary household isolation, using separate basins, towels, bathtubs, toilets, or thoroughly disinfecting them after use.

4. Do not mix the patient's clothing with that of family members, especially underwear. It is best to hand wash them separately.

5. Pay attention to daily hygiene of the genital area and wash the external genitalia with clean water in the morning and evening.

6. Practice safe sex and correctly use condoms.

Pregnant women and newborns who are infected with ureaplasma should be cautious about using certain medications to avoid adverse effects. It is important to strictly follow medical advice for treatment.