How testing works
Detection is done with nucleic-acid amplification testing (NAAT / PCR), which finds Ureaplasma DNA in a urine sample or a self-collected vaginal/urethral swab. Modern assays distinguish U. parvum from U. urealyticum and quantify bacterial load, which matters because high loads correlate more strongly with disease[8][4].
Who should consider testing?
- Anyone planning a pregnancy, especially with prior miscarriage or preterm birth.
- Couples investigating unexplained infertility.
- People with persistent urethritis, pelvic pain or unusual discharge.
- New sexual relationships where both partners want a clear baseline.
- Anyone who simply wants peace of mind — Ureaplasma is not in most standard STI panels[4].
What a test costs vs. what untreated infection can cost
A PCR test for Ureaplasma typically costs around €200. Compare that to the realistic downstream costs that have been documented in the medical literature:
- A single IVF cycle: roughly €4,000–€10,000+ — and many couples need several.
- Neonatal intensive care for a preterm baby: tens to hundreds of thousands of euros.
- Long-term consequences of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a child[2].
- Months or years of chronic pelvic pain investigations.
We are not suggesting a test prevents all of these. We are suggesting that the asymmetry — €200 to know, vs. the cost of not knowing — is unusual.
Where to order a test
Tests are available via ParasiteClinic. They offer discreet home-collection kits that ship internationally, with results returned through a secure portal. We receive no commission on individual tests; the partnership exists so that readers of this site have a vetted, reliable option.
What if the test is positive?
A positive PCR result does not automatically mean treatment is required — context matters. The current European expert consensus is to treat when Ureaplasma is detected in the context of symptoms, infertility work-up, pregnancy planning with a relevant history, or pregnancy itself[4]. First-line antibiotic options include doxycycline, azithromycin or josamycin, with the caveat that resistance is increasing[5]. Discuss your result with a clinician who can put it in context.
What if it is negative?
A negative high-quality PCR result is reassuring. If symptoms persist, other organisms should be considered — most notably Mycoplasma genitalium, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas[11].
Ready when you are: order through ParasiteClinic →