{"id":12493,"date":"2020-03-12T09:08:22","date_gmt":"2020-03-12T09:08:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=12493"},"modified":"2021-06-30T17:42:25","modified_gmt":"2021-06-30T17:42:25","slug":"14-known-causes-of-ureaplasma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-known-causes-of-ureaplasma\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Known Causes of Ureaplasma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ureaplasma is a bacteria that is commonly found in people\u2019s urinary or genital tract. It is a parasitic bacteria which means it needs a host such as a human or animal to survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ureaplasma bacteria are part of the body\u2019s bacterial population, they live in balance without causing a problem in most cases. However, sometimes, they can increase in population which causes infections and other health problems. Ureaplasma belongs to a class of bacteria known as Mycoplasma. The Mycoplasma species are the smallest free-living known organisms of their type that can make a copy of themselves to reproduce and are unique among prokaryotes in that they lack a cell wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most healthy women have these bacteria in their cervix or vagina, and a smaller number of men also have them in their urethra. People with a weakened immune system have the highest risk of ureaplasma infection. This includes people who are HIV positive and people who have had an organ transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listed below are the common causes of Ureaplasma:
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1.<\/strong> Urethritis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


Urethritis <\/a>is a condition in which the urethra, or the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body, becomes inflamed and irritated. For men, both urine and the semen passes through the male urethra. It affects people of all ages, both males and females can develop this condition. However, females have a greater chance of developing the condition than males.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is partly because men\u2019s urethras, which are the length of the penis are much longer than women\u2019s. A woman’s urethra is typically one and a half inches long which makes it easier for the bacteria to travel and enter the urethra. Urethritis typically causes pain while urinating and an increased urge to urinate which is the usual primary infection caused by bacteria and it can be typically cured by antibiotics. In addition to the pain, the patient may also have difficulty in starting to urinate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2.<\/strong> Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


Bacterial vaginosis<\/a> (BV) also referred to as nonspecific vaginitis is the most common cause of vaginal infection for women of childbearing age. It is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge and results from an overgrowth of atypical bacteria in the vagina. In the past, the condition was called Gardnerella vaginitis, after the bacteria that were thought to cause the condition. It is not a true bacterial infection but rather an imbalance of the bacteria that are normally present in the vagina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial vaginosis is not dangerous, but it can cause disturbing symptoms.
An infection in the vagina which causes: foul-smelling which is usually described as something \u201cfishy\u201d; unusual vaginal discharge which is watery and thin, maybe gray or white in color; itching in and around the vagina; and; burning sensation during urination. Between 50 and 75 percent of women with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis alone is not considered harmful but complications may arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Prostatitis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


Prostatitis <\/a>is swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland situated directly below the bladder in men. The prostate gland produces the white fluid or semen that nourishes and transports sperm cells. The effect of pain may be severe, in or around your penis, testicles, anus, lower abdomen or lower back. Prostatitis may cause pain during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, difficulty in urinating and the urgent need to urinate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other symptoms include pain in the groin, pelvic area or genitals and sometimes flu-like symptoms. Prostatitis affects men of all ages but tends to be more common in men at 50 or younger. The condition has a number of causes. Sometimes the cause is not identified. If it is caused by a bacterial infection, it can usually be treated with antibiotics. You may want to check with your doctor what antibiotics or treatment may be applicable to your certain situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4.<\/strong> Endometritis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


Endometritis <\/a>is an inflammatory condition of the lining of the uterus or so-called womb and is usually due to an infection. This can cause pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, and fever. It\u2019s usually not life-threatening, but it is better to get it treated as soon as possible. It can be caused by different bacteria, but ureaplasma infection has been linked to the condition in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will generally go away when treated by your doctor with prescribed antibiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Untreated infections can lead to complications with the reproductive organs, issues with fertility, and other general health problems. To minimize the risk, a further review of the disease will help you better in learning what they are, the symptoms and your outlook if diagnosed. All women have a normal mix of bacteria in their vagina. Endometritis can be caused when this natural mix of bacteria changes after a life event<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5.<\/strong> Kidney stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


A kidney stone<\/a> is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract. Kidney stones are a common cause of blood in the urine (hematuria) and often cause severe pain in the pelvic area, abdomen, flank, groin, problems urinating and cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine. Kidney stones are sometimes called renal calculi. It is usually found in the kidneys or in the ureter, the tube that connects the kidneys to your bladder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can be extremely painful if they break loose and push into the ureters, the narrow ducts leading to the bladder, and can lead to kidney infections or the kidney not working properly if left untreated. Salts and other minerals in urine stick together with which the small kidney stones are formed. Sizes of kidney varies from the size of a sugar crystal to a ping pong ball, but they are rarely noticed unless they cause a blockage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6<\/strong>. Pneumonia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


Pneumonia <\/a>is a common lung infection caused by germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It can be a complication of the flu, but other viruses, bacteria as mentioned above, ureaplasma, and even fungi can cause pneumonia. Anyone can get pneumonia, but some people are more at risk than others. Pneumonia and its symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Treatment depends on the cause of your pneumonia, how severe your symptoms are, and your age and overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most healthy people recover from pneumonia in one to three weeks, but it can be life-threatening. The good news is that pneumonia can be prevented\u2014by getting an annual flu shot (as flu often leads to pneumonia), frequently washing your hands, and for people at high risk, getting a vaccine for pneumococcal pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of your lungs caused by germs. It can be spread by coughing, sneezing or even breathing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7<\/strong>. Meningitis and brain injury<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


Meningitis<\/a> is a rare infection that affects the delicate membranes called meninges that cover the brain and spinal cord. This swelling from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever, and a stiff neck. Everyone can catch this disease, even children. There are several causes of this disease including bacteria such as ureaplasma, viruses, and fungi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening and require emergency antibiotic treatment. It also spreads between people in close contact with each other. Some cases of meningitis improve without treatment in a few weeks. Seeking immediate medical care and let the expert check you up if you suspect that you have meningitis, early treatment of bacterial meningitis may prevent serious complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8<\/strong>. Miscarriage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


Miscarriage <\/a>is when an embryo or fetus dies before the 20th week of pregnancy. It usually happens early in your pregnancy, study finds that 8 out of 10 miscarriage happen in the first 3 months. Lots of people experience this kind of pregnancy loss, in fact, 20% of pregnancies unfortunately end in miscarriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Ureaplasmas are normal flora in the vagina of many women. In some women, they have the high levels of ureaplasma in the vagina which probably reflects the presence of infections in the uterus, may have a role in pregnancy complications, or many contribute to babies being born before full-term or preterm birth, or both. These babies can acquire serious health problems. Some antibiotics can be safely used during pregnancy and are also against ureaplasma. Preterm birth is a significant perinatal problem. Upper genital tract infections, including ureaplasma, are suspected of playing a role in preterm birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9<\/strong>. Lung Injury for newborn<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


It has been debated for over 20 years the contribution of ureaplasma respiratory tract colonization to the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants. The review for current understanding of the role of inflammation in altered developmental signaling in the preterm lung and the evidence from human studies and experimental models the ureaplasma-medicated inflammation produces the BPD phenotype. We propose that Ureaplasma infection initiated in utero and augmented postnatally by exposure to volutrauma and oxygen elicits a sustained, dysregulated inflammatory response in the immature lung that impairs alveolarization, and stimulates myofibroblast proliferation and excessive collagen <\/a>and elastin deposition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potential strategies to prevent or ameliorate the effects of Ureaplasma infection in utero. Studies of human infants and experimental animal models indicate that the central event in BPD pathogenesis is the interruption of normal developmental signaling during the early stages of lung development by lung injury that is often initiated in utero by intrauterine infection and a subsequent dysregulated inflammatory response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10<\/strong>. Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ureaplasma is most often associated with pregnancy <\/a>complications such as premature rupture of fetal membranes. When the water breaks early, it is called premature rupture of membranes. As stated in the study by Perinatol and Viscardi (2010), Ureaplasma is the only identified microbial isolate in the upper genital tract and is significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature delivery, neonatal morbidity, and perinatal death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The data gathered in the research also suggests that fetal exposure to Ureaplasma may occur early in pregnancy and may be sustained during critical periods of development. During the 23 to 32 weeks of gestation, the lung and brain share a vulnerability to injury mediated by infection or inflammation. During this period of saccular lung development and predominance of the oxidative stress-sensitive fetal brain, exposure of the fetus to intrauterine Ureaplasma infection-mediated inflammation and post-natal interactions with other inflammatory stimuli may alter developmental signaling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11<\/strong>. Chorioamnionitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chorioamnionitis <\/a>is another bacterial infection that is found during pregnancy and it occurs before or during labor. It is named that way because it refers to the membranes surrounding the fetus which are the: \u201cchorion\u201d or the outer membrane of the fetus and the \u201camnion\u201d which refers to the fluid-filled sac of the fetus. However, it is also known as \u201camniotic\u201d or \u201cintra-amniotic infection\u201d. Ureaplasma also plays a role in this type of bacterial infection because this condition is caused by an infection that occurs when a bacteria that are normally present in the vagina ascend into the uterus where the fetus is located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bacteria infect the chorion, amnion and amniotic fluid around the fetus. Once infected by Chorioamniotis, it can lead to a preterm birth or serious infection in the mother and the baby. Most of the time, Chorioamniotis is commonly seen in preterm births and has a statistic percentage of an approximately 2 to 4 percent in of full-term deliveries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12<\/strong>. Stillbirth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stillbirth as defined by Oxford Dictionary is the birth of an infant that has died in the womb after having survived through at least the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. Most common causes of stillbirth are chromosomal disorders, trauma<\/a>, accidents, maternal infections and diseases and postdate pregnancy (refers to a pregnancy that last longer than 42 weeks). As stated above, maternal infection is one of the common causes of stillbirth and one of these maternal infections is the Ureaplasma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the data gathered by Perinatol and Viscardi (2010) in their research about the linkage of Ureaplasma with pregnancy, they have found out that Ureaplasma is significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as perinatal death. Once the bacteria had infected the uterus, it can cause inflammation of the uterine wall and affects the fetus that is inside the uterus thus leading to chromosomal disorders and perinatal death or stillbirth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13.<\/strong> Sexually Transmitted Diseases<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STD <\/a>are diseases that are most often but not exclusively spread by sexual intercourse. Sexually Transmitted Diseases are sometimes called sexually transmitted infections because they are usually caused by a bacterial infection. These diseases are really common and a lot of people who have this kind of diseases or infections usually are asymptomatic or not showing any kinds of symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common sexually transmitted diseases are, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. One of the most common causes of Ureaplasma is the sexually transmitted diseases because Ureaplasma is the result of the spread of infectious agents by an infected person through sexual contact, either vaginal sex or oral sex. As infections in the reproductive area cause scarring or damage, especially when untreated, this makes it easier for a person to contract a host of other sexual infections, thus getting or having Ureaplasma. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Infertility<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Infertility<\/a> is defined as the inability to conceive. Ureaplasma, as stated earlier, is a bacterial infection but it is not classified as sexually transmitted disease (STD). Though Ureaplasma can be transmitted through vaginal sex and\/or oral sex, a sexually inactive individual can still have Ureaplasma. Despite the difference between sexually transmitted disease and Ureaplasma, these two infections can be the cause of infertility in men and women. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As stated in the research by Epidemiologie et.al (2013) microorganisms that are present in the human urogenital tract may be involved in the development of inflammatory changes negatively affecting genitals in both men and women. The research of Tang, et.al (2015) about infection and infertility also states that almost 15% of the cases of male infertility can be explained by genitourinary tract. The bacteria, viruses, and fungi that contribute to semen infection may be sexually transmitted or come from the urinary tract thus may have an effect on impairing male fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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