What to Know About
Mycoplasma & Ureaplasma

Written by Kathleen Morrison
Medically Reviewed by Andrea Sleeth WHNP-BC, MSCP

Mycoplasma (sometimes referred to as M. Hominis and M. Gen) and Ureaplasma are two of the most common genital infections out there, yet not many people have ever heard of them!

In people with vaginas, their symptoms can often mimic Bacterial Vaginosis, with similar pain, discharge, and odor—as a result, it’s common to think you’re dealing with recurrent BV, when in reality you may be dealing with some different germs altogether!

Here’s everything about these microbes and how to find out if they may be causing your uncomfortable symptoms.

What are Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma?

When people talk about “Ureaplasma,” they’re usually referring to an imbalance of bacteria that is causing uncomfortable genital symptoms. Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria commonly found in the urinary or genital tract that belongs to the Mycoplasma family.

There are four main types of bacteria that can lead to symptoms:

• Ureaplasma urealyticum
• Ureaplasma parvum
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• Mycoplasma hominis

Mycoplasma is the main genus of bacteria (which can affect various different bits of you—lungs, skin, you name it) while the subspecies mentioned above are the ones that specifically target your downstairs area.

These bacteria don’t usually cause any symptoms when they’re living in balance with your microbiome, but if they start to multiply (oh boy), they may cause pain, inflammation, discharge, painful urination, and trouble with fertility (if left untreated).

People of all genders can be affected by these bacteria, and they’re pretty easy to spread through sexual contact. If you have symptoms, get tested, and have an “out of range” reading, it’s a good idea for your sexual partners to be tested as well!

What is the difference between Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma infections?

Both Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma are types of bacteria called mollicutes (not so cute though, are they?). They’re some of the smallest known organisms that can reproduce!

Mollicutes are commonly found in the genital tract and typically don’t cause symptoms—thank goodness.

But, Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma can cause very similar symptoms when they do decide to show up, so the only way to know for sure if you are dealing with symptoms from one of these organisms is to get tested!

Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma infection symptoms

Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma infections often look very similar, which makes them tricky. People of all genders can experience symptoms, such as:

• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Painful urination
• Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)
• Vaginal discharge, odor, and/or itching
• Trouble getting pregnant

If these symptoms sound familiar to you, you may have noticed that they look a lot like BV (Bacterial Vaginosis). BV is another common vaginal infection whose symptoms include:

• Strong fishy smell
• Burning sensation during urination
• Itching around vagina
• Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge
• Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina

If you’ve been dealing with BV symptoms that don’t resolve after prescription antibiotic treatment, you may want to test for Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma!

While treatment for BV also uses prescription antibiotics, it is a different antibiotic regimen than the prescription treatment for Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma. Knowing exactly what bacteria you’re targeting is key to feeling better fast.

Wisp treatment options are available only after consultation with a licensed medical professional. You should consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement or treatment regimen. Individual results may vary.

Are Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma STIs?

Much like Bacterial Vaginosis, Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma can be passed on via sexual contact, but they can also develop in the absence of sexual contact.

This is because the main strain of bacteria—Mycoplasma—can actually affect various parts of your body. Sooo, technically, they’re not all STIs. Ureaplasma parvum and urealyticum? Nope. However, the specific strain, Mycoplasma genitalium, that targets the right places is, in fact, an STI.

Plus, many people find that sexual activity can trigger the symptoms, and it can be passed back and forth between partners, so it’s best for all partners to be checked out and treated before getting back to business (if you know what we mean).

Are Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma common?

Yes! While you may not have heard of them before, loads of people deal with these nasty little bacteria, so you’re not alone if you get diagnosed.

Luckily, at-home screening for both Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma is easy. You can quickly and discreetly get all the deets you need about your sexual health and get the treatment you really need.

What are the risks?

So maybe you’ve gotten a positive test result or just gone down a late-night Google spiral—and now you’re wondering, “Okay… but is this a big deal?” Fair question.

Both of these microscopic guests can live in your urogenital tract, and while sometimes they just hang out without causing drama, other times they can stir up irritation or lead to more serious complications.

When it comes to Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma hominis, you don’t typically need to worry. If you have symptoms, definitely get them sorted out, but if you have the organisms and not even feeling them? You can basically just move on.

All in all, it really depends on your body, your symptoms (or lack of them), and whether they stick around untreated. There are a few other situations you might want to think about:

Is Ureaplasma dangerous if you’re pregnant?

Yes, Ureaplasma can be passed from mom to baby if the mother has an infection during her pregnancy, and there is evidence that Ureaplasma may contribute to preterm delivery.

If you’re pregnant and develop a Ureaplasma infection, you’ll want to chat with your OBGYN about your best course of treatment.

Does Ureaplasma cause infertility?

Maybe! It’s been suggested that Ureaplasma urealyticum is seen more often in women with unexplained infertility.

There’s also some evidence to suggest the same bacteria can play a role in infertility in men due to inflammation of the genital tract and lower sperm quality. It’s not clear if Ureaplasma or M. Hominis alone can cause infertility, but it seems they may be a contributing factor.

There’s also some evidence that M. Hominis is related to early miscarriages and midtrimester abortions, especially in the presence of abnormal vaginal flora.

M. Gen is associated with infertility, though, so be sure to get things checked out if you’re not sure what’s going on.

Can Mycoplasma cause complications?

Yep—if left untreated, Mycoplasma can also cause some not-so-fun things like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can lead to chronic pelvic pain or issues with fertility.

In people with a penis, it can cause urethritis (aka a seriously irritated urethra) that might stick around or come back again and again. Long story short: it’s something worth addressing.

Is Mycoplasma linked to infertility?

The research is still developing, but there’s growing evidence that Mycoplasma might be involved in fertility issues for both men and women, especially if it’s left untreated.

It’s not a guarantee that it’ll cause problems, but knowing it’s there and getting prescription antibiotics for Mycoplasma can help get you back on track.

Where can I get tested for Mycoplasma Genitalium?

Mycoplasma genitalium (or Mgen, if you're into nicknames) is a specific species of Mycoplasma. It’s one of those sneaky STIs that nobody warned us about in health class.

It’s super common, often symptom-free, and easy to miss if you're not testing specifically for it. The good news? Getting tested doesn’t have to be a whole ordeal.

You’ve got options. You can head to a clinic or doctor’s office if that feels right for you—but if privacy, convenience, or just straight-up chill vibes are more your thing, you can also grab an at-home Mycoplasma genitalium test. It’s discreet, super simple to use, and reviewed by real medical pros, so you can feel confident about your results.

Where can I get tested for Ureaplasma?

Once again, super common, often symptomless, and can show up in folks with or without other infections. The catch? It won’t show up on a standard STI panel unless you're specifically looking for it.

If you’re curious about what’s going on down there (or just want some peace of mind), testing is easier than ever. You can go the traditional route with your doctor or OB—but if you'd rather skip that, you could also take the online-at-home route.

So whether you're dealing with weird symptoms, trying to get pregnant, or just being proactive about your sexual health, getting tested is a smart move—and you’ve got options that actually fit your life.

Moving forward (but make it informed)

Mycoplasma genitalium might not be a household name (yet), but staying in the know about your sexual health is always a power move.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, had a recent partner test positive, or you’re just doing your regular check-in—getting tested for Mgen is a smart, no-shame step.

And with options like Wisp’s at-home Mycoplasma genitalium test, you can skip the awkward clinic visit and take care of things your way—quickly, privately, and on your own terms.

So go ahead, put your health first. Wisp makes it easy to get answers and expert care without jumping through hoops. You’ve got this

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

How do I get tested for Mycoplasma genitalium?

You can get tested with either an in-person visit or an at-home kit. Most tests use a urine or swab sample, and instructions are super straightforward. At-home options are especially popular if you want something private, easy, and on your own schedule—no need to book time off or sit in a waiting room.

Where can I get a test for Mycoplasma?

Some clinics and healthcare providers offer testing, but it’s not always included in standard STI panels, so it’s worth asking for specifically. If you’d rather skip the trip, at-home test kits are available online and offer the same lab-grade accuracy, just with way less hassle.

How much does a Mycoplasma genitalium test cost?

Prices can vary depending on where you get tested and whether you’re using insurance. At-home kits typically range from around $80–$150, depending on the brand and what’s included. Some services also offer payment plans or bundles with other STI tests if that’s helpful.

Why don’t doctors test for Mycoplasma genitalium?

Mycoplasma genitalium (aka Mgen) isn’t always part of routine STI screenings because it requires a specific test, and not all clinics offer it by default. It’s also still gaining awareness in the sexual health space, even though it’s more common than you might think. If you’re having symptoms and standard tests aren’t giving you answers, asking about Mgen is totally valid and important.

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided here.