What Happens If Ureaplasma Infection Is Left Untreated for a Long Time?

Ureaplasma infection, though often overlooked due to mild or asymptomatic presentation, can lead to serious health complications if left untreated for an extended period. This type of bacterial infection, caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum or Ureaplasma parvum, primarily affects the urogenital tract and can silently progress, causing long-term damage in both men and women.

Potential Complications in Men

In males, untreated Ureaplasma infection is frequently associated with non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), a condition that mimics symptoms of sexually transmitted infections but isn't caused by gonorrhea. Chronic inflammation of the urethra may result in persistent discomfort, including painful urination (dysuria), frequent urges to urinate, and urgency. Some men may also experience a continuous discharge from the urethra that fails to resolve without proper medical intervention.

Over time, the infection can spread beyond the urethra, potentially affecting the prostate, seminal vesicles, and epididymis. This increases the risk of chronic pelvic pain syndrome, reduced sperm quality, and even male infertility. Studies have linked prolonged Ureaplasma presence to decreased motility and viability of sperm, highlighting its impact on reproductive health.

Risks for Women: From Inflammation to Infertility

For women, allowing a Ureaplasma infection to persist without treatment can trigger a cascade of gynecological issues. The bacteria can ascend from the lower genital tract into the upper reproductive organs, leading to conditions such as cervicitis, endometritis, and salpingitis—inflammation of the cervix, uterine lining, and fallopian tubes, respectively.

Impact on Fertility and Pregnancy

One of the most concerning outcomes of long-term Ureaplasma infection in women is impaired fertility. Inflammation and scarring in the fallopian tubes can block the passage of eggs, increasing the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy or complete infertility. Additionally, pregnant women with untreated infections face higher risks of complications, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and even miscarriage.

Because symptoms are often subtle or absent, many women remain unaware they are infected until facing difficulties conceiving or experiencing recurrent reproductive tract infections.

Why Early Detection and Treatment Are Crucial

Given the stealthy nature of Ureaplasma, routine screening—especially for individuals with unexplained fertility issues or recurrent urinary symptoms—is highly recommended. Diagnosis typically involves urine tests or swabs analyzed via PCR testing for accurate detection.

Antibiotic therapy, when appropriately prescribed based on sensitivity testing, is effective in clearing the infection. Commonly used antibiotics include doxycycline, azithromycin, or moxifloxacin. It's essential that both partners receive treatment simultaneously to prevent reinfection, particularly in sexually active couples.

Ignoring a Ureaplasma infection may seem harmless at first, but the long-term consequences can be profound. From chronic discomfort to irreversible reproductive damage, timely medical attention is key to preserving overall urogenital health and preventing avoidable complications.