As you may have seen on our website, we also offer tests to detect these pathogens, but they are not relevant for everyone.
In this post, we will give you the key points to understand what we are talking about and when you should pay attention to them.
These organisms are considered transient colonisers, meaning they can be present in parts of the body (here we are referring to the genital mucosa, but they may also be found in the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract, for example) without causing any symptoms.
M. hominis and Ureaplasmas are part of the normal genital flora in a large proportion of the sexually active population.
In people with a vagina, colonisation in adulthood is around 50–80%, whereas in the penis (urethra), colonisation occurs in approximately 25% of cases.
So, if these bacteria are detected, should I receive treatment?
Scientific studies do not establish a clear relationship between these organisms and genitourinary diseases. As they are common colonisers, if symptoms appear and these organisms are detected, the symptoms are generally explained by other causes.
Therefore, only patients who present symptoms that cannot be explained by more likely causes should be treated.
In addition, due to the association between these organisms and pelvic inflammatory disease or complications during pregnancy, treatment may also be considered for individuals who are going to undergo invasive gynaecological procedures, are pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy.
Therefore, if you test positive, there is no need to worry; treatment is only required if you have symptoms or meet any of these conditions.
Should I include these tests in my STI screening?
The short answer is yes, but only if you have symptoms. If you are asymptomatic, whether or not you carry these bacteria has no impact, and therefore at Open House we do not recommend screening in this type of patient.
At Open House, we offer highly sensitive tests to detect these bacteria. We provide an urgent service with results in a maximum of 2 hours and a standard service with results in up to 72 working hours.
If you need more information about these bacteria, our specialist medical team is the best way to resolve any doubts. Call us for more information or to book your appointment at one of our clinics.
Madrid Clinic Valencia Clinic Málaga Medical Center
Dr. Julieta Domingorena Córdoba
