Ureaplasma and Unexplained Infertility

Ureaplasma is a prevalent and contagious bacterial infection that is commonly contracted from a sexual partner. Those infected often have no outward symptoms.

Interestingly, there seems to be a higher frequency of ureaplasma in patients who have unexplained infertility, especially in men. In one study, the prevalence of Ureaplasma spp . in semen specimens was  39.6% and 19.2% in infertile and control group, respectively. This type of infection decreases sperm counts by infiltrating the secretary function of epididymis. It can also reduce motility and increase the number of abnormal sperm. In women it causes inflammation of the endometrium, preventing implantation.

Be sure your doctor has tested both you and your partner if you’ve been diagnosed with unexplained infertility. If either partner is positive, both should be treated concurrently. The good news is, once treated, the infections clears and there is one less unknown on the path to fertility.