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Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma: Understanding Your Test Results

What are mycoplasma and ureaplasma?

Mycoplasma and ureaplasma are very small bacteria that can live in the genital and urinary tract. In Korea, many clinics use a multi-pathogen PCR panel for STD testing, and these organisms are often listed on the report. Seeing them on your results can be confusing, because they do not all mean the same thing.

   

Organism	What it usually means
Mycoplasma genitalium	A sexually transmitted infection. It can cause cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Treatment is recommended.
Mycoplasma hominis	Commonly found in the vagina of healthy sexually active women. Often linked with bacterial vaginosis. Treatment is not usually needed without symptoms.
Ureaplasma urealyticum	Commonly found without symptoms. Its role in disease is still being studied. The doctor decides on treatment based on symptoms and circumstances.
Ureaplasma parvum	Very commonly found in healthy women. Usually considered part of the normal vaginal flora.

What symptoms can they cause?

Most people with mycoplasma or ureaplasma have no symptoms. When Mycoplasma genitalium causes infection, possible symptoms include:

• Changed or increased vaginal discharge
• Bleeding after sex or between periods
• Pain when urinating
• Pelvic pain or pain during sex

How are they passed on?

Mycoplasma genitalium is passed on through sexual contact. M. hominis and ureaplasma species are also more common in sexually active people, but they are so common in healthy people that finding them does not by itself mean you have an STI or that anyone was unfaithful.

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if you have discharge, bleeding after sex, pelvic pain, or burning when urinating, if a partner has been diagnosed with Mycoplasma genitalium , or if you received a positive result and are not sure what it means. Seek prompt care if you have fever or strong pelvic pain, which can be signs of pelvic inflammatory disease.

How are they diagnosed at the clinic?

Testing uses a swab from the vagina or cervix, or sometimes a urine sample, analyzed with PCR. The same panel usually checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. The doctor looks at the whole picture, including your symptoms and exam findings such as cervicitis, rather than just the list of positive results. International guidelines generally do not recommend testing or treating M. hominis or ureaplasma in people without symptoms.

How are they treated?

•   Mycoplasma genitalium : treated with prescription antibiotics, sometimes in two stages, because resistance to some antibiotics is common. Partners should be tested and treated, and a test of cure may be recommended.
• M. hominis and ureaplasma: treatment may be considered when there are symptoms and no other cause is found, or in certain situations such as pregnancy planning. Otherwise, treatment is usually not needed.

Taking antibiotics that are not needed can upset the normal vaginal balance and add to antibiotic resistance, so the doctor will explain the reasons for the recommendation. Individual results vary.

How can I lower my risk?

• Use condoms correctly with new or casual partners.
• Get tested with new partners and make sure partners are treated if M. genitalium is found.
• Avoid douching, which can disrupt the healthy vaginal flora.

You can also read our guide to understanding your lab results.

Getting care in English near Seongsu Station

If you have a Korean test report you do not understand, you can bring it to a visit and go through it with the doctor in English. Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, sees patients in English at Eunice Women's Clinic.

•  Address: 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, across the crosswalk from Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk
• Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00–19:00
• Tue, Thu: 10:00–20:00 (evening clinic)
• Sat: 10:00–14:00 (no lunch break)
• Weekday lunch break: 13:30–14:30. Closed Sundays and Korean public holidays

You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search “유니스산부인과” or Eunice), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100. Booking is recommended; call or message to check same-day availability. See directions from Seongsu Station.

Frequently asked questions

My test shows Ureaplasma parvum. Do I need treatment?

Usually not, if you have no symptoms. Ureaplasma parvum is found in many healthy women and is generally considered part of normal vaginal flora. The doctor will consider your symptoms and other results before recommending treatment.

Is Mycoplasma genitalium an STI?

Yes. Mycoplasma genitalium is sexually transmitted and can cause cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Treatment is recommended, and recent partners should be tested and treated.

Does a positive ureaplasma result mean my partner cheated?

No. Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma hominis are very common and can be present for a long time without symptoms. A positive result cannot tell you when or from whom they came.

Why do Korean STD tests include these organisms?

Many Korean laboratories use multi-pathogen PCR panels that test for several organisms at once. This is convenient, but it means some results need a doctor's interpretation. Ask the doctor to explain each item.

Can I bring results from another clinic?

Yes. You can bring a printed or digital copy of your results, including Korean-language reports. The doctor can review them with you in English and advise whether more testing is needed.

Related pages

•  STD Testing
• Chlamydia
• Cervicitis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Understanding Lab Results
• STD Testing in Korea

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.