Ureaplasma Symptoms in Men: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Get Checked

ByBob Burns

Updated April 21, 2025

What Is Ureaplasma?

Let’s start with the basics. Ureaplasma is part of a group of bacteria called Mycoplasma. It lives in the urogenital tract and can be found in healthy people. So, having it doesn’t automatically mean you’re sick or did something wrong. It’s super common—studies suggest up to 70% of sexually active adults may carry it at some point.

But in some cases, especially in men, this typically chill microbe can turn into a troublemaker.

Sneaky Symptoms That Might Point to Ureaplasma

Here’s the thing: many guys never know they have ureaplasma because their bodies handle it just fine. But for others, it can lead to some pretty uncomfortable signs. And because these symptoms overlap with other infections, it’s easy to misdiagnose or ignore them altogether.

If symptoms do show up, they might include:

• Burning or stinging sensation during urination (like a UTI, but not quite)
• Clear or cloudy penile discharge
• Pain or swelling in the testicles
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
• Itchy or irritated feeling in the urethra
• Fertility issues (in long-term untreated cases)

On the surface, these symptoms can mirror chlamydia or gonorrhea. That’s why getting tested is key if something doesn’t feel right.

How Do You Even Get Ureaplasma?

Short answer: usually through sexual contact.

Ureaplasma isn’t classified as a traditional STD, but it is transmitted sexually. You can carry it and never know. Condoms can help reduce the risk, but since ureaplasma can live in areas not always covered (like the urethra or throat), it’s not a foolproof prevention strategy.

Some researchers believe things like stress, other infections, or a weakened immune system can tip the balance, turning a harmless case into a symptomatic one.

Here’s Why Men Shouldn’t Brush It Off

We get it—talking about genital symptoms is awkward. But untreated ureaplasma isn’t just uncomfortable. It can cause long-term problems in men, like:

• Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
• Epididymitis (painful swelling in the testicles)
• Potential fertility issues due to reduced sperm quality or motility

Plus, it can increase your risk of spreading or contracting other infections.

If you’ve got persistent symptoms and your tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia come back negative, ureaplasma could be the missing puzzle piece.

So What Can You Do?

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, or just have a gut feeling something’s off, talk to a healthcare provider. Testing for ureaplasma requires a special swab or urine test that isn’t always included in standard STI panels—so be specific and ask.

Treatment typically involves a round of antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin. It’s usually very effective.

Also worth noting: partners may need treatment too, even if they don’t have symptoms, to avoid a back-and-forth re-infection loop.

When Should You Actually Worry?

If you’re feeling symptoms that don’t go away, especially pain or unusual discharge, it’s time to stop Googling and get checked. If you’ve had unprotected sex, multiple partners, or ongoing urinary discomfort that your doc can’t explain—add ureaplasma to the list of possibilities.

Again, ureaplasma isn’t rare, it isn’t your fault, and it’s treatable.

The Takeaway

Ureaplasma in men doesn’t always make a grand entrance—but when it does, it can be uncomfortable and even harmful if left unchecked. Keep an eye out for symptoms like burning urination or testicular pain, and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for a ureaplasma test if the usual suspects come up empty.

Taking action early can mean less discomfort, fewer complications, and peace of mind.