Often, agents from the genera Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma can cause local inflammation of the organs in the urogenital system.

Mycoplasmas are found in the uro-genital system in 20-40% of sexually active healthy men and women, without obvious symptoms, but can cause various complaints. They develop in the cells of the mucous membrane covering the various parts of the reproductive system.
Genital mycoplasma and ureaplasma infection is sexually transmitted (with genital or oral contact). Vertical transmission of the infection from mother to child (at birth or during pregnancy) is also possible. Sexual intercourse is of greatest importance for the spread of the infection.
The incubation period after infection with mycoplasma is 3-5 weeks, it occurs on average after 15-20 days.
The infection manifests itself with non-specific complaints:

• In men, urethritis is most often diagnosed, manifested by burning and pain when urinating or a clear scanty discharge from the urinary canal. There is evidence that such an infection can cause reduced sperm motility and concomitant inflammation of various structures in the reproductive system and lead to sterility.
• In women, mycoplasma infection is most often caused by Mycoplasma hominis. These bacteria do not cause vaginal complaints, but their presence in the vagina can lead to frequent episodes of bacterial vaginosis. M. hominis is isolated from the lining of the uterus in approximately 10% of women with tubal inflammation and can cause a variety of other complications.
• With complaints related to pain or difficulty urinating and lack of bacterial growth from the urine, the possibility of developing a mycoplasma infection should always be considered.

Diagnosis of mycoplasma infection is important, and in men, urethral discharge, urine, seminal fluid and prostatic discharge can be tested, and in women, urine, cervical or vaginal discharge can be tested. Testing is important because the infection may be asymptomatic or occur concurrently with another infection. Therefore, it is important to know that the search for mycoplasma agents can provide an answer when it is impossible to prove the expected bacterial agents or in cases where antibacterial therapy has been prescribed that does not lead to a result.