Semen, Culture for Mycoplasma - Ureaplasma testing is used to check male infertility as well as when there are signs of infection of the urogenital system by these microorganisms.
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Mycoplasmas of the urogenital system represent a complex group of microorganisms that have been associated with a wide range of infectious diseases in adults and infants.
Ureaplasmas of the urogenital system (Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum) and Mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma hominis) are found in the urethra of men and enter semen during ejaculation. However, these microorganisms, especially U. urealyticum, are potentially pathogenic species that play a causal role in both urogenital infections and male infertility. Studies over the past decade have demonstrated the damage that U. urealyticum can cause to the development and vitality of embryos. During in vitro fertilization, the presence of U. urealyticum in either the semen or the female reproductive system can lead to a reduction in the success rate of a successful pregnancy. The mechanism by which U. urealyticum affects semen has not yet been elucidated.
Some researchers found no association between the presence of U. urealyticum and changes in semen, while others found that the presence of U. urealyticum in semen was associated with decreased sperm concentration, reduced motility, and altered morphology.
The effect of M. hominis infection on semen parameters and male fertility remains unclear while the presence of M. genitalium and U. parvum have not yet been investigated.
