ureaplasma

My husband and I have been TTC for approximatley two years.  We recently went to fertility consultation, which got the ball rolling with numerous tests.  They tested a lot of levels with numerous blood tests which all came back good.  The next step was testing for infection.  My husband submitted a sperm sample in which they found ureaplasma.  They did a vaginal swab on me and also found ureaplasma.  We are both currently taking doxyclyclin for the next 21 days. We will then both be tested again. A year ago I became pregnant but had a miscrriage at approxiamtely six weeks.  The doctor says that this could have been the reason for the miscarriage as well as the infertility.  I have never heard of this before and have not found it as one of the common  causes of infertility.  Could this really be the reason why we are not getting pregnant?  Does this have a long term affect on TTC and having success?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
What to do about Ureaplasma is controversial.  I would say that the majority of doctors probably don't believe that it is a cause of infertility or miscarriage.  There is a definite and possibly growing minority who do think it may play a role.  Whatever the case, taking the antibiotic won't cause any harm, and might help.  That is unless you get a yeast infection--which is common and easily treated with diflucan.

I hope your time and troubles are productive!  In the case of infertility, the end justifies the means!
Good luck!
Dr B