Mycoplasma Genitalium

It's a bacterium that affects the genital area. It's a fairly new STI having only being identified in 1981. It has many of the same characteristics as other STIs and may be mistaken for chlamydia or gonorrhoea.

MG bacteria is transferred through unprotected sex and spread into the reproductive areas of both men and women. It's sometimes referred to as non-specific urethritis as it may be a factor in causing this condition.

Little is known about MG as it's a newer STI, but it's thought it carries the same health risks as chlamydia. It's estimated one to three percent of people in high-income countries have mycoplasma genitalium.

Many men and women with MG don't have any symptoms but when they do occur they include:

In men:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Unusual discharge from the penis
• Pain and swelling in joints
• Inflammation of the urethra

In women:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Pain during sex
• Inflamed cervix
• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding during and after sex
• Vaginal itching
• Unusual vaginal discharge

Symptoms can appear as soon as seven days after infection, but it may be some time. Sometimes noticeable symptoms may not occur at all.

Long term complications of mycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium has a strong association with urethritis, cervicitis, PID and premature birth in pregnant women.

Mycoplasma genitalium can remain asymptomatic for some time, showing no symptoms. This may cause difficulties because without treatment it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and epididymitis and prostatitis in men. These conditions can lead to infertility.

Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted disease. It is spread via unprotected sex and exposure to body fluids of an infected person.

Bacteria are able to transfer through:

• Penetrative vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex
• Sharing sex toys
• Masturbating

The use of male or female condoms can cut the risk of contracting or passing on MG.

If you have the symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium, or a partner has been diagnosed with it, you should see your doctor or local sexual clinic for a test. It's important to do this as left untreated MG can cause long-term complications.

The test for mycoplasma genitalium is a urine sample for men and women, plus a vaginal swab for women. Laboratory tests can uncover the presence of the bacterium. You may have to wait for results to return but in some cases, clinics have their own testing facilities.

Treatment for MG is through a course of antibiotics. This can be a single high dose or a course of medication over a week. Your doctor or STI clinic will provide you with the correct antibiotic treatment.

If you test positive for MG ensure you take your treatment as directed and finish the whole course. This helps to prevent re-infection. If you save antibiotics for a later date, the infection may not be cleared. The amount you are prescribed is clinically proven to kill the infection so it does not re-grow.

If you have developed PID or urethritis as a result of mycoplasma genitalium you may need further treatment. These conditions can be tricky to treat and take a long time.

STIs are common and the best way to deal with them is through prevention. Male and female condoms are the best way to stop infections like MG. If you are having casual sex ensure you use a male or female condom to protect yourself.

Other methods of preventing STIs are:

• Not sharing sex toys
• Limiting your number of sexual partners
• Using a dental dam - a square flat barrier that is placed on the vagina or anus. Opened condoms work well too
• Getting regular screenings for STIs
• Seeking immediate treatment if you are diagnosed with an STI
• Ensuring your partner is treated to avoid transferring STIs to each other
• Remaining in control e.g. of alcohol and recreational drugs
• If you have MG do not have sex with your partner until the treatment has finished. If you do, you may infect your partner, and in turn, you may develop another infection.

Mycoplasma genitalium may be responsible for conditions that cause infertility such as PID so it's important to get tested. If you've ever had unprotected sex it is worth having an STI test to make sure you do not have any silent infections. MG, chlamydia, and host of other STI do not always show symptoms whilst they are causing internal infections or scarring.

For your own health it's wise to always use condoms and get regularly tested for STIs.