2 minutes read2 minutes readMycoplasma genitalium is a bacterium which can be spread by vaginal, penile, oral, or anal sexual contact and intercourse in men and women and it lives in the genital area and urinary system.
The Mycoplasma bacteria is harder to treat than other bacterial STIs as it does not have a cell wall. It is also one of the smallest documented free-living organisms in the world.
As with many STIs, people with a Mycoplasma infection often do not show any symptoms, especially in its early stages. However, as the infection develops more people will start to display symptoms, like the ones listed below.
What are the symptoms of Mycoplasma?
In men the symptoms can include:
- Painful urination
- Inflamed urethra
- Redness of the penis
- Increased risk of other STIs
In women the symptoms can include:
- Unusual discharge from your vagina
- Painful urination
- Pain during or after sex
- Vaginal itching
- Increased risk of other STIs
What conditions are most associated with Mycoplasma?
In women Mycoplasma is linked with inflammatory conditions of the cervix (cervicitis) and upper genital tract pelvic inflammatory disease. If left untreated pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to serious health problems which include infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and preterm delivery.
In men it is associated with urethritis, an inflammatory condition of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that extends from the bladder to the exterior carrying urine and semen. Urethritis can be complicated by infections at other sites such as the prostate or testicles.
Mycoplasma may also play a role in tubal factor infertility and has been implicated as a possible causative factor in reactive arthritis and an increased risk of contracting other STIs.
Sydney Study highlights the low awareness of Mycoplasma
A study was conducted in 2017 on men who have sex with men, who presented as rectally asymptomatic at a Sydney sexual health clinic or local community site for testing. Between March and May 2017 participants completed a questionnaire before being tested. The results found that 692 (92.5%) of 746 had no prior awareness of Mycoplasma genitalium. 512 participants (68.6%) of 746 were not concerned or were neutral about the infection, showing a worrying low level of awareness for this STI.
What is the treatment for Mycoplasma?
If you are diagnosed with Mycoplasma, you can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. However, Mycoplasma is becomingly increasingly resistant to antibiotics which means treatment can fail, especially if the full course is not completed. Antibiotic resistance now exceeds 60% in Australia in the majority of cases and exceeds 80% in men who have sex with men.
Other second-line antibiotics are available, but you will need to attend a specialist sexual health clinic for testing and to discuss your treatment options.
Confidential and discreet testing for STIs and HIV
If you have any questions about Mycoplasma, STIs and HIV or your general sexual health then please speak with one of our highly trained advisors, either by phone or through our live online webchat using the number or button at the top of this page.
We recommend that you get tested for Mycoplasma combined with tests for other STIs and HIV as part of a screen such as our Platinum Screen or Full Screen.
Better2Know can make you an appointment at sexual health clinic near you and arrange confidential consultations, appointments and comprehensive STI testing.
Sources
[1] Sti.guidelines.org.au: Sexually Transmissible infections
