Mycoplasma genitalium is a disease that is sexually transmitted and may cause urinary and genital tract inflammation in both men and women. Mycoplasma genitalium (also called M. genitalium or MG) has also been linked to other health issues.
Mycoplasma genitalium has been identified as one of the major causes of male urethritis, and new evidence now suggests that it causes cervicitis, urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and possibly infertility in women.
Azithromycin, the first-line urethritis antibiotic, is generally inadequate for managing M. Genitalium. Moreover, azithromycin-resistance has been reported in about 3 continents of recent. Moxifloxacin remains the most powerful medication while there are increasing cases of resistance to it in various areas of the world. Doxycycline is another promising antibiotic against this disease.
What is Mycoplasma Genitalium?
Mycoplasma Genitalium is a commonly known sexually transmitted infection called MG, caused by a bacteria called Mycoplasma Genitalium The bacterium affects the mucous sheaths of the cervix, throat, urethra, and anus. The infection affects both males (aged 25–34) and females (aged 16–19). It is gotten through sexual contact or even rubbing.
Recommended: Early STD Testing: Why Is it Necessary To Get Tested?
What Causes Mycoplasma Genitalium?
You get M. genitalium through having sex with someone who’s got it. Even if you don’t go through vaginal sex all the way, you can get Mycoplasma genitalium by sexual contact or rubbing.
Since the 1980s, scientists have known of this disease, but new research has shown that more than one of every 100 adults could have it.
Mycoplasma Genitalium Symptoms
Mycoplasma Genitalium may exhibit certain symptoms, or may not. t In reality, few healthcare professionals all over the world are aware of this sexually transmitted infection. If it eventually shows symptoms, it can take about 3-35 days to show up. During this period, the risks of spreading the infection to others are high. When there is are symptoms, they include:
In men:
- Discharge (can be watery) from the penis.
- Burning sensation when urinating.
In women:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Bleeding after sex or between periods
- Discomfort when urinating
Recommended: Robot Sex Dolls: Their Pros And Cons To Your Health
Other symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
What Does Mycoplasma Genitalium Do To The Body?
The infection can lead to urethra infection in men and cervix infection in women. If it goes unchecked, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) causing damage to the Fallopian tubes.
If PID is not treated, it can harm the Fallopian tubes and eventually cause infertility. Mycoplasma Genitalium is also a co-factor in women carriers for the spread of HIV. Data shows that people who have the STI are at higher risk of contracting HIV than those without the disease.
Mycoplasma Genitalium in Men
M. genitalium is clearly associated with both acute and persistent urethritis in men. In men with urethritis who are diagnosed and positive for M. genitalium, the infection should be treated as soon as possible.
Mycoplasma Genitalium in Women
M. genitalium is clearly associated with scute and chronic cervicitis, urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. Women with persistent pelvic inflammatory diseases should be treated for M. genitalium immediately.
Recommended: Better Sex Life And Top 10 Ways You Can Enjoy It
Mycoplasma Genitalium Testing
Unlike other sexually transmitted diseases, there is no M. genitalium test approved by the FDA. Lack of accurate and approved diagnostic test for M. genitalium is the biggest challenge faced by Scientists currently. I believe breakthrough will come sooner as lots of research is ongoing. However, whether you or your doctor suspect you may have it, a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) can be performed.
You will be requested to provide a sample of your urine for this test. A swab may also be used by your doctor to take a sample from your vagina, cervix or urethra.
Is Mycoplasma Genitalium curable?
Yes. Mycoplasma genitalium is treated by getting good antibiotic medications. Azithromycin is usually used first. However, Moxifloxacin is usually the antibiotic of choice as it produces a better result. The treatment is administered over a 5-day period. However, if the infection continues or reoccurs, a specialist may need to be seen to be treated further.
Who Is at Risk Of Mycoplasma Genitalium?
Individuals who are sexually active can get the infection. Those who have multiple sexual partners are at an increased risk of getting it. The expectant mothers can still be at risk.
Recommended: 12 Dangers Of Using Tramadol For Sexual Function
Can Mycoplasma Genitalium be Dormant?
Mycoplasma genitalium can hang around for years, which is especially important to understand if you’re in a relationship.
Is Mycoplasma Genitalium an STD?
Yes. You get M. genitalium through having sex with someone who’s got it. Even if you don’t go through vaginal sex all the way, you can get Mycoplasma genitalium by sexual contact or rubbing.
Does Mycoplasma Gentalium go Away?
Yes. But due to emerging antibiotic resistance, a test is recommended after receiving treatment to ascertain successful eradication of MG. There is, however, no available information regarding how long it takes until MG completely leaves the body.
Recommended: Chagas Disease: Everything About The American Trypanosomiasis
Mycoplasma Genitalium Prevention
The easiest and only effective way to avoid getting the disease is to abstain completely from sexual intercourse. If you want to have intercourse, be sure of safe sex and restrict the amount of sexual partners you have. Also ask about your partner’s sexual history before you engage in sexual activity or accompany one another before sex for STD testing.
For the infected person, sexual contact is prohibited until the antibiotic treatment is complete.
To make sure that the infection has completely left the body system, a follow-up examination of the infection is mandatory.
Often, repeated STI screening is a safe way to detect this kind of infection early enough. This test is especially recommended for women who are trying to conceive or plan to have children, including those who are sexually active.
Recommended: 7 Parkinson’s Disease Early Symptoms You Must Know
Conclusion
Persons with persistent pelvic inflammatory diseases or recurrent urethritis or cervicitis which is clinically relevant should be screened for M. genitalium. The medication will be offered to infected individuals who have not obtained azithromycin before. Persons in whom azithromycin therapy fails should be treated with moxifloxicin.