13 Aug 2012
Mycoplasma Genitalium Infection
Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma. Mycoplsama is a bacterium, which does not have a cell membrane and can infect both males and females after an unprotected sexual contact. Mycoplasma genitalium is the leading cause of non-gonococcal urethritis in men and women. Mycoplasma also leads to bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory diseases, urethritis and cervicitis in women.
Mycoplasma Symptoms
Symptoms of mycoplasma include pruritus or itching in the genitals, painful urination, painful intercourse and burning sensation on the genitals and urethra. In men, mycoplasma may result in urethral discharge that may be non-foul smelling. Advanced cases may also affect the joints leading to arthritis. Mycoplasma symptoms usually resemble other sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea. In some patients, it can be asymptomatic.
Mycoplasma testing
Mycoplasma testing involves the testing of the urine for the said bacteria. The patient is instructed to collect midstream urine 3 hours after waking up. Mycoplamsa testing may be a part of a full STD screen or as a single diagnosis. Vaginal swabs or urethral swabs may also be done as mycoplasma test in cases of appearance of discharges.
Mycoplasma Treatment
The treatment for mycoplasma requires the administration of specific antibiotics for several days. It is important to comply and complete the whole course of antibiotic treatment to prevent drug resistance and recurrence of the infection. Also, some doctors require re-testing after the antibiotic therapy to ascertain that the infection is totally eradicated.
Mycoplasma genitalium may also lead to possible complications when not managed promptly. Complications include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometritis or the inflammation of the endometrium, preterm labor in pregnant women, and infertility, when the fallopian tubes are already affected.
Prevention of mycoplasma is important to prevent these complications. Preventive measures include use of barrier protection like condoms during sexual contact, being monogamous, and knowing completely your sexual partner.
People infected with mycoplasma genitalium should also inform their sexual partners about the diagnosis in order to conduct mycoplasma testing to those people.
Sexually transmitted diseases are highly preventable when people become more responsible during sex.
If you’re worried about Mycoplasma or any other STD please contact Better2Know on the number above to book an appointment for a confidential test at one of our many STD clinics throughout the UK.