Mycoplasma Genitalium
What is Mycoplasma Genitalium?
Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG) is a sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma genitalium.
How does someone get Mycoplasma Genitalium?
- Anyone can get infected with Mycoplasma Genitalium. It is very common and can be easily transmitted during vaginal, oral, and anal sex. It is transmitted by direct genital to genital mucosal contact.
- Often, this infection does not present with symptoms, but can cause urogenital symptoms for both women and men. It is also usually asymptomatic if the infection is in the rectum.
- You can pass Mycoplasma Genitalium to others without knowing it.
- It can be treated and cured.
- If you do not treat Mycoplasma Genitalium, it can lead to serious health problems.
- Even if you have had Mycoplasma Genitalium before, you can still catch it again.
How can I lower my risk for Mycoplasma Genitalium?
- Use condoms every time you have sex.
- Get tested as often as necessary.
- Limit your number of partners.
- Do not have sex if you are drunk or have used illicit drugs.
N.B. Washing the genitals after sex will not prevent STIs.
What are the symptoms of Mycoplasma Genitalium?
You may not know that you have Mycoplasma Genitalium, but you may still be infected and pass the infection to other sexual partners. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea and other STIs, most people who have this infection don't know it. However, you may experience:
Common symptoms for Men:
- Burning sensation while urinating.
- Discharge from penis.
- Pain in the testicles.
Common symptoms for Women:
- A change in colour (to thick green, yellowish), smell, or an increase in discharge from the vagina.
- Bleeding between periods.
- Pain or bleeding during or after vaginal sex.
- Burning sensation while urinating.
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen.
How can I find out if I have Mycoplasma Genitalium?
- You can call the Genito-Urinary Clinic at Mater Dei Hospital (Out-patient's Level 2) on 25457494/1 for an appointment.
- The doctor will ask you for a urine sample, and swabs may be taken from the penis, cervix, and vagina. If you had oral and/or anal sex, swabs may also be taken from your throat and anus.
- You may get tested for other STIs as one can have other sexually transmitted infections at the same time.
When should I be tested?
If you are having any of the symptoms and/or signs described, or had sexual contact with someone who is infected with Mycoplasma Genitalium.
How is Mycoplasma Genitalium treated?
The treatment for MG is a course of antibiotic tablets. You may be asked to attend the GU clinic several times to test again and check that your infection has gone.
What are the complications of Mycoplasma Genitalium, if I don't get treated?
In women:
- The infection may cause serious health complications such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women. PID may cause abdominal pelvic pain (lower abdominal/tummy pain) that can also lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).
In men:
- Men may develop a painful infection in their testicles.
- Rarely, Mycoplasma Genitalium may also cause arthritis (swollen joints) and inflammation of the eyes.
Do I have to inform my partner about Mycoplasma Genitalium?
- Your partner may have the infection too.
- Be sure to tell your recent sex partners so that they can get tested and treated. They may have it too without knowing it.
- Healthcare professionals may help you in notifying your sexual partners in a confidential manner.
- If someone shares their sexual health status with you, don't shame them - be thankful. You and your partner can get tested and treated!
Can I get Mycoplasma Genitalium again after I've been treated?
Yes, you can get MG again. You can get it from an untreated sexual partner.
Mycoplasma Genitalium and pregnancy
- Having the infection during pregnancy may cause miscarriage or preterm labour.
- If you're pregnant and you are at risk if being infected with MG, it's important to get tested and treated before your baby is born.
- Little is known about transmission during birth. However, the newborn should be observed for signs of infection in the eyes or in the respiratory tract.
Does Mycoplasma Genitalium affect my risk of getting HIV?
Yes, MG increases the risk of getting infected with HIV.
How can Mycoplasma Genitalium be prevented?
MG and other STIs can be successfully prevented by using appropriate contraception and taking other precautions, such as:
- Using male condoms or female condoms each time you have vaginal sex, or male condoms during anal sex.
- Using a condom to cover the penis, or a latex or plastic square (dam) to cover the female genitals if you have oral sex.
- Not sharing sex toys, or washing them before and after sex and covering them with a new condom before anyone else uses them.
MG cannot be caught by kissing, hugging, sharing baths or towels, using swimming pools, or from toilet seats.
When can I have sex again?
You are advised not to have any type of sex (with or without condoms) until both you and your partner have finished your treatment, and your symptoms have gone.
Further information and help
Reference List:
https://www.bashhguidelines.org/media/1226/mgen_pil_digital_p2_2019.pdf
https://iusti.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/MycoplasmaLeaflet2017.pdf