What is mycoplasma genitalium?
Mycoplasma genitalium is a strain of the mycoplasma bacteria that affects the cells of the urinary/genital area. It is classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and was first identified in 1981. This condition can be difficult to diagnose, and is often confused with gonorrhoea or chlamydia due to various similarities between the conditions.
There are no obvious symptoms associated with mycoplasma genitalium, therefore, if your results come back as positive when testing for mycoplasma genitalium, but you can't detect any symptoms, it is still recommended that you seek treatment for this curable condition.
If you are displaying symptoms and are unsure, you can complete a consultation online and is what our doctor recommends. This is free of charge and takes approximately 5 minutes.
Causes of mycoplasma genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by small mycoplasmal organisms, and then transferred through unprotected sexual intercourse. Without the use of appropriate protection, these organisms can cause infection as extracellular parasites, by attaching themselves to the surface of the genital tract and attacking the tissue of the host.
Mycoplasma genitalium can be passed on from one sexual partner to another during:
- Vaginal, anal or oral sex
- Unprotected sex or if you have frequent sex with different partners
- Sharing of sex toys with an infected partner
Symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium
Benefits of treating mycoplasma genitalium
A number of benefits can be experienced when you successfully treat mycoplasma genitalium.
Avoid the risk of further health problems
such as cervicitis, urethritis, and ectopic pregnancylong-term
Treat associated symptoms
reduced pain and burning sensations in the genital region
Fertility issues
these can be prevented if the condition is treated in time
May prevent further transmission
although it is still advised to use a barrier contraceptive condition is treated in time
- Avoid the risk of further health problems, such as cervicitis, urethritis, and ectopic pregnancy
- Your personal sexual confidence will improve
- Your partner's sexual confidence can also improve
- Any issues relating to future fertility issues can be avoided
- Your sexual performance and overall experience can be enhanced
- Psychological issues associated with mycoplasma genitalium (as well as other STIs), such as stress and anxiety, can be successfully prevented
How can I get tested for mycoplasma genitalium?
Your local sexual health clinic or GP will be able to test you for this STI. However, because the symptoms are similar to other STI's, it's best to get a full STI screen so that your specialist can find out what the problem is and recommend a solution.
A mycoplasma test for men will involve a urine sample and for women, a swab will be taken from the vagina. Both these tests are designed to look for the DNA of the mycoplasma bacterium. The sooner that you get diagnosed; the sooner you can be treated.
What are the risks of mycoplasma genitalium?
Although mycoplasma genitalium can easily be treated, it can stay unrecognised for months because it is asymptomatic, meaning that it rarely shows any symptoms. If left untreated, mycoplasma genitalium can lead to cervicitis, urethritis, ectopic pregnancy or pelvic inflammatory disease in women; and epididymitis and prostatitis in men. It can also lead to infertility and long-lasting pelvic pain in both sexes. Fortunately, all of these potential risks can be avoided when using effective antibiotic treatment.
Prevention for mycoplasma genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is a completely preventable condition. It can be successfully prevented by following the preventable methods below:
- Using male or female condoms during sex - this is the most highly recommended method when looking to prevent mycoplasma genitalium
- Avoiding sex until the course of antibiotic treatment is completed. This is also the case if your partner is in the process of treating their STI
- Additional testing can be taken after completing the course of treatment, to ensure that the bacteria have cleared, and the condition has been cured. This also excludes other forms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Keeping the number of sexual partners you have down can also be helpful when preventing mycoplasma genitalium
- Avoid sharing sex toys with sexual partners - if you do intend to share them, ensure that they are washed thoroughly and covered with a fresh condom
What treatment options are available for mycoplasma genitalium?
The most effective way to treat mycoplasma genitalium is by taking antibiotic medication. Doxycycline is recommended as first line treatment. It's available as 100 mg tablets, which are taken twice daily for 7 days. It can be followed by using Azithromycin as second line treatment. This medication is taken first as a single dose of 1 mg and then one dose of 500 mg daily for 2 days.
If you have tested positive for mycoplasma genitalium, begin a quick, free, and simple online consultation now to determine which prescription treatment is right for you. After you have completed your consultation, our doctor will be able to assess your condition and make the right decision as to which treatments are best for your condition. Once you've made your choice, our doctor will write out a prescription and forward it to our pharmacy. Your medication will then be dispatched for free next day courier delivery.
