Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterium that is most commonly transferred between partners who have unprotected sexual intercourse. There is not much known about mycoplasma genitalium, but it is thought that it could be common in both men and women. It has been associated with urethritis and cystitis and also the development of pelvic inflammatory disease in women if it’s left untreated. The bacteria are also usually found alongside other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Similarly to these infections, it is easily treatable, but many people fail to seek treatment, as the bacteria doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms.
How common is it?
Mycoplasma genitalium is believed to be common among people who are sexually active. Although it can affect men and women of all ages who are sexually active, it’s most commonly found in those groups that are at risk of contracting gonorrhoea and chlamydia - in other words, those in their late teens and early 20’s. However, the Health Protection Agency in the UK reports that it is impossible to get a clear idea of exactly how many people have it, because it’s not often detected early enough.
How do you get it?
The mycoplasma genitalium bacterium is one of the smallest organisms on earth and it can quite easily be passed from one person to the next during vaginal, anal or oral sex and is most likely to thrive in mucosal areas of the body, such as the vagina and the urethra. Intercourse isn’t always necessary for the bacteria to spread, so sharing sex toys is also a risk.
How is it diagnosed?
Detecting a mycoplasma genitalium infection early is difficult, because symptoms are rarely obvious. Those with symptoms may notice pain when urinating, as well as a vaginal discharge in women or urethral discharge in men. All symptoms can easily be confused with other infections.
In order to get a clear and accurate diagnosis, it’s best not to rely on the presence of symptoms, which is why a doctor will typically do an STI test before recommending a course of treatment.
Mycoplasma genitalium test
Testing for the presence of the genitalium bacteria will only involve the collection of a urine sample or discharge swab, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. These tests can be requested from your GP or GUM clinic, but you also have the option of collecting a sample yourself and sending it off to a laboratory for analysis, with mycoplasma genitalium testing services such as LabsDirect.
Can it be cured?
Mycoplasma genitalium can easily be treated and cured with the use of antibiotic medications. These include Azithromycin and Doxycycline, both widely used and proven to be effective. Doxycycline is a more gradual method of treatment, which may be a good option if you struggle with recurring infections or you find that you don’t really respond well to high dose treatment methods. Azithromycin, on the other hand, is a slightly more convenient way of dealing with infection, as it is able to deal with a mycoplasma genitalium after just a single high dose of the medication.
After completing your course of treatment, a second mycoplasma genitalium test should be taken two weeks later to confirm that the medication has been effective.
