What is Mycoplasma Genitalium?
Mycoplasma genitalium, often referred to as Mgen, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a type of bacteria.
Mgen can infect the urethra (inside the penis), cervix (opening to the uterus), and rectum in people of any gender. It is less well-known than other STIs but can lead to serious health complications, especially if left untreated.
Signs and Symptoms of Mycoplasma Genitalium
Many people infected with Mycoplasma genitalium do not exhibit any symptoms, making it easy for the infection to go unnoticed and untreated. However, when symptoms do occur, they can vary and may resemble those of other STIs.
Mycoplasma Genitalium Symptoms in Women
Women with Mycoplasma genitalium may experience:
- Vaginal discharge
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Pain/bleeding after sex
- Bleeding between periods
- Lower abdominal pain (if the infection leads to pelvic inflammatory disease)
If left untreated, Mgen can cause cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) and may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in infertility, chronic pelvic pain, or an ectopic pregnancy.
Mycoplasma Genitalium Symptoms in Men
Men with Mycoplasma genitalium may notice:
- Discharge from the penis
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Pain in the testicles (less common)
- Discomfort during urination
While the long-term health effects of Mycoplasma genitalium in men are not fully understood, untreated infections can still cause significant discomfort and may lead to complications.
How Do You Get Mycoplasma Genitalium?
Mycoplasma genitalium is transmitted through sexual contact, particularly through vaginal and anal sex without a condom.
Researchers are still investigating whether Mgen can be transmitted through oral sex. It’s important to note that even if a person has no symptoms, they can still spread the infection to others.
Testing for Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is not typically included in standard STI screenings, so testing for Mgen may be recommended by a healthcare provider if you present symptoms or if your partner has tested positive for an STI.
Diagnosis is usually made through laboratory tests that analyze a urine sample or a swab from the cervix in women or the urethra in men.
Treatment for Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium can be treated with antibiotics. It is crucial to take the full course of medication prescribed by your healthcare provider and to follow up with testing 2 to 3 weeks after treatment to ensure the infection has been cleared.
You should avoid all sexual activity until both you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and any symptoms have fully resolved. This helps prevent reinfection and the spread of Mgen.
Untreated Mycoplasma genitalium can lead to serious health issues, particularly for women, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in infertility, chronic pain, and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Telling Your Partner About Mycoplasma Genitalium
If you have Mycoplasma genitalium, it’s important to inform your current sexual partners and anyone you’ve had sex with recently. Since many people with Mgen do not have symptoms, they may not be aware they are infected. Prompt testing and treatment are essential to prevent the further spread of the infection.
Notify your partners anonymously about an STI with TellYourPartner.com. Ensuring they receive the necessary information to protect their health without revealing your identity.