There are more than 20 types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) out there. These include chlamydia infections, syphilis, herpes, gonorrhoea, HIV, and many others. Recently, the list has even expanded with the addition of a new form of STD called ‘mycoplasma genitalium’.
Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial STD that can infect one’s cervix, urethra, and rectum. This newly recognised STD is primarily spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, either vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed on by sharing sex toys or physical contact with the genitals with infected fingers.
The mycoplasma genitalium bacteria was discovered as early as 1980. However, during that time, researchers still could not figure out the link between the bacteria and sexual activity. It was only recently that they have found evidence suggesting that mycoplasma genitalium is more common in people who engage in unprotected sex or have multiple sexual partners.
To know more about this new form of STD, let us share some of the most essential pieces of information you should know about mycoplasma genitalium, including its symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and treatments.
Symptoms of Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is usually asymptomatic. This means that those who are infected with it do not typically show any symptoms. However, in some cases, the disease can also manifest itself in symptoms that vary according to gender.
In men, the common symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium are:
- Unusual fluid discharge from the penis
- Burning or stinging pain when peeing
- Penile itching
In women, on the other hand, the symptoms are more extensive. These include:
- Unusual fluid discharge from the vagina
- Vaginal itching
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Pain in the pelvic area or below the belly button
Oftentimes, the symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium are quite similar to those of chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Hence, it is usually difficult to determine whether one is infected with this emerging disease. Since so many people still do not know about mycoplasma genitalium, diagnosis can be often difficult.
Diagnosis for Mycoplasma Genitalium
Since mycoplasma genitalium is a relatively new STD, there is still no test that is specifically made for identifying the disease. Nonetheless, if your doctor suspects that you might have it, you can undergo a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
NAAT is a diagnostic test that uses urine samples to detect the presence of various STDs, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Aside from NAAT, your doctor may also use a swab to get a sample from your vagina, cervix, or urethra.
Complications related to Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium should be treated immediately. Otherwise, it can result in some serious consequences. If left untreated, this new STD can lead to various complications.
In men, untreated mycoplasma genitalium can cause:
- Urethritis
- Epididymitis
- Arthritis
In women, on the other hand, the complications of mycoplasma genitalium include:
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Cervicitis
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Arthritis
Treatments for Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is a tricky condition to treat. In most bacterial diseases, antibiotics, such as penicillin, are prescribed to kill bacteria by destroying their cell walls. However, the mycoplasma genitalium bacteria do not have cell walls. Therefore, antibiotics might not work well in treating the new STD.
Nonetheless, if you have been diagnosed with mycoplasma genitalium, your doctor may recommend you to try azithromycin first. This is a macrolide-type antibiotic that is usually used to prevent and treat extremely serious types of bacterial infections. If azithromycin does not work, your doctor may then give you moxifloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that combats bacteria in your body.
Conclusion
Because it is a relatively new type of STD, there is still not much information about mycoplasma genitalium at present. However, what you should know by now is that this new STD is easily transmissible, but it can be possibly treated. To minimise your risk of getting the disease, it is highly advised for you to undergo STD diagnostic tests once you start noticing some of its symptoms.
Early diagnosis has always been the key to preventing serious diseases. If you are looking for the best STD testing in Singapore, Elyon Clinic is the one you need. We are a women and men’s health clinic in Singapore provide confidential and reliable sexual health checkups and diagnostic tests for our patients who want to protect themselves against the health threat of STDs. To learn more about our services, do not hesitate to call us at 6802 7208 and book an appointment now.
