Have you ever heard of mycoplasma genitalium? If you have not, you are not alone. It is a type of STD that is less heard in Singapore. Yet, despite it being less common, it does not mean that it is non-existent. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about this STD.
What is mycoplasma genitalium, and why should I screen for it?
Also known as Mgen, it is a type of bacterial-causing STD that was first reported in the 1980s. It has been found to be associated with urethritis in men and several gynaecological complications in women, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
There are 8 reasons why you need to screen for the STD:
1. A less heard STD does not mean that it is non-existent
In fact, studies have revealed that 1 in 100 adults are found to have mycoplasma genitalium. You can contract and transmit the STD through sex and even sexual rubbing or touching.
Based on global statistics, STD is associated with up to 20 per cent of non-gonococcal urethritis cases and up to 30 per cent and 22 per cent of cervicitis and PID, respectively. It can also be associated with rectal infection for partners who dabble with anal sex, affecting 26 per cent and 3 per cent of male and female cases, respectively.
2. Untreated mycoplasma genitalium increases your risk of developing other STDs
When one is infected with mycoplasma genitalium, the bacteria latch onto the surface of the individual’s skin cells, weakening the integrity of the skin barrier. As a result, the individual runs the risk of contracting, transmitting, and reproducing other STDs, such as HPV and HIV, especially those that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
3. Signs of mycoplasma genitalium are often vague and mimic those of chlamydia trachomatis infection
The thing about mycoplasma genitalium infection is that the associated signs and symptoms are often vague. Even doctors can often be confused about its symptoms due to its close similarity to common bacterial-causing STDs, such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Individuals with mycoplasma genitalium may not display any visible symptoms.
However, if symptoms do surface, both men and women will display signs, such as genital discharge or a painful, itching, stinging or burning sensation when urinating. Women with STDs will also develop lower pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding between periods, and bleeding after sexual intercourse. Individuals may also develop rectal symptoms, such as changes in bowel habits, anal itch or pain, and anal discharge, especially if they have anal sex.
4. Mycoplasma genitalium can cause chronic complications in women
It is inevitable that STD affects men and women differently. Late diagnosis of mycoplasma genitalium can lead to PID. Over time, combined with chronic infection and inflammation, an infected woman can develop chronic pelvic pain due to pelvic scarring, salpingitis, and endometritis. In addition, the STD can also lead to cervicitis, which is a chronic inflammation of the cervix.
If the STD occurs during a pregnancy, it increases one’s risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. If not, the STD increases one’s risk of developing a low birth rate, preterm labour, spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
5. Mycoplasma genitalium can cause chronic complications in men
While the STD does cause more severe complications for women, it does not mean that men are exempted. Mycoplasma genitalium can cause chronic complications, such as male infertility, due to underlying prostatitis and epididymitis. In men who are involved in men-sex-men (MSM), pharyngeal and rectal infections can also be an issue.
6. Rising antibiotic resistance against treatment
Recent studies have shown that several STDs, including HIV and mycoplasma genitalium, are found to be developing drug-resistant properties. Azithromycin, which is a type of macrolide antibiotic, is used to treat genitourinary infections. However, there are several reports of mycoplasma genitalium being found to resist the antibiotic treatment.
7. Mycoplasma genitalium will not go away on its own
Unfortunately, your immune system will not be able to get rid of the STD on its own. While having a healthy immune system will enable you to respond better to treatment and recover faster, you still need proper treatment to fight the bacteria infection.
8. Sexual habits may predispose to mycoplasma genitalium
Sexual habits, such as becoming sexually active at a younger age, having casual sex, or having multiple sexual partners, predispose an individual to STDs, including mycoplasma genitalium. A local population study revealed that of the 2000 sexually active men in Singapore, 16 per cent were found to be involved in casual sex, and 78.4 per cent were found to be involved in commercial sex services. It is vital to note that your risk of developing an STD increases with the number of sexual partners you have had.
Conclusion
This is why conducting regular STD tests is vital, whether you are in a monogamous or non-monogamous relationship. If you are looking for an STD clinic in Singapore, look no further than Elyon Clinic. We offer some of the most affordable STD testing prices in Singapore. It is highly recommended to discuss with any of our doctors your sexual history and risk of exposure so that we can guide you with the right STD screening and testing solution.
Contact us to find out more!