There have been various shocking trends recently, for instance, the rising number of STD cases. In regard to this trend, many reports focus on common causes of concern, such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia. However, they are not the only causes of the alarming trends.
Among the rise in STD cases is a rare STD known as mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium). The troubling fact about M. genitalium is that it is usually undetectable for long periods, resulting in it being transmitted easily without prior signs and symptoms.
Another reason why many medical professionals are concerned about M. genitalium is that apart from it being undetectable, it can severely damage the reproductive system. Hence, many of them are pushing for M. genitalium testing to be conducted when screening for infertility concerns.
What is M. genitalium?
M. genitalium is a type of bacterium that is highly transmittable during sexual intercourse, affecting the rectum, urethra, and cervix. Because it is a form of bacterial infection, the STD can be treated with a course of antibiotics over a week or two, depending on the extent of the disease.
It is a highly treatable bacterial infection. However, the issue is that because the disease does not display initial symptoms, many infected individuals are unaware of it and might delay treatment until it is too late.
In fact, a large percentage of women and men might be infected asymptomatically. In rare cases, the individual might develop non-specific symptoms, such as discomfort during urination, testicular pain, pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and unusual discharge, all of which are similar signs of common STDs.
M. genitalium infections and infertility issues
Untreated M. genitalium infections, as mentioned earlier, affect the urethra and cervix, impacting fertility in both genders. The bacterium causes pelvic inflammatory disease, urethritis, and cervical infection. It has also been found to cause women to find it hard to conceive and other pregnancy-related complications, such as stillbirth and miscarriages.
Some global studies suggest that approximately 16.5% and 20% of sexually active men and women, respectively, between the ages of 15 and 24, may have an increased risk of being infected with M. genitalium. As such, many infertility cases might be linked to the bacterial infection.
Fortunately, STD testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia is a standard procedure. By conducting regular STD tests early on, individuals can avoid severe complications caused by pelvic inflammatory disease. This is also the reason why many calls are being made to incorporate M. genitalium screening into regular tests.
The rise of complications
There is one more factor contributing to the complexity of the current STD situation.
Like other STD-causing bacteria, such as gonorrhoea, M. genitalium is also becoming more and more resistant to antibiotic treatment. In fact, M. genitalium has recently been termed “superbug” for its resistive strength towards medications that were effective in the past.
Further studies have suggested that the bacterial infection has already developed resistive capabilities against azithromycin, a common antibiotic used to treat the disease. Currently, the bacterial infection is still treatable with another antibiotic called moxifloxacin. However, the issue is its side effects. As such, it is not recommended for infected pregnant women seeking treatment.
With the increased administration of moxifloxacin, medical researchers are expecting M. genitalium to become resistant to it in the future. While the possibility of it developing into an untreatable infection is still far away, the direction the bacterial infection is evolving is undoubtedly an alarming trend, turning it into a considerable health concern in a couple of years.
That is why medical professionals are raising awareness about the bacterial infection. In fact, many people do not even know about it. Hence, one of the key reasons why many individuals might not consider testing or conducting a more comprehensive STD test that covers everything, from common STDs to rare ones, like M. genitalium.
Conclusion
Reproductive specialists and STD clinics in Singapore have been observing the global trend for several years now. However, an emerging trend does not have to result in a severe health risk. We all can do our part to ensure proper care is taken when it comes to our reproductive and sexual health and well-being.
At Elyon Clinic, we are not only a specialised men’s health clinic but also an infectious disease specialist. Our team are experienced in treating STIs and STDs as well as performing STD and STI screening, among other general health issues. Do not hesitate to take charge of your well-being. Contact us at https://elyonclinic.com.sg/ to make an appointment with us!
