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Mycoplasma Genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted infection that causes infection in the genital tract or urethra.
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What is mycoplasma genitalium?

Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted infection that causes infection in the genital tract or urethra. While mycoplasma genitalium is a relatively unheard of STI, it has become more common in recent years.

Mycoplasma genitalium remains relatively unknown because:

  • it can be very tough to detect
  • Diagnosis of Mycoplasma genitalium only became possible a few years ago in Singapore
  • It usually has no symptoms

How is M genitalium transmitted?

Mycoplasma genitalium can affect both men and women. While both genders may not exhibit any visible symptoms, they can still spread the bacteria to their respective sex partners.
If you have M genitalium, you are likely to experience urethritis as the major symptom. Urethritis is a condition that causes very uncomfortable, painful urination that can sometimes be accompanied by penile discharge.

Urethritis is also a common symptom of STIs such as chlamydia. We currently don’t know if there is a connection between M genitalium and other serious symptoms such as swelling or pain in the testicles or epididymis.

Note: Anal intercourse can cause mycoplasma infection in both your anal and rectal areas. However, there will not be any visible symptoms – hence why regular STD testing is important.

Is Mycoplasma genitalium a serious sexually transmitted infection?

According to the CDC, the prevalence rate of M genitalium is higher than gonorrhea and slightly below chlamydia. Worldwide, Mycoplasma genitalium is generally considered a serious sexually transmitted infection that is more common than we think and can also cause very serious symptoms as well as complications.

How is M genitalium diagnosed?

In men:

  • A urine test is carried out
    If you are a man and regularly experience chronic urethritis despite undergoing antibiotic treatment, it is high time you go for Mycoplasma genitalium testing. This test is recommended even if your urine sample screening doesn’t show signs of infection.

In women:

  • High-end cervical or vaginal swab

If you suspect that you have been exposed to M genitalium through intercourse, you should seriously consider going for a test to ensure you don’t experience any of the earlier-described complications.

Furthermore:

  • Some types of M genitalium bacteria are resistant to antibiotics – meaning the mode of treatment for M genitalium can be relatively complex
  • Both testing and diagnosis of M genitalium has been quite difficult partly due to the biological nature of the bacterium – this particular bacterium doesn’t have a cell wall; rendering certain types of antibiotic medications ineffective

How is Mycoplasma genitalium treated in Singapore?

Mycoplasma genitalium does not respond to most types of antibiotic treatment options. And what’s even more concerning is that its resistance to antibiotics is only increasing. As a result, it is imperative that you get the best type of treatment to ensure you successfully treat the condition.

What is the overall outlook for Mycoplasma genitalium patients?

Most people who don’t display any symptoms associated with Mycoplasma genitalium will usually heal without suffering either short or long-term complications.

However, in some cases, the infection can remain in your system for an extended period, probably longer than seven months. If left untreated, especially in females, M genitalium can cause fertility issues because of the chronic inflammation, swelling as well as scarring of the fallopian tube.

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