Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium) is still a relatively weakly known but its popularity is rising in the UK. Most have probably heard of the mycoplasma of respiratory organs causing pneumonia-like symptoms. This disease, however, spreads through sexual intercourse. Its symptoms resemble the ones of chlamydia. However, many people do not have symptoms, and that is why it can be difficult to detect the disease.
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What is mycoplasma genitalium?
Mycoplasma genitalium bacteria lives on the genital and respiratory mucous membranes. It catches from one person to another through sexual intercourse and causes genital infections. The bacteria was first isolated in the 1980s. Today, 130 different species are known, 13 of which are known to cause diseases to humans.
Mycoplasma genitalium -loisbakteerin levittämä sukupuolitauti on suhteellisen huonosti tunnettu moniin muihin sukupuolitauteihin verrattuna, mutta se yleistyy maailmalla nopeasti. Koska bakteerin käytöstä ei tunneta vielä perinpohjaisesti, on toistaiseksi epävarmaa, voiko tauti levitä esimerkiksi suuseksin yhteydessä. Se kuitenkin tiedetään, että bakteeri elää virtsaputkessa, emättimessä tai peräaukossa. Täältä se leviää seksin yhteydessä henkilöltä toiselle.
This STI is still relatively poorly known compared to many other sexually transmitted diseases, but it is common worldwide. Since the behaviour of the bacteria is not yet fully understood, it is uncertain if the disease may spread, for example, through oral sex. It is, however, known that the bacteria lives in the urethra, vagina or anus. From here, it spreads from one person to another.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the disease closely resemble the symptoms of chlamydia and many other common sexually transmitted diseases. Incorrectly mycoplasma genitalium is sometimes also diagnosed as chlamydia. In addition, if the patient experiences tedious urethritis symptoms, it may be myoplasma. About half of those who contracted mycoplasma genitalium do not get any symptoms. For this reason, it is very common to spread it from one person to another. Symptoms vary in men and women.
Symptoms in women
- stinging when urinating
- stinging in genitals before or after sex
- discharge
- stomach pain
In women, untreated mycoplasma genitalium can result in urinary tract infections and pelvic inflammation. Therefore, proper treatment is necessary.
Symptoms in men
- stinging when urinating
- unknown discharge from penis
When do I see the first symptoms?
If you have had an infection and you happen to have symptoms, they do not usually appear immediately. Typically, they appear within a few weeks. Although, if no symptoms appear at all, you may still be a disease carrier.
Treatment options
Although mycoplasma genitalium may be unpleasant and disturbing, it is easily treatable. Because it is a bacteria-induced disease, its primary treatment is antibiotics. Thus, this infection differs from, for example, herpes as the virus stays permanently in the body. Therefore, the disease can be defeated. The most important thing is to take STI tests if you suspect that you might be infected. Also, always tell your partner about a possible infection.
Antibiotic treatment
How can I avoid the infection?
As with other sexually transmitted diseases, protection of genitalia with a condom is the most important factor. Condom is the only contraceptive that protects not only from pregnancy but also from sexually transmitted diseases. Protect yourself also while having oral sex.
When you have unprotected sex, you should always go to the tests so that the disease can not move forward.
