Mycoplasma Genitalium
WHAT IS MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM?
Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterium that can cause infection of the cervix, urethra (penis), and anus. It is a sexually transmissible infection and is like chlamydia, but less common
There are currently no recommendations for routine testing for mycoplasma genitalium in people who have no symptoms.
HOW DO YOU GET IT?
You can get mycoplasma genitalium by having anal or vaginal sex without a condom with someone who has the infection.
Some people may not have any symptoms but can still pass on the infection.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
If you have a vagina, symptoms can include:
- Lower abdominal pain or discomfort.
- Pain while having sex.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding (between periods or after sex).
- Unusual vaginal discharge.
- Pain or burning when passing urine.
- If you have a penis, symptoms can include:
- Discharge from the penis.
- Pain or burning when passing urine.
HOW DO YOU TEST FOR MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM?
Testing is recommended when:
- There are symptoms in the penis, such as pain and discharge, that are not due to other sexually transmissible infections like gonorrhoea or chlamydia.
- The cervix is inflamed.
- There are symptoms of pelvic infection.
Testing is also done on people who are a sexual contact of someone who has Mycoplasma genitalium infection, and to check for cure of infection in people who have been treated for Mycoplasma genitalium.
HOW DO YOU TREAT IT?
Mycoplasma is treated with antibiotics but can sometimes be difficult to treat. This is because the antibiotics used do not always work (this is called antibiotic resistance).
If this is the case, you may need to see a medical specialist.
DO I NEED A FOLLOW UP TEST AFTER TREATMENT?
Yes, a follow up test is done one month after treatment to make sure the infection has gone, and another test is advised three months later to make sure that you have not been re-infected.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE SYMPTOMS AND I DON’T GET TREATMENT?
If you have symptoms and mycoplasma is left untreated, the infection can extend to the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause infertility. If infection occurs during pregnancy mycoplasma genitalium can be associated with miscarriage and pre-term delivery.
SHOULD I TELL MY SEXUAL PARTNERS IF I AM DIAGNOSEDWITH MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM?
Yes, all sexual partners from the past six months should be contacted, tested, and treated. You can do this yourself or there are websites that can help you to do it anonymously. Your doctor or nurse can help you with this.
HOW DO I AVOID GETTING MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM?
The best way to prevent mycoplasma genitalium is by using condoms or dams every time you have vaginal or anal sex. For great tips on using condoms, check out SHFPACT’s condom fact sheet.
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References: Melbourne Sexual Health Centre: Mycoplasma Genitalium. Australian STI Management Guidelines for use in Primary Care: Mycoplasma Genitalium.