Mycoplasma genitalium or genital mycoplasma is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by tiny bacteria that can equally affect women and men. However, the symptoms differ from one sex to another. This bacterium is transmitted by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. Although in most cases, it is asymptomatic, it can cause urethritis and prostatitis in men and pelvic pain and bleeding when having intercourse in women. It has some similarities to chlamydia and gonorrhea, making its diagnosis difficult. Still, receiving the appropriate treatment as quickly as possible is essential to cure it entirely and avoid complications.
In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will detail all the symptoms and treatment of mycoplasma genitalium.
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Causes and contagion of Mycoplasma genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium or genital mycoplasma is caused by bacteria called mycoplasma genitalium, which can be contracted by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person without adequate protection. For this reason, it is considered a sexually transmitted disease, and the main routes of contagion of mycoplasma genitalium can be the following:
- The proper contraceptive method is not used during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
- Sharing or using sex toys with an infected person.
- Participate in risky sexual practices.
- Through the hands or fingers that have been touching the genital area of the infected person.
It is important to note that the spread of mycoplasma genitalium can occur from one person to another even when the affected person has no symptoms.
Although anyone can get this infection, some risk factors increase the chances of suffering from it, and these are the ones we detail below:
- Have multiple sexual partners.
- Do not use a condom when having sex.
- Patients with AIDS or a weaker immune system.
- People who suffer from other types of sexually transmitted diseases.
- I use sex toys without taking proper hygiene measures or sharing sex toys with other people.
Mycoplasma genitalium, síntomas
In the same way, like other sexually transmitted infections, mycoplasma genitalium is usually asymptomatic, so many times those infected, by not presenting symptoms, are unaware that they suffer from this disease.
However, when the symptoms of genital mycoplasma do appear, they usually appear 1 to 3 weeks after having sexual contact with the infected person, and we must make a distinction between women and men since they vary considerably depending on sex:
Symptoms in women
- Pains in the pelvic region.
- Pain or bleeding when having sex.
- Discomfort when urinating
- More abundant vaginal secretions, with an odor and a different color than usual.
- Inflamed bladder
- Reddened urethra.
- Aches or pains when walking
- Pregnant women with this infection may have an inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the fetus, a condition called “asymptomatic chorioamnionitis,” which can increase the risk of having a more complicated or premature delivery.
Symptoms in men
- Urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra, is a condition that causes pain and burning when urinating.
- Inflammation of the prostate or prostatitis.
- Abnormal secretions through the urethra.
- Pain and inflammation in the joints.
Although rare, breathing problems and joint pain can occur in some cases, and symptoms are more common in people with a weakened immune system.
Diagnosis del Mycoplasma genitalium
Being frequently an asymptomatic and slow-developing disease, the diagnosis of mycoplasma genitalium is quite complicated and an infection that tends to be confused with others, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. However, the diagnosis can be made through medical tests such as the following:
- Analysis of the first-morning urine in both men and women.
- Analysis of a sample of secretions from the woman’s cervix.
- Study of a selection of urethral secretions in both women and men.
The isolation and cultivation of these samples are very complex. They can take up to 6 months to perform, and the fact that very few laboratories are trained to perform them correctly.
Mycoplasma genitalium: tratamiento
The treatment of mycoplasma genitalia consists of administering antibiotic drugs that help destroy the parasite responsible for the infection. Azithromycin-based treatment is recommended, which can be a single daily oral dose or a 5-day treatment. In all cases, it is essential to follow the instructions provided by the doctor and respect the indicated doses and duration of therapy as much as possible.
Once the treatment is finished, the doctor will likely order a repeat medical test to check if the genital mycoplasma has been completely cured. On the contrary, it is necessary to continue receiving more antibiotic treatment.
On the other hand, it is advisable to temporarily suspend sexual intercourse until the infection has been completely cured since otherwise, new infections could occur. Likewise, it is imperative to inform all sexual partners in the case of suffering from genital mycoplasma, as they should also undergo the appropriate tests and get treatment if necessary.
Measures to prevent mycoplasma genitalium
To prevent the spread of mycoplasma genitalium, measures such as those listed below can be taken into account :
- Have responsible sex and use a condom in all sexual relationships.
- When starting a stable relationship with a person, it is essential to ensure that they are healthy and do not suffer from any sexually transmitted disease.
- Avoid high-risk sexual practices without using protection.
- Wash sex toys before and after each use and do not share them with others.
- Undergo the appropriate medical tests and go to the gynecologist regularly.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Mycoplasma genitalium: symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.