Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.
Mycoplasma Genitalium is a relatively common sexually transmitted bacterial infection that affects the genitourinary tract. It is often asymptomatic (causes no symptoms) but can lead to urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) in men and pelvic inflammatory disease in women.
read more about mycoplasma genitalium ...The cause is the Mycoplasma genitalium bacterium, which is one of the smallest known free-living bacteria. Transmission occurs through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral). The infection is highly transmissible and often causes no noticeable symptoms, allowing it to spread easily within the population. The bacteria are known for being difficult to diagnose due to the lack of symptoms and slow growth in labs.
Symptoms are often non-specific. In men, symptoms include discharge from the penis and a burning sensation during urination. In women, symptoms include vaginal discharge, bleeding after sex, and pelvic pain. Due to the non-specific nature, testing is usually necessary, especially for women, to prevent serious reproductive tract complications.
Diagnosis requires a specialized nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) of a urine sample or swab, as the bacteria is difficult to culture. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics, but resistance is common, requiring careful selection of the correct drug.
Mycoplasma Genitalium does not directly impact vision. However, like other sexually transmitted infections, it can rarely cause a delayed autoimmune reaction called reactive arthritis (Reiter's syndrome). This syndrome can cause eye inflammation, such as conjunctivitis or uveitis, weeks after the initial infection has cleared.
Untreated infection can lead to severe health issues in the pelvic region. In women, it is a cause of pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause chronic pain and infertility. In men, it can cause epididymitis (inflammation of the testicles).
Yes, Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) is curable with specific antibiotics, though it is becoming highly resistant to standard treatments.
Testing is not as routine as chlamydia. You must specifically ask for an "NAAT" test for Mgen at a sexual health clinic.
No, unlike Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea, Mgen has not been clinically linked to sight-threatening eye infections.
See a doctor for persistent pelvic pain or discharge that doesn't respond to standard antibiotics. Mgen is a common cause of "Non-Gonococcal Urethritis" (NGU). Always complete the full course of medication to prevent contributing to antibiotic resistance.
CDC. M. genitalium Guidelines (cdc.gov). 2021.
BASHH. Mycoplasma Genitalium (bashh.org). 2024.
Mayo Clinic. STIs and Bacteria (mayoclinic.org). 2024.
StatPearls. Mycoplasma Genitalium (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2024.