Mycoplasma genitalium has surpassed gonorrhea in terms of becoming the 3rd commonly occurring sexually transmitted disease among the young population in the United States. The surprising thing is that since M. genitalium is a new concept, even some doctors are ignorant about its existence.
M. genitalium is the sexually transmitted bacterium which, apart from Chlamydia, acts as the main reason behind nongonococcal urethritis in men. For women, it is commonly associated with conditions of bacterial vaginosis. Infections of M. genitalium can be related with cervicitis, with the infections being mostly asymptomatic. It has not yet been ascertained by doctors whether it is appropriate to screen everyone for investigating the presence of the infection.
The young population that is sexually active is becoming increasingly susceptible to the different sexually transmitted infections. The reasons for this may be being sexually active at a small age, having unprotected sex and multiple partners.
The reasons for sexually transmitted infections may be the presence of a virus or bacterium. Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted infection which is resulted by a tiny parasitic bacterium that can be acquired through sexual contact.
The attributes of M. genitalium are identical to that of gonorrhea or Chlamydia and can be tough to diagnose. The reason for this is that the infection generally occurs with other infections which are sexually transmitted. The infection may be contracted through unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex or through sharing of sex toys with a partner who is already infected. The parasite of M. genitalium affects the genital tract of the woman and attacks the host tissue to increase the contagion.
Symptoms of Mycoplasma Genitalium
Often, men and women do not experience any of the symptoms of the ailment, although generally, apart from bacterial vaginosis and non specific urethritis, the condition is usually related with pelvic inflammatory disease and endometritis. The symptoms experienced by women include a painful or burning sensation during urination, vaginal itching and painful sexual intercourse. The symptoms in men range from painful or burning sensation during urination to swollen joints and urethral discharge.
Risk Factors and Diagnosis
If M. genitalium is left untreated, it may result in severe health conditions in men and women. Women can experience ectopic pregnancy, lasting pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, urethritis and cervicitis.
Men can experience epididymitis, infertility, lasting pelvic pain and prostatitis. To avoid such complications, it is best to obtain diagnosis for the infection with appropriate screening tests. M. genitalium test kits are available along with STI screening alternatives.
In the latter, there is a specimen tube provided with the kit. The tube is filled with your urine sample which is sent to the laboratory for treatment. The results of the test are generated within a couple of days.
Treatment of Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is usually treated with antibiotics. Some of the possible side effects include pelvic inflammatory diseases in women, endometritis or infection in the lining of the uterus and premature birth. This is why the long term effects of the infection are identical to those of Chlamydia and gonorrhea. This should not come as a surprise since the initial symptoms are identical as well.
Although studies have been conducted on M. genitalium, their results are not conclusive. Consistent usage of condoms significantly reduces the risks of obtaining the ailment. People using condoms have shown a 50% reduced chance of contracting the infection.
Even when condoms are not fully effective in preventing the dispersion of M. genitalium, it is a good idea to use them nonetheless as they provide efficient protection against the other concurring sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia and gonorrhea.
If the results of the test are positive, and indicate that you suffer from M. genitalium, you may get in touch with your doctor and commence with the treatment immediately. Azithromycin is a highly effective antibiotic medicine which helps in the successful treatment of the infection. You may go for a single dosage of the antibiotic which is enough for handling the symptoms.
Scientists are still working on a single effective solution that can successfully cure mycoplasma genitalium. While asymptomatic infections may not require intervention, these could lead to long term consequences. This is why it is best to go for extensive treatment.