MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM
What is Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma is a genus (type) of bacteria that lacks a cell wall around its cell membrane and is the smallest free-living organism. Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD/STI ) associated with pelvic inflammatory disease; it also causes 15-25% of cases of non-specific urethritis (NSU).
How do we contract Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is spread from one person to another though vaginal, anal or oral sex.
How can we tell that we may have Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium commonly presents
with symptoms of non-specific urethritis.
Men may experience the following:
Women may experience the following:
Men may experience the following:
- Clear or cloudy white discharge from the penis
- Burning sensation or pain while urinating
- Itch, irritation or discomfort inside urethra or at opening of penis
- Pain and swelling in the testicles. This may be a sign of an advanced infection
- Rectal pain, discharge or bleeding
Women may experience the following:
- Discharge from the vagina
- Burning sensation or pain when urinating
- Rectal pain, discharge or bleeding
- Abdominal pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding
Testing for Mycoplasma Genitalium
There is currently no FDA approved test for detection of Mycoplasma genitalium.
There are commercially available PCR tests in certain countries. However, PCR testing is currently not offered by laboratories in Singapore.
In Singapore, Mycoplasma testing refers to testing for Mycoplasma Hominis in urine samples and swabs.
Cross Street Medical offers all relevant Mycoplasma screening tests. Speak to our doctors about what you may need. Female doctors are available by appointment.
There are commercially available PCR tests in certain countries. However, PCR testing is currently not offered by laboratories in Singapore.
In Singapore, Mycoplasma testing refers to testing for Mycoplasma Hominis in urine samples and swabs.
Cross Street Medical offers all relevant Mycoplasma screening tests. Speak to our doctors about what you may need. Female doctors are available by appointment.
What does Mycoplasma Genitalium do to our bodies
Mycoplasma species have been associated with bacterial vaginosis.
In women, Mycoplasma genitalium is associated with cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease and sexually acquired reactive arthritis and an increased risk of preterm birth, spontaneous abortion and tubal infertility.
In men, Mycoplasma genitalium is associated with sexually acquired reactive arthritis, epididymitis and more rarely, conjunctivitis.
In women, Mycoplasma genitalium is associated with cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease and sexually acquired reactive arthritis and an increased risk of preterm birth, spontaneous abortion and tubal infertility.
In men, Mycoplasma genitalium is associated with sexually acquired reactive arthritis, epididymitis and more rarely, conjunctivitis.
What is the treatment for Mycoplasma Genitalium
There is an increasing problem with drug resistance. Therefore, the choice of treatment is important.
Mycoplasma genitalium can be cured by oral antibiotics.
No follow-up treatment is required if symptoms have fully resolved.
However, if symptoms persist, repeat cultures should be done in one month to exclude treatment failure due to antibiotic resistance.
Cross Street Medical offers all relevant treatments for Mycoplasma genitalium . Speak to our doctors about what you may need. Female doctors are available by appointment.
Mycoplasma genitalium can be cured by oral antibiotics.
No follow-up treatment is required if symptoms have fully resolved.
However, if symptoms persist, repeat cultures should be done in one month to exclude treatment failure due to antibiotic resistance.
Cross Street Medical offers all relevant treatments for Mycoplasma genitalium . Speak to our doctors about what you may need. Female doctors are available by appointment.
How do we prevent infection and re-infection
- Avoiding high risk sex, including commercial sex workers, casual sex and multiple sex partners
- Using condoms, including during oral sex
- Being in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for Mycoplasma genitalium and other STDs/STIs.