Mycoplasma genitalium infection is a sexually transmitted disease caused by m.g. bacteria. It would affect the genital organs in both sexes particularly the urethra (a small tube that expels urine from the bladder) causing inflammation. It may or may not cause symptoms but for some people it can cause severe symptoms. Diagnosis of m.g infection is done by urine analysis and the infectious disorder can be managed with effective antibiotics.
Symptoms :
Often good bacteria present in your body will fight and destroy the genitalium bacteria and hence there may not be any symptoms. But if the number of bad bacteria outgrows the good ones, it may cause symptoms like water like discharge from the genitals and burning sensation while urinating. There would not be any symptoms as soon as the bacteria enter your body. It might take anywhere from 2-35 days (incubation period) for the micro-organism to show the initial symptoms.
For women it may cause bleeding between periods and discomfort/pain while having sex. There would be discomfort while passing urine along with burning sensation. If left untreated the infection may spread from the vagina till the ovary through fallopian tubes causing more complication like pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal pregnancy. In severe cases it may cause ovary cancer or prostate cancer or even HIV.
Causes :
M G infection is caused by mycoplasmic genitalium bacteria.
Tests :
The doctor would complete the physical examination and check your symptoms. She may order for urine test to check the presence of bacteria. Sample of discharge is also done in the lab to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment :
Mycoplasmic genitalium infection can be treated with suitable antibiotics. Based on the intensity of symptoms, your doctor would prescribe azithromycin combined with suitable doxycycline drugs. One should complete the course of antibiotics as suggested by the doctor failing which the infection may recur. Also the infected person should abstain from any type of sexual activity to prevent passing on the infection to his/her partner.
Tips For Prevention :
- Since MG infection is transmitted through sex one can easily prevent it by practicing safe sex with single partner.
- Avoid having multiple sex partners.
- If you are having sex with strangers always insist on using condoms. Even then there is a chance for you to get infected.
Complications :
In severe cases mycoplasmic genitalia infection can cause inflammation of testicles in men, if not treated in time. For women the infection can spread up to the womb leading to the infection of fallopian tubes and even the ovaries. The chance of getting pregnant becomes low if you are repeatedly infected.