Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted bacterium that causes an inflammation with symptoms that resemble chlamydia. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted microbial disease, but in recent years, mycoplasma genitalium has also become a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases. However, it is not suspected or tested for as often as chlamydia.
- One of the major causes of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Most cases of mycoplasma genitalium are found among people between the ages of 20 and 30.
- The symptoms of a mycoplasma genitalium infection are similar to those of a chlamydia infection.
Mycoplasma genitalium causes an infection that is transmitted through sex and has symptoms similar to those of a chlamydia infection. The symptoms of the disease can range from completely asymptomatic to troublesome inflammation of the urethra and cervix.
Like chlamydia, mycoplasma genitalium can cause infertility by scarring the fallopian tubes in women and damaging the epididymis in men.
A mycoplasma genitalium infection can be determined by taking a mucous membrane sample with a cotton swab. If a woman has an inflammation of the urethra or cervix, but the tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea from the urethra and cervix yield a negative result, it is important to examine the sample also for mycoplasma genitalium.
Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, but drug-resistant strains are also found quite often. After about four weeks, it is recommended that a follow-up sample is taken to ensure successful treatment. In addition, unprotected sex should be avoided until the follow-up test result is negative. The infected person’s sexual partner should also be tested and treated at the same time.
The expert for this article was Veli-Jukka Anttila, a specialist in infectious diseases and internal medicine.
Mycoplasma genitalium causes symptoms of an infection similar to chlamydia, which can range from completely asymptomatic to troublesome inflammation of the urethra and cervix.
Mycoplasma genitalium infections are tested for by taking a mucous membrane sample with a cotton swab. If a woman has an inflammation of the urethra or cervix, but the tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea yield a negative result, it is important to examine the sample also for mycoplasma genitalium.
An inflammation caused by mycoplasma genitalium can be treated with antibiotics. Drug-resistant strains are common. It is recommended to take a follow-up sample after about four weeks to ensure the successful outcome of treatment. Unprotected sex should be avoided until the follow-up test result is negative. The infected person’s sexual partner should also be tested and treated at the same time.
Like chlamydia, mycoplasma genitalium can cause infertility by scarring the fallopian tubes in women and damaging the epididymis in men.
Sexually transmitted infections and genital skin diseases are included in the area of expertise of dermatologists.
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