Mycoplasma Genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium hasn't been officially classed as a sexually transmitted infection, however the most prominent cause is unprotected sex and symptoms aresimilar to more prominent STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Being one of the newly discovered sexual infections, not much is known about it, however the number of cases in the UK is rising. Any signs that appear do tend to be similar to other more recognisable STIs, but the vast majority of the time, there are no symptoms at all, making it even more important to practise safe sex and get tested when necessary.

Luckily, being a bacterial infection, it is easily treated and fully cured by a course of highly effective antibiotics. It is passed on through unprotected sex by bacteria of the same name and the course of antibiotics recommended should be finished, regardless of whether you're displaying any symptoms or not.

Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria of the same name; mycoplasma gentialium. This bacterium infects the urinary tract and genitalia and can be contracted through unprotected sex (without barrier protection such as condoms):

• Vaginal sex
• Oral sex
• Anal sex
• Sharing sex toys that haven't been suitable cleaned

If left untreated, mycoplasma genitalium can cause infertility and is one the main cause of urethritis in men.

Symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium differ between men and women, however the vast majority of people that have the infection will not have any symptoms at all. As it can cause long-term complications, regardless of whether you have symptoms, you will be advised a course of treatment that should be completed. If you are experiencing any of the below, this could be mycoplasma genitalium or another STI so it is important to get tested so you can obtain the correct medication.

Symptoms in men

• Pain when urinating
• Burning when urinating
• Unusual discharge
• Pain or swelling in the joints

Symptoms in women

• Pain when urinating
• Burning when urinating
• Pain during sex
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding between periods
• Vaginal itching

As mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial infection that may be classed as an STI (or at least in the same category as sexually transmitted infections) and in most cases can be treated completely with the right antibiotics. If left untreated, you can be prone to various complications in the future including fertility issues, urethritis and ectopic pregnancy.

This is the only effective option when treating mycoplasma genitalium at the minute, and treatment is available online here after a quick consultation.

Antibiotics

The only proven way to treat mycoplasma genitalium is with antibiotics such as Doxycycline and Azithromycin. Treating mycoplasma genitalium doesn't just keep you sexually clean, it reduces the possibility of the infection spreading. It can improve you confidence and eliminates the worry associated with being infected.

The easiest way to prevent mycoplasma genitalium is to practise safe sex and you can do this in the number of ways:

• Using condoms – Barrier contraception such as male and female condoms are highly effective at preventing pregnancy as well as STIs
• Get tested – It is advised to get frequently tested, especially if you have multiple sexual partners, whether symptoms appear or not.
• Personal hygiene – If sharing sex toys, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned. Even cover with a condom if necessary.

If you have contracted mycoplasma genitalium, or any STI, you also have a responsibility to avoid spreading the infection further. Therefore it is advised that you refrain from sex until the full course of treatment has been taken.

Mycoplasma genitalium may not be a well-known infection, however its ability to spread is just as easy as all other bacterial infections. It is often symptomless, like many sexually transmitted infections, highlighting the importance to get tested. The only way to treat mycoplasma genitalium effectively is with antibiotics. When completing a consultation online at OnlineClinic you will be recommended the right antibiotic. The dosages will differ depending on the medicine, and the course should be finished fully. For more information on the treatment available, head to the product pages, or to buy your mycoplasma genitalium medication straight away, start your quick consultation.