What Are The Symptoms And Complications Of Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG)?

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is a type of bacteria that can infect the genital tract. It is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can cause various symptoms and complications. Understanding these symptoms and complications is crucial for early detection and appropriate treatment. Here’s an in-depth look at the symptoms and complications of Mycoplasma genitalium.

Symptoms Of Mycoplasma Genitalium

• Symptoms In Men:

  • Urethritis: Men with MG often experience inflammation of the urethra, leading to symptoms like pain or burning sensation during urination.
  • Discharge: Thick or watery discharge from the penis, often white or clear, can be a common sign of MG infection.
  • Painful Ejaculation: Some men may experience pain or discomfort during ejaculation, which can be attributed to MG infection.
  • Inflammation: Inflammation of the reproductive organs, such as the epididymis (epididymitis), can occur in severe cases, leading to pain and swelling in the testicles.

• Symptoms In Women:

  • Vaginal Discharge: Women infected with MG may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, which can be white, greenish-yellow, or thin and watery.
  • Pelvic Pain: Pain in the pelvic region, especially during intercourse or menstruation, is a common symptom of MG infection in women.
  • Bleeding Between Periods: MG can cause irregular bleeding between menstrual periods, known as inter-menstrual bleeding, indicating an underlying infection.
  • Painful Urination: Similar to men, women with MG may also experience pain or discomfort during urination due to urethritis.

Complications Of Mycoplasma Genitalium

• Complications In Men:

  • Prostatitis: MG infection can spread to the prostate gland, causing prostatitis characterised by pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, and sexual dysfunction.
  • Recurrent Infections: Untreated MG infections can lead to recurrent urethritis and other complications, impacting overall reproductive health.
  • Infertility:
    
    In rare cases, persistent MG infections can contribute to infertility by affecting sperm quality and function.

• Complications In Women:

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Untreated MG infections can lead to PID, a serious condition causing inflammation of the reproductive organs like the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID can result in chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancies.
  • Cervicitis: MG can cause inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis), leading to abnormal cervical discharge, pain during intercourse, and potential complications during pregnancy.
  • Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women with MG may face an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and potential transmission of the infection to the newborn during delivery.

Diagnosis And Treatment

Diagnosing MG often involves testing samples from the genital tract, such as urine, vaginal swabs, or urethral swabs. Molecular tests like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are commonly used for accurate detection.

Treatment typically involves antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline. However, due to rising antibiotic resistance, healthcare providers may need to consider alternative antibiotics or combination therapies. It’s crucial to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to reduce the risk of recurrent infections and complications.

Prevention

Preventing Mycoplasma genitalium infections and their complications involves practising safe sex, including consistent and correct use of condoms, limiting sexual partners, and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms of an STI arise. Regular STI screenings, especially for individuals at higher risk, can also aid in early detection and treatment.

Mycoplasma genitalium can cause a range of symptoms in both men and women, from urethritis and cervicitis to more serious complications like PID and infertility. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and preventive measures are essential for managing MG infections and reducing their impact on sexual health.