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Symptoms

What are the symptoms of Mycoplasma genitalium in Men?

• No symptoms
• Discomfort or a change in sensation (complaining “it doesn’t feel right”)
  
• Inflammation of the foreskin or penis
  
• Inflammation or discharge from the back passage (Proctitis)
• Irritation in water pipe
• Painful urination
• Pus-like discharge from urethra
• Pain on ejaculation

What are the symptoms of Mycoplasma genitalium in Women?

The symptoms women experience may depend on the area of the genitalia that is affected by the infection.

Inflammation of the Cervix leads to:

• Unusual or abnormal vaginal discharge
  
• Bleeding after sex
  
• Bleeding between periods
  
• Pain during sexual contact
  

Inflammation of the Urethra leads to:

• Painful urination
  

Inflammation of the Endometrium leads to:

• Lower abdominal pain
  
• Pelvic pain
  
• Referred back pain
  

When do symptoms begin to occur?

The time interval between exposure and the development of symptoms can be variable. Symptoms are usually identified 1-3 weeks after the exposure. Many patients can have this infection for years before the symptoms develop, and a correct diagnosis is made.

Can I have Mycoplasma genitalium without knowing it? 

Yes. Most people do not experience any symptoms with Mycoplasma genitalium. Some people may be infected for years without knowing it.

Furthermore, testing for Mycoplasma genitalium has only begun recently in the UK. Thus, it is possible that those diagnosed with NSU, Epididymitis, Epididymo-Orchitis and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) may in fact have had Mycoplasma G. and may be at risk of recurrence.

Could the symptoms be of another STI? 

Yes. Symptoms such as pain on passing urine, unusual discharge and pelvic pain can also be symptoms of other STIs including:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Trichomoniasis

It is extremely important to get tested regularly, especially if you are showing symptoms or if you are concerned about your sexual health.

Complications

Because this is a relatively new infection, the true range of complications is not yet well established. The known complications include:

In Men: Epididymitis or Epididymo-orchitis

Mycoplasma genitalium can cause inflammation of the testicles and epididymis (the tubes carrying sperm from the testicles). This can be very painful but is easily treatable with antibiotics.

If the infection is left untreated, then there is a risk of becoming infertile.

In Women: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

When Mycoplasma genitalium spreads to the womb, ovaries and/or fallopian tubes, there is a chance of getting PID. It is important to note that one may have PID without having any identifiable cause like an STI.

Fortunately, this condition can be treated with a course of antibiotics and if seen early enough, further complications can be avoided. This may include:

• Difficulty in getting pregnant (which may progress to infertility)
• Persistent pelvic pain
• Greater risk of ectopic pregnancy (i.e. when a fertilised egg is implanted outside of the womb)

In Pregnant Women

Mycoplasma genitalium has been associated with miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth in pregnant women. It may also be possible to pass Mycoplasma genitalium to your baby during birth.

It is thought that having Mycoplasma genitalium makes it easier to transmit or contract other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.

Causes

How do I get Mycoplasma genitalium?

• Unprotected vaginal sex
• Unprotected anal sex
• Unprotected oral sex (though this is thought to be less common)

There is no evidence that Mycoplasma genitalium can be spread from:

• Toilet seats
• Crockery
• Kissing

Can I get Mycoplasma genitalium even if I wear a condom?

Condoms offer a high level of protection against Mycoplasma genitalium infection. It is important that condoms are used correctly during sexual contact, and have not split.

Who is most at risk of contracting Mycoplasma genitalium?

• People who engage in unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex
  
• Genital to genital contact, not necessarily penetration
• People who have had a greater number of sexual partners
• People who have/already had another STI
• Those with a partner who has Mycoplasma Genitalium
• Smokers (significance not known)

Can I pass Mycoplasma genitalium onto my child?

It is currently unclear whether you can pass Mycoplasma genitalium to the fetus in utero. However, it is possible to pass the infection to an infant during childbirth. This can lead to premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage [read more about symptoms here].

If you test positive for Mycoplasma genitalium and you think you may be pregnant, you must discuss this with your clinician as not all antibiotics used to treat this infection are safe to use during pregnancy.

How can I prevent getting Mycoplasma genitalium?

• Practice safe sex
• You and your new partner get tested before having unprotected sex