Mycoplasma genitalium is an STD that many are unaware of. There is so little education about this type of mycoplasma infection of the urinary and genital tract.
I will be talking about Mycoplasma genitalium specifically in the context of STD in Singapore.
When you get an STD test done in Singapore and if you have opted to have a full STD test be very aware that you are only testing for
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Mycoplasma hominis
Ureaplasma urealyticum
Trichomonas
HIV
Syphillis
Hepatitis B & C
Herpes type I & II
The routine STD screen does not include test for Mycoplasma genitalium. Mycoplasma hominis is not the same as Mycoplasma genitalium.
Why is mycoplasma gentalium so important?
It is a very very very tiny organism even for bacteria standards
They can be contracted during sexual encounters like unprotected vaginal, anal sex or even oral sex
They can easily develop resistance against antibiotics making them difficult to treat
They can persist in your urine tract and stay dormant without causing symptoms. In men they hide in your prostate causing prostatitis, prostate inflammation
The symptoms they produce is very much like STD symptoms, however they tend to be more subtle and occurs on an ‘on and off’ basis
Mild urine tract discharge – milky usually or clear
Dull discomfort along the penis while urinating
Dull ache or pain or fullness around the pelvic or pubic area
Discomfort with ejaculation
If left untreated and improperly managed meaning the wrong use of antibiotics, they can cause infertility and chronic prostate infections
When to suspect Mycoplasma genitalium?
When your full STD test has come back absolutely negative and yet you have or had some STD like symptoms. It is then extremely important that mycoplasma genitalium is tested for. If your full STD test cannot explain your symptoms then make sure you also get a test for Mycoplasma gentalium.
Remember that Mycoplasma genitalium can remain quiet for some time in your urine tract and can resurface again to stir the uncomfortable and distressing symptoms.
How is the Mycoplasma genitalium STD treated?
Often it is best your doctor uses a combination of antibiotics and not a single type of antibiotic as this bacteria is notoriously known for developing resistance. Commonly drugs like Azithromycin and Doxycycline are used in combination.
Moxifloxacin is also used but it can cause major issues with muscle tendon pain and rupture. So your doctor has to use it with caution.
Other experimental drugs like Pristinamycin is used when the above antibiotics fail. This drug is not readily available in Singapore.
Where to test for Mycoplasma genitalium STD?
This STD is tested for by doing a DNA test for the presence of the Mycoplasma genitalium bacteria.
Results can take up to a couple of weeks to return.
Best to speak to your doctor to arrange this testing as it is not readily available in Singapore. Only very specific centers carry the machinery for this test.
At Insync Medical we are linked up to get you organized for this testing.