How do you get Mycoplasma Genitalium?

It is passed on by having unprotected vaginal or anal sex.

What are the symptoms of Mycoplasma Genitalium?

Women may get symptoms similar to those experienced in Chlamydia:

• burning or stinging when passing urine
• pelvic pain
• a change in vaginal discharge
• unexpected vaginal bleeding
• pain during sex

It can also lead to serious pelvic infection- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or “PID” for short. PID may presents with some or all of the following symptoms: fever, general unwellness, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge and pain during sex. In the longer term, there may be an increased risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy and premature labour in women who have Mycoplasma, particularly if not treated.

It’s important to note that most women will have no symptoms at all, though the infection could still cause harm over time, so diagnosis is important.

Men may experience

• burning or stinging when passing urine
• discharge from the penis
• pain in the testes

Or, as in women, it may be a silent infection, with no obvious symptoms.

Types of Vaginal Infection

Thrush (Candida)

Thrush (or candida to use its medical name) is a yeast infection. It can occur anywhere in the body, but prefers warm and moist places. It can naturally live in the vagina and cause no problems, but sometimes it overgrows, leading to symptoms such as thick white vaginal discharge, and irritation or itch of the vagina and the vulva. Whilst it occasionally can get passed between sexual partners, it’s not an STI. Some women find they are more prone to thrush just after their period. A recent course of antibiotics is another common trigger. Your doctor can diagnose thrush by the typical symptoms and appearance, but may also perform a vaginal or vulval swab to confirm it. Choice of treatment includes topical antifungal creams or pessaries – these are available over-the-counter at any pharmacy.  If symptoms don’t go away, it’s important to get a full STI check to rule out other types of vaginal infection.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

A normal, healthy vagina is home to a variety of different bacteria. However, in BV the balance is disturbed, and an overgrowth of some of these bacteria occurs. It’s not entirely clear why this happens. Like thrush, it’s not a sexually transmitted infection. The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal discharge which is often white-grey in colour and may have a distinct fishy smell. Your doctor can diagnose it by the typical symptoms, and may also perform a vaginal swab. To get rid of BV, you can choose between oral antibiotic tablets or a topical vaginal cream.