Mycoplasma Genitalium

What is mycoplasma genitalium?

Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that is spread through vaginal and anal sex.

It can infect the urethra, cervix (top part of the vagina) and anus.

What are the symptoms?

Often there are no symptoms, so people can have mycoplasma and spread it without knowing.

When people do have symptoms they can include:

• pain when urinating (weeing)
• genital discharge
• pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
• pain or bleeding during or after sex
• irregular vaginal bleeding.

Mycoplasma genitalium can also infect the anus (bottom) but there are usually no symptoms.

If untreated, mycoplasma genitalium can spread to the reproductive organs causing severe infection and this can lead to infertility (difficulty getting pregnant) and chronic pelvic pain.

In pregnancy, mycoplasma can cause preterm (early) birth and miscarriage.

How is mycoplasma genitalium spread?

Mycoplasma genitalium is sexually transmitted, it can be passed on through unprotected vaginal and anal sex.

When should I have a mycoplasma genitalium test?

Testing for mycoplasma is not currently recommended for people who don’t have any symptoms.

You should have a mycoplasma test if:

• you have symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium
• you have a sexual partner who has been diagnosed as having mycoplasma genitalium.

How is mycoplasma genitalium tested?

If your sexual partner/s have mycoplasma, you can be tested with a urine sample or a self-collected vaginal or anal swab.

People who have symptoms should be examined by a doctor or nurse.

How is mycoplasma genitalium treated?

A mycoplasma genitalium infection is treated with antibiotics.

All antibiotics need to be taken to cure the infection. Some people may need a longer course of treatment.

Your sexual partner/s need to be tested and may also need treatment. Your doctor or nurse can help you notify your sexual partner/s and there are websites where partner notification can be done anonymously.

It’s important to avoid having sex until your sexual partner/s have also been tested/treated for mycoplasma. This is so that you don’t pass on the infection or become reinfected yourself. Sometimes you will need another test to ensure the infection has cleared.

If you’ve tested positive for mycoplasma, it’s also a good idea to get tested for blood-borne viruses such as HIV and syphilis.

Prevention of mycoplasma genitalium

• Use condoms.
• Practise safer sex. Make sure semen, blood, vaginal or anal fluid are not passed between partners.
• Talk about any past sexually transmitted infections with your sexual partner/s.

Where can I get tested?

• You can visit SHINE SA for further information, testing and treatment.
• Make an appointment with your local doctor, health care provider or Aboriginal Health Service.
• You can also contact Adelaide Sexual Health Centre:
  260 Currie Street, Adelaide
  Tel: 71117 2800
  www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/adelaidesexualhealthcentre