For the most part, sexually transmitted infections can be treated easily. The vast majority respond well to antibiotics, and most other infections can be treated with effective treatments under a doctor’s supervision.
But some infections fight back. Many bacteria are gaining an edge in the arms race between pathogens and pharmaceuticals.
And one of the acne-causing bacteria is one most people haven’t even heard of: Mycoplasma Genitalium.
So what’s going on here? Keep reading to find out!
Worried you might have mycoplasma? Get tested today with Better2Know.
What is Mycoplasma?
Mycoplasma is a bacterial infection spread from person to person through sexual activity, such as unprotected sex and sharing sex toys. It is more common in smokers, in people with multiple sexual partners, in young men of both sexes, in older age groups of men, in men who have sex with men, and in people who are HIV positive.
While Mycoplasma is considered an STD, the bacteria that cause the infection can also be found in normal, healthy genital tracts. An infection occurs when these bacteria grow to an unbalanced level.
Mycoplasma symptoms
Mycoplasma infections usually do not cause symptoms and often go unnoticed. However, when symptoms do occur, they may affect men and women differently.
In women, symptoms may include:
- Pain in the lower pelvis
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain during sex
In men, symptoms include:
- Pain during urination
- Irritation around the tip of the penis
- Discharge from the urethra
Effects of untreated mycoplasma
While most people can live with an appropriate level of Mycoplasma bacteria in their urinary tract, when these levels become unbalanced, the results can seriously harm their overall health.
In women, a mycoplasma infection may be associated with:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Fertility issue
- Sexually associated reactive arthritis
- Premature birth
- Failure
- Necrobirth
In men, the infection may be associated with:
- Chronic pain and swelling in the testicles (epididymitis)
- Sexually associated reactive arthritis
Is Mycoplasma becoming resistant to antibiotics?
We often think of microorganisms, like bacteria, as little machines—they keep going, working the same way every time. Because we know how they work, we can develop effective treatments against them.
But bacteria are living organisms. If given the chance, they mutate and evolve to overcome their environment. And this is increasingly the case with infections around the world, including STDs.
Many infections we treat with antibiotics are increasingly resistant to our drugs. This is becoming a serious problem for health systems around the world. THE The World Health Organization estimates that around 1.27 million deaths in 2019 were caused by infections that developed antibiotic resistance. These infections contributed to an additional 4.95 million deaths.
We are already seeing this in the STD world. Many of his staff Gonorrheaa common bacterial STD, have developed resistance to antibiotics. Although many clinical trials are developing new drugs to combat this issueresistant forms of gonorrhea remain a concern.
But gonorrhea is not the only STD that has developed this resistance.
Mycoplasma has, in recent years, antibiotic resistance is increasing in the UK. Several studies done on patients in Italy, Germany, Belgiumand China have observed many patients with multidrug-resistant strains of Mycoplasma Genitalium, with some cohorts reaching up to 100%.
According to a study that tracked the emergence of antibiotic resistance across Europe, literature published between 2012 and 2018 shows that Macrolide resistance was increasing rapidly in the region, with many countries exceeding 50%.
Why is this happening?
While the situation is complex, the main cause of the increase in antimicrobial resistance is the misuse of antibiotics by humans.
In short, we use too many antibiotics. These drugs are often overprescribed (used in situations where they are not needed) or used incorrectly (treatment plans are inconsistent or incomplete). This allows certain strains of bacteria to develop resistance through genetic mutation.
The declining effectiveness of antibiotics in treating many diseases, from E. coli to Staphylococcus aureus and pneumonia to candida, will reduce health outcomes for millions of people worldwide.
How can I avoid getting antibiotic-resistant mycoplasma?
The best way to avoid an STD is to practice safe sex. This means using condoms, dental dams, and other barrier contraceptive methods to prevent the spread of pathogens.
If you are concerned about contamination from a particular condition, external course may be an option to explore. And there is always abstinence.
However, external contact and abstinence are not realistic for many people, and infections spread despite people’s best intentions. If you are diagnosed with an STD, follow your doctor’s treatment plan as strictly as possible. This means that you will complete any prescribed medication regimen. By doing this, you ensure that the strain of bacteria you have will be killed off and not given a chance to develop resistance.
Final thoughts
In the unfortunate scenario that you do contract an STD, you will first need to be tested to confirm your condition.
Better2Know offers several effective STD screens that can test you for various infections.
If you don’t know what to test for, or if you want to get a clear picture of your sexual health, we recommend the Home Full Screen test kit, which tests for Mycoplasma along with six other common STDs.
Click the button below to order your test today.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance. Know your STD status.
