STI rates among MSM have been hitting the headlines recently: “crisis level”, “concerning” and the ‘Big G’ – gonorrhoea - is the STI in the spotlight at the moment, with chlamydia and syphilis playing key supporting roles. What about the others that we don’t hear so much about, like Mycoplasma Hominis and Mycoplasma Genitalium?
Confidante | 14th April 2014
NOT SO MOLLI-CUTE
Both MH and MG belong to the parasite grouping known as Mollicutes. Mycoplasma Genitalium might not be one of the big name STIs but it is very common, at least 1% of adolescent population of the US are thought to be carriers. It has very similar symptoms to other STIs and can be mistaken for the ‘Big G’, but it is actually the main cause of non-gonococcal urethritis (burning wee) in men. It can also lead to Prostatitis – inflammation or infection of the prostate gland and Epididymitis – swollen and painful testicles, neither of which are particularly pleasant as GP Dr Alison Logan explains:
“Aside from the discharge, burning wee, sore testicles; if left untreated Mycoplasma Genitalium can lead to Reiter’s Syndrome, which causes severe joint pain. Incidentially it was one of the reasons penicillin was developed so quickly during WW2 - to treat the many soldiers who had STIs!”
A BURNING ISSUE
Believe it or not, Mycoplasma Hominis lives happily in small amounts in the urinary tract of almost everyone; mostly minding its own business, but in higher quantities it can cause an infection and this can be transmitted sexually. People with suppressed immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those who have recently had an organ transplant, are more likely to contract this STI.
Mycoplasma Hominis again has symptoms similar to many other STIs and can cause a burning sensation during urination and smelly discharge from the penis, although you might not experience any symptoms at all, but MH is particularly harmful for people who have weakened immune systems says Dr Alison:
“People with HIV/AIDS or those on immunosuppressant drug therapy should be vigilant because a Mycoplasma Hominis infection could increase the risk of contracting respiratory problems such as pneumonia. New research also suggests that MH in HIV positive patients could promote a shorter time period before the development of AIDS symptoms. It is essential that anyone concerned is tested for MH and seeks advice from their GP or local GUM specialist.”
MYCOPLASMA HOMINIUS MONOGAMOUS?
MH is different to other STIs because it is present in most of us and can suddenly switch into infection mode – a key fact worth remembering, because it can mean that monogamous couples can find themselves with an STI even after years of exclusivity.
A BOOMERANG IN THE BITS
The good news is both MH and MG can be treated with the correct antibiotics and rest, the bad news is they’re often mistaken for other STIs and so go undetected and untreated, but Dr Alison has the solution:
“It is simple - #TakeTheTest with the new Confidante home STI testing kit. It is the only DIY kit to test for 10 sexually transmitted diseases, including Mycoplasma Hominis and Mycoplasma Genitalium. It is easy to use, accurate and 100% confidential. However, as a GP I’d urge anyone who tests positive with Confidante to ask their partner to take the test as well. If they are infected but don’t know it, they could pass the infection back – an STI boomerang. At the end of the day, the best way to avoid STIs is by using condoms and dental dams – protection over detection!”
The Confidante kit is available online at www.confidantetest.com and at selected pharmacies #TakeTheTest
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