An "Emerging Issue" in the US
The rates of mycoplasma genitalium are relatively low in developed countries at 1% to 3%. Rates of this STI, however, are typically higher in people who are currently seeking treatment for other STIs. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mycoplasma genitalium was considered an "emerging issue" in 2015. More recent studies have sounded the alarm about this relatively common - but often asymptomatic - infection.
Because some patients with mycoplasma genitalium are asymptomatic, they can spread this STI to their partners without knowing it. In the United Kingdom, the disease has an estimated rate of infection of 1 in every 100 women. The rate of infection is much lower in the United States. While the rates of infection are relatively high in the UK, it doesn't mean the disease wasn't necessarily present before. It could just mean health professionals haven't been looking for it in STI tests until recent years.
Are There Screening & Prevention Guidelines?
There are currently no formal guidelines for the screening and prevention of mycoplasma genitalium. Mycoplasma genitalium is only detectable through nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), which starts with a urine test or vaginal swab.
What Are the Symptoms of Mycoplasma Genitalium?
The symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium in people with penises include:
- Frequent urination
- Feeling the need to urinate often
- Painful intercourse and/or ejaculation
- Discharge from the penis.
The symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium in people with vaginas include:
