Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted infection that, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. While some cases exhibit symptoms, others can go unnoticed for long periods of time.
We will explore the possibility of mycoplasma genitalium entering a dormant state and the implications for diagnosis and treatment.
What is Mycoplasma genitalium?
M. genitalium is a small bacterium that is difficult to detect and can easily be confused with other infections.
It is a type of bacterium that is transmitted through sexual contact and can cause inflammation of the urethra, cervix, and other genital organs.
It is considered a newly discovered bacterium and has been found to cause non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in men and cervicitis in women.
Unlike many other types of bacteria, M. genitalium does not have a cell wall, which makes it resistant to certain types of antibiotics.
NGU is a condition that affects the urethra in men and can cause symptoms such as urethral discharge, burning or pain during urination, and genital itching or irritation.
Cervicitis, which affects the cervix in women, can cause symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, and bleeding after sex.
However, M. genitalium must be diagnosed and treated because it can cause serious health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.
How long can mycoplasma genitalium go undetected?
The bacteria can become dormant or inactive when the conditions for its growth and multiplication are not ideal.
This state of hibernation is referred to as dormancy. The bacteria can remain in this state until the conditions become more favorable for its survival.
Researchers are interested in M. genitalium’s ability to go dormant because it may explain why this bacteria is difficult to detect and eradicate completely.
Because it varies from person to person, there is no definitive answer as to how long Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) can remain undetected in the body.
A study carried out in 2019 revealed that MG can be dormant for months
Can you have mycoplasma genitalium for years?
Yes, Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium) can be present for years. This is due to the fact that M. genitalium can survive in the body for extended periods of time, even after treatment.
In some cases, the infection may not cause any noticeable symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment difficult.
According to research, M. genitalium can live in the genital tract for months or even years if left untreated.
In some cases, the bacteria can cause long-term symptoms like urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), leading to chronic pain and infertility.
Can mycoplasma genitalium come back?
Individuals may also become re-infected with M. genitalium after treatment, especially if their sexual partners have not been treated or if they engage in high-risk sexual behaviors.
In some cases, the bacteria may develop resistance to certain antibiotics, making treatment more difficult.
Mycoplasma genitalium long-term effects
If left untreated, Mycoplasma genitalium can cause these long-term effects.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID is a serious infection that can occur when bacteria, including M. genitalium, enter the uterus and fallopian tubes from the vagina or cervix. Chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy can all result from PID.
- Infertility: M. genitalium has been linked to both male and female infertility. The bacteria in men can cause inflammation and scarring of the urethra and prostate gland, affecting sperm motility and quality. M. genitalium can cause inflammation and scarring of the reproductive organs in women, resulting in infertility.
- Chronic pain: Even after the infection has been treated, M. genitalium can cause chronic pelvic pain in women and chronic urethritis in men. The pain can be mild or severe, and it can last months or even years.
- Risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections: Studies have shown that people infected with M. genitalium are more likely to contract other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
How contagious is mycoplasma genitalium?
While the precise level of contagiousness of M. genitalium is unknown, research indicates that it can be transmitted via sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
It is more common in people who have multiple sexual partners or who do not use barrier methods of contraception during sexual activity, such as condoms.