There’s a new STI!
Well. Not really.
It’s called mycoplasma genitalium[1]
(it really needs a better agent – that’s a terrible name). And it was first
identified around 1981.
What’s actually new is that scientists have figured out that
it’s spread through skin to skin sexual contact. A study in England found that
around 1% of the population that they tested was positive for MG. Most folks
had no symptoms at all. Scientists in multiple studies are also starting to
identify MG’s role in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and in urethritis.
What the hell are those conditions? Good question.
PID is a serious disease that occurs in people with
uteruses. It’s an infection inside the pelvis. It usually starts with when
someone contracts a sexually transmitted infection, does not get treatment
(often because there are no symptoms) and the infection spreads to the uterus,
fallopian tubes and ovaries. The infection can cause fever, intense abdominal
pain and possible issues with fertility. It appears that a sizeable minority of
cases of PID are linked to MG. PID is treatable, however, the earlier it’s
diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
Urethritis is an inflammation or infection in the urethra in
the penis. It usually has symptoms, including: pain with sex, pain with
urination and or discharge from the urethra (where the pee comes out). Like
PID, it’s treatable.
Why does it matter that some folks with PID or urethritis
are infected with MG? Because MG may not respond to the antibiotics usually
used to treat those conditions. It often responds to azithromycin (more
commonly known as the Z pack). In the cases where a Z Pack doesn’t kill the bacteria, a newer drug called
Moxiloxacin seems to work. Because it’s a great idea to get rid of PID or
urethritis quickly, experts are recommending that clinicians test for MG when
treating these conditions so that they use the right drugs.
So what does this mean for the rest of us? Well, not a lot.
Humans who have sex with other humans sometimes share disease with each other.
We have ways to prevent and/or reduce the chances of that. Using condoms seems
to reduce (but not eliminate) the transmission of MG. Engaging in the kinds of
sex that don’t involve rubbing skin against each other seems like it would also
work (mutual masturbation, skype sex, using sex toys - but not sharing them,
etc).
And, getting tested also seems like a good idea. But, that
may be a little tricky. Although there are tests for MG, there’s still not a
testing standard. So ask your clinician and see what your options are. If you
get diagnosed with PID or urethritis, demand a test.
Because you, your health and your sexuality are worth it.
[1]
Much of the data in this post was sourced from the CDC Emerging Issues STI
Treatment Guidelines 2015 http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/emerging.htm
1 comment:
Thanks for taking the time to write the article. I have two additions, however. Urethritis is not limited to people with penises, it hits those with vaginas as well. Also, the new drug you mention is actually called moxifloxacin.
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