Genital Mycoplasma Infections: Unrecognized STIs

Course overview

Genital mycoplasma infections are a significant source of morbidity for sexual partners. Genital mycoplasma species include: Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Mycoplasma genitalium. These organisms can cause pelvic inflammatory infections, recurrent bacterial vaginitis, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Some have been linked to pregnancy complications, neonatal infections, and infertility. In men, they most often present as nongonococcal urethritis and can lead to orchitis. One species, M. genitalium, was labeled a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in 2015 by the CDC. Despite these risks and the STI label, many providers have never heard of genital mycoplasmas and, if they have, discount their morbidity. When recognized (mostly in men) rarely is their partner treated, leading to both being re-infected. Recognizing and treating these infections would relieve a significant amount of human suffering. This presentation will cover how to recognize, identify, diagnose, and treat mycoplasma infections.