Mycoplasma hominis

Mycoplasma hominis (M.hominis) is caused by a unique type of bacteria that spreads through unprotected sexual contact.

It is relatively common. One study from Reproductive Medicine and Biology looked at women with no known gynecological issues. 11.3% of the women in the study had the M.hominis bacteria.

M.hominis is part of a group of bacteria (mycoplasma). These bacteria target specific parts of the body. M.hominis specifically targets the urinary tract and genitals. Unlike many bacteria, it does not have a typical cell wall. It is frequently found as part of the normal genital microbiome, especially in sexually active adults. Because M. hominis can be present without causing disease, detection alone does not always indicate an infection that requires treatment.

Many people with this diagnosis ask, "How did I get Mycoplasma hominis?" This infection spreads through the following types of unprotected sexual contact:

• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex

This bacteria can also spread from parent to child during childbirth. This is especially true when babies are born prematurely.

Not everyone who tests positive for M.hominis will show symptoms. However, the people who do tend to deal with discharge from the genitals. They may also have painful and/or more frequent urination.

If M.hominis spreads to the throat, it can cause a sore throat. When it infects the rectum, it can cause pain, tenderness, and discharge.

Men who have symptoms of M.hominis tend to experience mild ones. These symptoms may include:

• A mild burning during urination
• Clear or cloudy discharge from the penis
• Redness of the opening to the penis (in the morning)

If a man has more severe symptoms, he may need to urinate more often and notice pain when he does so. He may also notice pus that comes from the penis.

M.hominis characteristics can vary in women. When the STI infects the cervix (the area between the vagina and uterus), a woman may experience:

• Frequent urges to urinate
• Painful urination
• Painful sex
• Pelvic pain and discomfort
• Yellow pus from the vagina or urethra

In some cases, women don't experience any of these symptoms. However, even without symptoms, untreated M.hominis can come with health risks.

In most healthy adults, M.hominis does not lead to complications. However, in certain situations, it may be associated with infection or inflammation, particularly when other organisms are present or when the normal balance of genital bacteria is disrupted. M. hominis has also been studied in the context of pregnancy-related conditions. During pregnancy, genital tract bacteria, including M. hominis, have been associated with inflammation of pregnancy tissues and an increased risk of preterm birth.

Taking a M.hominis test is important. This STI may not always cause symptoms. However, untreated infections can still have long-term complications and risks, especially in women. The biggest concern is developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to future infertility.

It's possible to have M.hominis without symptoms which is why taking a test is so important.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) doesn't have specific STI testing recommendations for M.hominis. However, it can be wise to take a test in the following situations:

• After being exposed to someone with this diagnosis
• If you experience M.hominis symptoms
• You have multiple sexual partners

Your M.hominis test results can help you understand, protect and maintain your genital health.

A Mycoplasma hominis test can diagnose this STI. You can choose between in-clinic testing or at-home collection for a M.hominis test.

• Clinic testing requires you to visit a medical office to provide your sample for testing.
• At-home collection testing for M.hominis allows you to test without a doctor visit.

Both options will require you to provide a sample for your test. This could be a urine sample or a swab of the genitals, throat, or anus.

Many people prefer the discreet and private testing option that at-home collection provides.

AllrangeKit offers an at-home collection test. Our 13-in-1 test looks for M.hominis and 12 other STIs with just a few easy steps:

• Order your M.hominis at-home collection test.
• Review the materials and instructions when your test arrives.
• Provide a sample of urine in the collection container.
• Register your test using the AllrangeKit App.
• Ship your sample using the prepaid label.
• View your results in the AllrangeKit App.

Many people want to know how to get rid of M.hominis. If you need M.hominis treatment, specific antibiotics can help clear up the infection.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, antibiotics in the so-called macrolide class tend to be the most effective. Some examples include:

• Azithromycin
• Clarithromycin
• Erythromycin

Once you start taking antibiotics, your symptoms should start to improve within two to three days.

At AllrangeKit, our at-home collection STD test can provide information about 13 different STIs, including M.hominis. We aim to provide accurate, easy, and secure STD testing for an affordable price, because everyone deserves to learn about their sexual health.

We invite you to buy your AllrangeKit and take control of your health today. Our support team can also answer your questions about our at-home collection test.