Want a super fun and cute way to learn more about STIs? GiantMicrobes are here to entertain, educate, and cuddle. These plush toys are about 5 inches in height, and represent a number of different sexually transmitted infections.

Each microbe includes a printed card with educational and fascinating facts. A perfect gift for students, scientists, health professionals & anyone with a healthy sense of humor!

This little microbe represents Mycoplasma genitalium (MG).

Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging STI, though not many people have heard of it. More than one in 100 adults may carry this microbe. There are about 200 types of mycoplasma bacteria and most are harmless. Mycoplasma genitalium, however, is one that you may want to think about-- infections can lead to health problems including urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory diseases.

Signs of mycoplasma infection may include pain, discharge, and bleeding. But it can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can be non-specific and non-existent. People with penises experiencing inflammation of the urethra or other symptoms of urethritis should be tested for mycoplasma. People experiencing persistent inflammation of the cervix or other symptoms of cervicitis may also be infected.

Treatment is another challenge, as mycoplasma is frequently resistant to antibiotics commonly used for STDs. Testing for this bacteria can be cumbersome and time consuming. One key to optimizing treatment is to increase awareness. Since clinicians may not know much about mycoplasma and its role in infections, they may prescribe an antibiotic for a different STD. Healthcare professionals should consider mycoplasma and treat patients based on signs, symptoms, and the elimination of other known causes of certain infections. Mycoplasma might well be the culprit in cases of persistent or recurrent urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. As with all STDs, knowledge and prevention are key.

Infection occurs through genital-to-genital or genital-to-rectal contact (mainly through unprotected sex). You're less likely to catch it through oral sex.  The most effective method of preventing MG is to use a condom during penetrative sex.

MG is diagnosed by carrying out a simple urine test or genital swab.