Sexually transmitted superbug can affect fertility and cause premature birth in pregnant women

YOU may not have heard of the STI ‘MG’ — but it’s becoming resistant to antibiotics and could cause infertility and premature birth in pregnant women.

MG can cause infertility and premature birth in pregnant women.

SEX — so much fun when you play safe. So much misery if you don’t.

Now you can add mycoplasma genitalium, or MG as this little known “superbug” is called for short, to the list of sexually transmitted infections you want to avoid.

Professor Suzanne Garland, from Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital, told abc.net.au this particular STI could cause infertility and premature birth in pregnant women.

Young, sexually active men and women with different partners were most at risk of contracting MG.

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According to Professor Garland, infected people often have no symptoms. However, there are some warning signs — some women report pain during sex and both men and women can have pain when urinating.

These symptoms develop in one to three weeks after the incubation period.

Same-sex couples face the same risk factors as heterosexual couples, Professor Garland said.

The bug is causing concern among health experts and is being referred to as a “superbug,” as it is becoming resistant to antibiotics, which limits treatment options.

The good news is there is now a simple test that is covered by Medicare and is available at clinics and surgeries Australia-wide.

While stats aren’t fully available Professor Garland said around 10 to 35 per cent of people tested at STI clinics have it.