Should You Throw Away Your Underwear After a Mycoplasma Infection?

Understanding Mycoplasma Infections and Their Impact on Personal Hygiene

Mycoplasma infections can affect different parts of the body and are generally categorized into three main types: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Ureaplasma urealyticum (a type of ureaplasma), and Mycoplasma hominis. Each strain presents unique symptoms and transmission routes, which directly influence how personal items—especially underwear—should be handled during and after infection.

Pneumonia-Causing Mycoplasma: Minimal Risk to Underwear

Mycoplasma pneumoniae primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to conditions such as atypical pneumonia. Common symptoms include persistent cough, fever, fatigue, and sore throat. Since this form spreads through respiratory droplets—like when someone coughs or sneezes—it does not typically contaminate intimate clothing. Therefore, there's no need to discard your underwear if you've been diagnosed with this type of infection. Standard laundry practices using warm water and detergent are sufficient for cleaning.

Genitourinary Mycoplasmas: When Replacement Is Recommended

In contrast, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis are associated with urogenital tract infections. These strains can cause urethritis, bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even complications during pregnancy. Because these pathogens reside in genital secretions, underwear worn during active infection may harbor bacteria.

For this reason, health experts often recommend discarding underwear used before treatment begins, especially if made from delicate fabrics that may not withstand high-temperature washing. This precaution helps reduce the risk of reinfection or cross-contamination.

Alternative to Disposal: Effective Sanitization Methods

If throwing away underwear isn't practical, thorough disinfection is a viable alternative. Boiling cotton-based underwear in hot water for at least 30 minutes can effectively destroy mycoplasma organisms. Alternatively, washing them in a machine at temperatures above 60°C (140°F) with antibacterial detergent achieves similar results. Ensure garments are completely dried afterward, preferably in direct sunlight or a hot dryer, as moisture can promote microbial growth.

Treatment Options for Mycoplasma Infections

Timely medical intervention is crucial when dealing with any mycoplasma infection. For systemic or severe cases, intravenous antibiotic therapy may be prescribed to ensure rapid absorption and effectiveness. Commonly recommended antibiotics include azithromycin and erythromycin, both belonging to the macrolide class, known for their efficacy against atypical bacteria like mycoplasma.

Oral azithromycin is often used for milder cases, allowing doctors to monitor symptom improvement over time. However, treatment should always be guided by diagnostic testing, including culture or PCR analysis, to confirm the specific strain and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.

Preventive Measures and Long-Term Care

Beyond treating the infection, maintaining excellent personal hygiene plays a key role in preventing recurrence. Consider wearing breathable, cotton-lined underwear and changing them daily—or more frequently during illness. Avoid sharing towels or clothing, and practice safe intimacy, especially during active infection periods.

Regular follow-up testing after completing antibiotic therapy ensures the infection has been fully cleared, minimizing long-term complications. By combining proper medical care with smart hygiene choices, individuals can recover fully and reduce transmission risks to others.