Mycoplasma genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium, also known as Mgen, MG or mycoplasma, is a sexually transmitted infection. It’s caused by a bacteria that affects the genitals and anus (bottom).
Most people who have mycoplasma genitalium will not notice any symptoms, and the infection often clears up by itself.
How do you get mycoplasma genitalium?
Mgen is passed on through sexual contact like oral, vaginal or anal sex. It can also be passed on by sharing sex toys.
You cannot get it from kissing and hugging or from sharing towels, swimming pools or toilet seats.
Symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium
Most people do not experience any symptoms when they have the infection.
If you have a penis, you might notice:
discharge from the penis
pain, stinging or itching when you pee
discomfort or irritation of the penis or urethra
discharge or discomfort in the anus, if you have anal sex
If you have a vagina, symptoms can include:
pain in the lower stomach (abdomen and pelvis)
pain, stinging or itching when peeing
changes to vaginal discharge
bleeding during or after sex
unusual bleeding between periods
cervicitis, inflammation of the cervix, which can cause pus-like discharge
discharge or discomfort in the anus, if you have anal sex
If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit a sexual health clinic.
Getting tested for mycoplasma genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium testing is not recommended for everyone. So it's not part of regular STI testing, and clinicians will not routinely test for it. Our at-home STI test kits do not include tests for Mgen. This follows the national testing guidelines set by BASHH (The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV)
You’ll be recommended a test for Mgen if you have certain symptoms or if a current sexual partner has recently been diagnosed with the infection.
The test for mycoplasma genitalium will either be a vaginal swab, a urine sample or an anal swab. This will be sent to the lab for testing. These tests can be done at a clinic or at home.
Unlike other STI tests, there is no window period for Mgen. So, there is no recommended time for testing. Your clinician will be able to let you know when to take a test.
How to avoid mycoplasma genitalium
You can reduce your chance of getting mycoplasma genitalium by:
using condoms for vaginal or anal sex
using a condom or dental dam during oral sex
washing sex toys or covering them with a fresh condom before sharing with another person
You can get free condoms at sexual health clinics. If you or a partner has any symptoms of Mgen or another STI, go to a clinic for testing and treatment. Starting treatment early means you lower the chance of complications and are less likely to pass on the infection.
Is mycoplasma genitalium serious?
Most people who have contact with mycoplasma genitalium do not develop an infection. The germ that causes mycoplasma genitalium can stay in the body for a long time, but it does not cause any harm, and your body can clear it by itself.
For a small number of people, this germ causes symptoms and will need treatment. If it’s left untreated, it can go on to cause more complex issues like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Treatment for mycoplasma genitalium
Mgen is treated with antibiotics, usually as tablets. You can get a second test after your treatment to check that the infection has cleared. This is important because some strains of mgen have become resistant to certain antibiotics. A second test after treatment makes sure you’re getting the correct antibiotics.
The antibiotics used in Mgen treatment often change because of the antibiotic resistance. Your clinic will help you get the right medication.
Do you need help with something else?
Find sexual health services near you
Get sexual health advice from the experts
