Mycoplasma Genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium symptoms in men

• Burning or pain when urinating
• Urethral irritation or itching
• Watery or clear penile discharge
• Testicular discomfort or pain
• Rectal discomfort or discharge (if the rectum is infected)

Mycoplasma genitalium symptoms in women

• Burning or pain when urinating
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Pain during sex
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Rectal discomfort or discharge (if the rectum is infected)

Many people with Mycoplasma genitalium have no symptoms at all.

Yes. Many people with Mycoplasma genitalium have no noticeable symptoms but can still pass the infection to sexual partners.

Because symptoms are often absent or mild, testing may be needed to detect infection.

Untreated Mycoplasma genitalium may lead to complications in some people.

Possible complications in women include:

• Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
• Reduced fertility

Possible complications in men may include:

• Persistent urethritis
• Epididymal or testicular discomfort (less commonly)

Untreated infection may also increase susceptibility to other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

The relationship between Mycoplasma genitalium and some complications — such as infertility, pregnancy complications, or reactive arthritis — is still being studied and is not fully understood.

Symptoms typically begin to appear within 1 to 3 weeks after being exposed to Mycoplasma genitalium. However, this may vary and it is possible for symptoms to develop sooner or later than this time frame.

Not everyone with Mycoplasma genitalium will develop symptoms. It is important to get tested if you think you may be infected.

Yes. Symptoms of Mycoplasma genitalium can overlap with other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, as well as some non-STI conditions.

It is also possible to have more than one infection at the same time, which is why broader sexual health testing may sometimes be recommended.

Mycoplasma genitalium most commonly infects the genital tract and can also infect the rectum.

Throat infection appears to be uncommon, and the clinical significance of oral infection is still not fully understood.

Mycoplasma genitalium is mainly transmitted through condomless vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner. Transmission through oral sex appears to be much less common.

Mycoplasma genitalium is not thought to spread through kissing, hugging, sharing towels, toilet seats, swimming pools, or cutlery.

• Having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• Having unprotected sex with multiple partners.
• Very close contact with partners’ genitals.
• Sharing unwashed and unprotected sex toys.
• Passed on from an infected mother during childbirth.

The risk of Mycoplasma genitalium can be reduced by:

• Using condoms during vaginal and anal sex
• Cleaning sex toys and using a fresh condom between users
• Avoiding sexual contact until treatment has been completed and any advised abstinence period has passed
• Attending sexual health testing where appropriate after exposure or symptoms

Condoms significantly reduce the risk of Mycoplasma genitalium when used correctly and consistently, although they do not provide complete protection.

Testing may still be recommended if you develop symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to an STI.

No, Mycoplasma genitalium is not thought to spread through kissing. It is primarily passed through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Current evidence suggests it is not transmitted through saliva or casual contact.

Testing for Mycoplasma Genitalium is not always included in a standard STI screen and may require specific treatment if detected.

No. Mycoplasma genitalium is not thought to spread through sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, toilet seats, or bedding.

The bacteria do not survive well outside the body and are mainly transmitted through sexual contact.

No, Mycoplasma genitalium is not a blood-borne infection and cannot be transmitted through blood transfusions. It infects the genital and urinary tract rather than the bloodstream.

Mycoplasma Genitalium is spread through sexual contact, most commonly vaginal or anal sex.

Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) is diagnosed using a laboratory test called a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), often performed using PCR. This test detects the genetic material of the bacteria.

For men, testing is usually done using a first-catch urine sample. For women, a vaginal swab is typically the most accurate sample and may be self-collected or clinician-taken. Some tests may also check for antibiotic resistance to help guide treatment.

Mycoplasma genitalium is identified using a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT/PCR test), which detects the genetic material of the bacteria. This is the most reliable method currently available.

Men are commonly tested using a first-catch urine sample, while women are usually tested using a vaginal swab. To improve accuracy, men may be advised not to pass urine for 1–2 hours before providing a sample.

Some laboratories may also perform resistance testing to help guide antibiotic treatment.

An accurate diagnosis depends on using the correct test and collecting the right sample. Mgen is not usually included in standard STI screening, so specific testing may be needed.

Factors that can improve accuracy include:

• Testing at the right time, usually at least 2 weeks after possible exposure
• Providing the correct sample (first-catch urine for men or a vaginal swab for women)
• Sharing information about symptoms or recent antibiotic treatment

Resistance testing may also be used to help select the most effective treatment.

Yes, Mycoplasma genitalium can be mistaken for other infections because symptoms often overlap. It may cause symptoms similar to chlamydia, gonorrhoea, bacterial vaginosis, thrush, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

A physical examination alone cannot confirm the diagnosis, so laboratory testing is needed to identify the cause accurately.

No. The only reliable way to diagnose Mycoplasma genitalium is through NAAT/PCR testing.

Mycoplasma genitalium is difficult to culture routinely and cannot be reliably diagnosed through symptoms, physical examination, or standard blood tests alone.

Testing usually involves a urine sample or vaginal swab, and specific testing often needs to be requested as it may not be included in routine STI screening.

No, a physical examination alone cannot diagnose Mycoplasma genitalium. Symptoms, when present, are often similar to other sexually transmitted infections and may not be visible during an examination.

A laboratory test using a urine sample or swab is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

No, you cannot diagnose Mycoplasma genitalium by symptoms alone at home. However, some home testing kits allow you to collect a sample yourself and send it to a laboratory for analysis.

Diagnosis still requires a PCR (NAAT) test performed by a laboratory using a urine sample or vaginal swab.

Mycoplasma genitalium can usually be treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics, although treatment can sometimes be more complicated due to antibiotic resistance.

Many people recover fully without long-term problems. However, untreated infection may contribute to ongoing genital inflammation and, in some cases, reproductive health complications.

Occasionally, the infection may clear without treatment, but this cannot be predicted reliably.

No. Previous infection with Mycoplasma genitalium does not provide immunity, and reinfection is possible after future exposure.

Because reinfection can occur, partner testing and treatment are important where appropriate.

Yes. To reduce the risk of Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) returning, it is important that both you and any current or recent sexual partners are tested and treated if needed. Reinfection can happen if a partner remains untreated.

You can also help prevent recurrence by:

• Taking the full course of antibiotics exactly as prescribed
• Avoiding sexual contact until treatment is completed and symptoms have resolved
• Attending a test of cure if advised, especially if symptoms continue or resistance is suspected
• Using condoms consistently to reduce the risk of reinfection

It is recommended to inform current sexual partners and, in some situations, recent partners if you are diagnosed with Mycoplasma genitalium.

Because many people have no symptoms, partners may not realise they are infected and could unintentionally pass the infection on or contribute to reinfection after treatment.

Your clinician can advise on whether partner testing or treatment is recommended.

Yes. If you have Mycoplasma genitalium, avoid sexual contact until you and any partners have completed treatment and symptoms have settled. This helps reduce the risk of passing the infection back and forth.

Using condoms consistently during vaginal, anal, and oral sex can also lower the risk of transmission. Informing recent sexual partners is important so they can consider testing and treatment if needed.

There is limited evidence that Mycoplasma genitalium may occasionally be transmitted during childbirth, although this is not fully understood and appears to be uncommon.

Some studies suggest untreated infection during pregnancy may be associated with complications such as preterm birth or low birth weight, but research is still evolving.

If you are pregnant and concerned about possible exposure or symptoms, medical assessment and appropriate testing may be recommended.

Mycoplasma genitalium during pregnancy has been associated with certain complications, although the evidence is still being studied.

Possible risks may include:

• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Premature rupture of membranes
• Inflammation affecting the reproductive tract

Early assessment and appropriate treatment may help reduce potential risks where infection is confirmed.

Mycoplasma genitalium can occur during pregnancy, although many people have no symptoms and may not realise they are infected.

Routine testing for Mycoplasma genitalium is not usually performed in pregnancy unless there are symptoms, persistent inflammation, or other clinical concerns.

If infection is suspected, your healthcare provider can advise whether testing or treatment is appropriate.

Treatment during pregnancy requires careful medical assessment because some antibiotics used for Mycoplasma genitalium are not recommended during pregnancy.

If treatment is needed, your healthcare provider will select an antibiotic considered safer in pregnancy, taking into account gestation, symptoms, and any available resistance testing.

The potential benefits of treatment are balanced against the known safety profile of the medication being used.

Yes. Using condoms consistently during sex can help reduce the risk of Mycoplasma genitalium during pregnancy. If a partner tests positive, it is important to consider testing even if you do not have symptoms.

You should speak with a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or discomfort during sex, as early diagnosis and treatment may reduce the risk of complications.

Untreated genital tract infection may sometimes contribute to ongoing symptoms or inflammation after birth.

Mycoplasma genitalium is not known to be transmitted through breast milk. However, antibiotic treatment during breastfeeding should be reviewed by a healthcare professional to ensure the medication is appropriate for both parent and baby.