Patient education: Mycoplasma genitalium (The Basics)

What is Mycoplasma genitalium? — This is bacteria that can cause a sexually transmitted infection, or "STI." It is also called "M. genitalium."

M. genitalium can infect the sex organs (figure 1 and figure 2) and the rectum or anus. This infection can lead to:

●An irritated or inflamed urethra (called "urethritis") – The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

●An irritated or inflamed cervix (called "cervicitis") – The cervix is the part of the uterus closest to the vagina.

Sometimes, M. genitalium can infect the female reproductive system. When this happens, it is called "pelvic inflammatory disease," or "PID."

What are the symptoms of M. genitalium? — Some people have no symptoms, but others do.

Symptoms can include:

●Pain when urinating

●Itching on the tip of the penis or in the vagina

●Fluid or "discharge" from the tip of the penis or the vagina

●Inflammation of the tip of the penis or foreskin (figure 3)

If M. genitalium infects the female reproductive system, it can cause pain or discomfort in the low belly.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — Yes. See your doctor or nurse if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

The symptoms of M. genitalium can also be caused by other, more common infections. If you are treated for another STI but your symptoms do not improve, your doctor might suspect M. genitalium.

You should also see a doctor or nurse if any of your sex partners have had M. genitalium within the past few months. Even if you have no symptoms, you could still be infected.

Is there a test for M. genitalium? — Yes. Your doctor or nurse will ask you questions and do an exam. They might also do tests to check for the M. genitalium bacteria. These can include:

●Urine tests

●Tests on a sample of fluid from the urethra or vagina

It is possible to have M. genitalium and other STIs at the same time. Your doctor or nurse might recommend testing for other STIs, too.

If you have M. genitalium, anyone you have had sex with in the last 2 months should also be tested, if possible.

How is M. genitalium treated? — It is treated with antibiotic pills. They work by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

Can M. genitalium be prevented? — You can lower your chances of getting M. genitalium by:

●Using a latex condom every time you have sex

●Avoiding sex when you or your partner has any symptoms that could be caused by an infection

●Not having sex

More on this topic

Patient education: Sexually transmitted infections (The Basics)
Patient education: Urethritis (The Basics)
Patient education: Pelvic inflammatory disease (The Basics)
Patient education: Balanitis in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaginal discharge (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaginitis in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Barrier methods of birth control (The Basics)
Patient education: Teen sexuality (The Basics)

Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Abnormal uterine bleeding (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Barrier and pericoital methods of birth control (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Adolescent sexuality (Beyond the Basics)