What is Mycoplasma genitalium?
- Cause
- Mycoplasma genitalium bacteria
- Common clue
- Symptoms that return after STI treatment
- Diagnosed by
- A specific NAAT test
- Treatment
- A two-step treatment plan
Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) is a sexually transmitted bacterium. In men it causes about 10–25% of urethritis that isn't due to gonorrhea. In women it's linked to cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Many infections cause no symptoms.
Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma hominis are related bacteria that often live in the genital tract without causing harm. Routine testing or treatment for them isn't usually recommended unless symptoms persist and other causes have been ruled out.
Mgen is increasingly resistant to common treatments, so current guidelines use a two-step plan.
When to suspect Mycoplasma
Mgen often causes no symptoms. When it does, they look like other STIs:
In men
- Burning when urinating
- Discharge from the penis
- Symptoms that persist or return after chlamydia or urethritis treatment
In women
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Bleeding after sex or between periods
- Pelvic pain
- Recurrent cervicitis
Get seen promptly if you have
These can signal pelvic inflammatory disease or another complication:
- Pelvic pain with fever
- Pain during sex that's new or worsening
- Testicular pain or swelling
How Mycoplasma is diagnosed
Mgen is diagnosed with a specific nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) on urine or a genital swab. It isn't included in standard chlamydia and gonorrhea panels.
Testing is recommended for men with recurrent urethritis and women with recurrent cervicitis, and considered for pelvic inflammatory disease. Screening people without symptoms isn't recommended.
Treating Mycoplasma genitalium
Because of rising antibiotic resistance, current guidelines recommend a first treatment to lower the amount of bacteria, then a second one chosen by resistance testing when it's available.
Your provider will tailor treatment to your test results, health history and other medications. Partners should be evaluated too.
During and after treatment
- Avoid sex until you and your partners have finished treatment
- Take every dose of both steps
- Contact a provider if symptoms continue after treatment
Is an online visit right for you?
Online care is often a good fit if you:
- Have a positive Mycoplasma genitalium test
- Have symptoms that returned after STI treatment
- Have a partner diagnosed with Mgen
Get in-person care if you:
- Have pelvic pain with fever
- Have testicular pain or swelling
- Still have symptoms after two-step treatment
How PulseCareMD can help
A PulseCareMD visit lets a licensed provider review your results and treatment history, and plan the right next step. Your visit fee covers the consultation.
Share your history
Tell us about symptoms, past treatment and any test results.
A provider reviews it
A licensed provider reviews your past treatment to choose the right two-step course. Many visits are reviewed within 2–3 hours.
Get your treatment plan
Your provider will explain your treatment plan, or give guidance on testing.
Frequently asked questions
When to get emergency care
Go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Severe pelvic or abdominal pain with fever
- Sudden, severe testicular pain