When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), most people are familiar with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. But there’s another infection you may not have heard of: Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen).
What Is Mycoplasma Genitalium (Mgen)?
Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial STI that can infect the cervix, urethra, and rectum. It’s sometimes called a “stealth” infection because most people don’t experience symptoms. Despite its low profile, Mgen may lead to serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease1 if left untreated.
How is Mycoplasma Genitalium spread?
Mgen spreads through vaginal or anal sex without a condom. Even if neither partner has symptoms, transmission can still occur. Researchers are still studying whether oral sex can spread the infection, but the risk isn’t fully understood yet.
Symptoms to Watch For
Most people with Mgen don’t notice any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- In women: Vaginal discharge, pain during sex, bleeding between periods.
- In men: Burning when urinating, discharge from the penis.
If untreated, Mgen can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) 1, which increases the risk of infertility and pregnancy complications.
How is Mycoplasma Genitalium diagnosed?
The primary testing method for Mgen is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) on a urine sample or swab from the genital or anal area. This form of test detects the genetic material of the bacterium.
For men: A “first pass” urine sample is the most common method
For women: A vaginal or cervical swab is taken
Protect Yourself
The good news? You can reduce your risk:
- Use condoms every time you have sex.
- Get tested if you have symptoms or a partner with an STI.
- If diagnosed, complete the full course of antibiotics as per your doctor’s instructions.
- Make sure your partner is treated too—otherwise reinfection can happen.
How we can help
If you need some health advice, you can discuss your concerns with a qualified healthcare practitioner without leaving your home with Doctors on Demand. Our Australian based team of doctors are highly experienced and able to handle sensitive topics with empathy and confidentiality. Your doctor may recommend testing and refer you to a pathology clinic to have this completed.
Speak to a doctor now or book an appointment for a time that suits you.
References
- Lewis J, Horner PJ, White PJ. Incidence of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Associated With Mycoplasma genitalium Infection: Evidence Synthesis of Cohort Study Data. Clin Infect Dis. 2020 Dec 17;71(10):2719-2722. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa419. PMID: 32701123; PMCID: PMC7744984. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7744984/#r1