What is Mycoplasma genitalium (M.genitalium)?
M. genitalium is a bacterial sexually transmissible infection that can infect the cervix and urethra.
How do I know if I have M.genitalium?
Vaginal symptoms may include:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods or after sex)
- changes in vaginal discharge
- pelvic pain and/ or pain during sex
- discharge from the penis
- stinging or burning when passing urine
- urethral irritation/tingling
Testing is NOT recommended in people who do not have any of the symptoms listed above, unless they are a sexual partner of someone with confirmed M. genitalium.
M. genitalium can be diagnosed by urine or swab test.
How can I get M.genitalium?
M. genitalium is passed on by having vaginal or anal sex without a condom with someone who has the infection.
What is the treatment for M.genitalium?
M. genitalium is usually treated using two courses of oral antibiotics.
It is important not to have any sexual contact until you have completed treatment, as you may be at risk of passing M. genitalium to your sexual partners or becoming re-infected. Your doctor or nurse will advise how long this period will be.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
Recent sexual partners of people diagnosed with M. genitalium should be tested.
What else should I know?
M. genitalium can be difficult to treat because of antibiotic resistance. Testing people without symptoms is not currently recommended, unless they are a partner of someone with confirmed M. genitalium.
A repeat test after treatment is important to make sure that the antibiotics have worked.
It is important to follow your doctor/nurse’s instructions on treatment and follow-up.