Published on Oct 03, 2023 | 3:51 PM
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Mycoplasma genitalium (often abbreviated as M. genitalium or Mgen) is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that affects the urinary and reproductive tracts. It is less well known than other STDs but is increasingly recognized as an important cause of urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
M. genitalium is especially concerning because it has developed significant resistance to multiple antibiotics, making diagnosis and treatment more complex than many other sexually transmitted infections.
Many people with M. genitalium have no symptoms, which allows the infection to persist and spread without detection. When symptoms occur, they may be mild or mistaken for other conditions.
Common symptoms include:
In women
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain
Pain during sex
Bleeding between periods or after sex
In men
Burning or pain with urination
Penile discharge
Urethral irritation
Because symptoms overlap with chlamydia and gonorrhea, testing is required for accurate diagnosis.
M. genitalium is spread through sexual contact, including vaginal and anal sex. Transmission can occur even when symptoms are absent.
Reinfection is possible if sexual partners are not tested and treated appropriately.
Diagnosis is made using nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), which detects the genetic material of the bacteria. Routine STD panels do not always include M. genitalium, so testing must be specifically ordered.
Testing is often recommended for individuals with:
Persistent or recurrent urethritis or cervicitis
Symptoms that do not resolve after standard STD treatment
Known exposure to M. genitalium
Treatment of M. genitalium can be challenging due to antibiotic resistance.
Current treatment strategies may involve:
Sequential or combination antibiotic therapy
Avoidance of antibiotics known to be ineffective
Strict adherence to prescribed regimens
Because resistance patterns vary, treatment should follow current clinical guidelines. Test-of-cure is often recommended after treatment to ensure the infection has been cleared.
Sexual activity should be avoided until treatment is completed and follow-up guidance is provided. Sexual partners should also be evaluated and treated when indicated.
Untreated M. genitalium can lead to ongoing symptoms and serious complications.
Possible complications include:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Chronic pelvic pain
Infertility
Persistent urethritis
Because symptoms may be mild or absent, untreated infection can persist for long periods.
Prevention strategies include routine STD testing when indicated, consistent condom use, completing all prescribed antibiotics, and ensuring sexual partners receive appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use also helps reduce resistance.
Call-On-Doc offers confidential, evidence-based care for Mycoplasma genitalium through telehealth.
With a virtual visit, you can discuss symptoms, review testing options, receive guideline-based treatment recommendations, and get follow-up guidance — without unnecessary in-person visits.
Healthcare that fits your life — not your calendar.
updated 1/26/2026 Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
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