Mycoplasma genitalium (or Mgen) is a bacterial STI. It is spread through vaginal and anal sex with someone who has the infection. Current evidence suggests that oral sex does not seem to spread Mgen.

There isn’t consistent information on the rates of Mgen within the general population. The CDC reports the overall prevalence to be 1.7% amongst the general population, but others report rates as high as 26% in communities that are more prone to exposure.

• Painful urination

• Itchy urethra

• Painful or itchy prostate

• Pelvic discomfort

• Urethral discharge

The majority of cases are thought to be asymptomatic.

Sequelae are conditions that are caused by the effects of the disease on a body, though not necessarily symptoms of the disease itself. Like many symptomatic infections the presence of Mgen can cause inflammation in the areas in the body that it has colonized. Notably:

• Inflammation of the urethra

• Inflammation of the prostate

• There is some association with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women and other people with uteruses, but the scientific evidence is inconclusive as to whether this is specifically related to Mgen or a result of other compounding factors.

The current evidence suggests that potential complications from asymptomatic infections are very rare.

• If you are experiencing symptoms

• If you have had vaginal or anal sex with someone who has tested positive for Mgen. PASS suggests waiting 2 weeks before testing after a known exposure, since it can take time for the bacteria to grow.

Successful treatment, including taking all medicine as prescribed by your clinician, is essential to preventing drug resistance. Current CDC treatment guidelines for Mgen is Doxycycline 100 mg orally 2 times/day for 7 days, followed by moxifloxacin 400 mg orally once daily for 7 days.

We recommend waiting at least two weeks after the completion of treatment before getting retested. It is possible for tests to identify infections that are no longer active, and are no longer a threat, for weeks or even months later.