Mycoplasma genitalium (MGen)
Mycoplasma Genitalium, also known as MGen, is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many people do not show symptoms.
MGen is found in the semen (sperm) and vaginal fluids of people who have the infection. It can passed from one person to another through:
- Unprotected sex (sex without a condom) – oral, vaginal and anal
- Sharing sex toys without washing them or covering them with a condom.
You cannot get MGen from kissing, hugging, sharing baths or towels, toilet seats or from sharing utensils.
MGen is often present at the same time as other infections such as chlamydia – which can make it harder to diagnose.
You can help prevent against getting MGen by using a condom whenever you have any type of sex with a partner and washing sex toys or covering them with new condoms between partners.
Signs and Symptoms in People with a Vagina
- Pain when peeing
- Bleeding after sex
- Painful bleeding between periods
- Pain in your lower tummy or pelvis
- Unusual vaginal discharge
Signs and Symptoms in People with a Penis
- Discharge from the penis
- Pain when peeing
- Redness or irritation of the penis
- Urethritis (inflammation of the tube you pee through)
Condoms can reduce the chance of catching MGen, but they can’t prevent it altogether.
Testing for MGen is simple and usually involves a simple urine test or genital swab.
Treatment for MGen is a course of antibiotics. If left untreated MGen, can develop a resistance to antibiotics so it’s important to complete the course.
If you’re diagnosed with MGen, you will be advised to avoid sex until you and your partner have been treated – otherwise you may pass the infection back to each other.
It is also important to tell your current (and any recent sexual partners over the last six months) that you are being treated for MGen. They can then access treatment themselves. Sexual health clinics may be able to help with this.
Condoms can reduce the chance of catching MGen, but they can’t prevent it altogether. If you and your partner are in an on-going relationship it is recommended that you are treated alongside your partner and that you hold off having sex until both of you have been fully treated.
