06/14/2025

Mycoplasma Genitalium

Mycoplasma Genitalium or M. Genitalium or M. Gen is a bacteria that can cause a sexually transmitted infection.

Symptoms

Many people have no symptoms but can transmit the infection to their sexual partner(s).

People with vaginas may experience:

  • Itching in or outside the vagina
  • Abnormal discharge from the vagina
  • Pain when urinating
  • Pain or discomfort in the lower belly or abdomen

People with penises may experience:

  • Itching or redness on the tip of the penis or foreskin
  • Fluid or discharge from the tip of the penis; discharge may be clear or yellow
  • Pain or burning when urinating

Symptoms can also occur in the rectum or anus causing itching, discharge or pain. Other sexually transmitted infections can have similar symptoms, therefore it is important to get tested for all STBBIs.

Testing and Treatment

Testing for M. Genitalium is not routinely performed. Speak with your health-care provider if you have symptoms or your sexual partner tested positive. Your health-care provider may perform testing or treat based on your symptoms. Tests are done with a urine sample or a sample of fluid from the urethra or vagina. It is possible to have M. Genitalium and other sexually transmitted infections at the same time. Treatment is a course of antibiotic pills which will kill the bacteria causing the infection.

Sex Partners

If you are aware a recent sex partner had M. Genitalium within the past few months, speak to your health-care provider, even if you have no symptoms. If you test positive for M. Genitalium you should notify your recent sexual partners.

Prevention

To reduce your risk of getting M. genitalium, follow these practices: by using a condom every time you have sex. Avoid having sex when you or your partner may have symptoms.

  • Talk about STBBIs and safer sex options with every partner to ensure that you protect one another.
  • Use a condom and/or oral dam properly and consistently each time you are sexually active.
  • See your health-care provider or go to a sexual health clinic to be tested for STBBIs if you are sexually active or starting a sexual relationship with a new partner.
  • You and your partner should be tested for STBBIs before becoming sexually active and then again in three to six months.

Services related to this information:

Eastern-Urban:

 

http://hi.easternhealth.ca/healthy-living/sexual-health/stis/mycoplasma-genitalium/
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Last updated: 2025-06-04