Mycoplasma genitalium

What it is. Mycoplasma genitalium (often shortened to "M. gen") is a bacteria that can infect the genital tract. It's a common cause of ongoing irritation that doesn't clear with the usual treatments.

How you'd know. Many people have no symptoms. When it causes trouble it can look like other infections — burning when you pee, discharge, or irritation — especially symptoms that keep coming back or won't settle.

How it's tested. A urine sample or a swab, tested with a NAAT. We usually test for it when symptoms persist or keep returning, not as a routine screen — testing everyone would do more harm than good.

Is it curable? Yes — but it is becoming resistant to common antibiotics, so it needs the right antibiotic in the right order. That's why we sometimes check which antibiotics will work before deciding.

Treatment. Treatment is usually two antibiotics given in sequence, chosen based on whether the bacteria is resistant to a common one. It's important to take every dose as directed and finish the course — stopping early helps resistance grow. Partners should be tested/treated, and avoid sex until treatment is complete.

Why the careful approach? Using the wrong antibiotic (or using them too freely) makes M. gen harder to treat for everyone. Following the plan exactly protects you and others.