Do You Know About This Infection? What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You!

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is a sexually transmitted bacteria that lives on the cells of the urinary and genital tracts in humans.  MG is a recognized sexually transmitted infection with increasing spread worldwide, and is resistant to multiple antibiotics. The causative agent was first isolated in humans in 1981, and was eventually identified as a new species of Mycoplasma in 1983.

Specifically, MG causes urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) in both men and women, but also can cause inflammation of the cervix and pelvis in women.  Men or women may have urethritis symptoms, which can cause burning when urinating or generalized burning in the urethra. Also, infections of the anus and rectum can occur.  Some experience symptoms that are very similar to those that occur with Chlamydia, which means there may be no symptoms at all.

What is really concerning is that the infection can then also move up the reproductive tract to infect the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, and eventually it can sometimes reach the fallopian tubes causing infertility. MG was associated with increased risk for preterm delivery in one U.S. and another Peruvian study.  Data are scarce regarding MG and ectopic pregnancy.

Another concern is that we there is not an FDA-approved diagnostic test for the infection, so your healthcare provider actually doesn’t test for it regularly.  In the absence of validated tests, MG should be suspected in cases of persistent or recurrent urethritis and may be considered in persistent or recurrent cases of cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Antibiotics tend to be resistant to this infection.  There has been some success with the antibiotic moxifloxacim.   However, moxifloxacin has been used in only a few cases, and the drug has not been tested in clinical trials.

Bottom line…this sexually transmitted infection is becoming more and more common.  It is difficult to detect and treat.  It can cause infertility.  Until more research is done, the optimal plan for both men and women is abstaining from intercourse unless in a monogamous relationship such as marriage.


It’s important that you take control of your health in a place that is confidential and trusted. At Advice & Aid, we have licensed, trained medical personnel on site every day to help you understand what might be happening and the best course of treatment. We also offer completely free STD/STI testing at our office.

This newest STD highlighted here can have serious consequences. Get the information you need to take the best care of yourself!

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