Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacteria that can infect the opening of your penis (dick), arse (bum), and vagina (front-hole).
You can only get Mycoplasma genitalium from having condom-less vagina (front-hole) and anal (bum) sex.
Most people do not show any symptoms which means you could have Mycoplasma genitalium and not know it.
If you do show signs, they can be pain when urinating (pissing), watery discharge from the penis (dick), discharge from the vagina (front-hole), bleeding between periods, often after sex (only in women).
Without treatment women can have an infection of the cervix and can spread to other parts of the body and uncommonly cause pelvic inflammatory disease. Some women may not have any symptoms – if signs do show you can get a fever, low abdominal pain, and pain during sex. If left untreated it can lead to further damage of the reproductive system and affect pregnancy.
Mycoplasma genitalium is not a part of a general sexual health check-up. A doctor may recommend you be tested based on your symptoms. Tests include a swab of the penis (dick), vagina (front-hole) or a urine (piss) sample.
Treatment generally involves a short course of antibiotics with follow up testing 2-3 weeks after treatment to make sure the treatment has worked. Mycoplasma genitalium has also been found to show some resistance to antibiotics - in this case your doctor may give you more than one course of antibiotics and you may need further treatment after the 2-3 weeks follow up test.
You should avoid all sex until cleared by your doctor.
Using condoms and lube reduces the risk of getting or passing on Mycoplasma genitalium, but you can still get it or pass it on even when you use condoms.
We acknowledge and pay respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work.
Vaccination can prevent mpox and is available for anyone at high risk of infection. This includes men who have sex with men, sex workers, health workers and anyone who may be in contact with a person infected with mpox. Please contact your nearest ACCHO or Sexual Health clinic for advice. See factsheet for more information.
