References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) is a sexually transmitted bacterium that can cause urethritis in men and cervicitis in women. It was only identified in the 1980s and is now recognised as one of the most important emerging STIs. Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, making proper testing and treatment more important than ever.
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Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cause | Mycoplasma genitalium bacterium |
| Symptoms | Often none; discharge, burning, pelvic pain when present |
| Testing | NAAT with resistance profiling |
| Treatment | Doxycycline then azithromycin or moxifloxacin |
| Test of cure | Recommended at 3-5 weeks |
| Resistance | High macrolide resistance rates |
Complications
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Possible infertility
- Preterm birth in pregnancy
Why It Matters
- Rising antibiotic resistance
- Often missed in standard screens
- Can cause significant reproductive harm
Read more: Mgen overview | Can Mgen be cured? | Mgen testing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mgen routinely tested?
Not always — ask your clinic.
Is it curable?
Yes, with the right antibiotics.
Is it common?
Increasingly recognised and diagnosed.
Related reading
- Can You Get Chlamydia From Kissing?
- Can You Have Chlamydia and Test Negative?
- How Common Is Chlamydia in the UK?
- Multi-Site STI Testing: Genital, Rectal and Throat
- What Is a Female (Internal) Condom?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
