Bacterial infection that can cause urethritis and other genital infections. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care o
About Mycoplasma Genitalium
Bacterial infection that can cause urethritis and other genital infections
Mycoplasma genitalium is a small bacterium that infects the urinary and genital tracts.
It is an emerging sexually transmitted infection that can cause symptoms similar to chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Treatment can be challenging due to increasing antibiotic resistance.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
Care can range from monitoring and fluids to prescribed treatment, infection-control measures and follow-up. Ask whether antibiotics or other medicine are actually indicated and how to prevent spread.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
Symptoms
- Urethral discharge
- Painful urination
- Pelvic pain in women
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain during sex
- Often asymptomatic
Possible causes
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Multiple sexual partners
Care and treatment options
- Azithromycin (extended course)
- Moxifloxacin (for resistant cases)
- Partner notification and treatment
- Test of cure
- Resistance testing
Key points
- Emerging STI
- Increasing antibiotic resistance
- Often misdiagnosed
- Can cause infertility
- Requires specialized testing
Preparing for a consultation
- Fever readings and timing of symptoms.
- Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures.
- Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines.
- Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell.
Questions worth asking
- Is Mycoplasma Genitalium the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Mycoplasma Genitalium?
Bacterial infection that can cause urethritis and other genital infections This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Mycoplasma Genitalium?
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Azithromycin (extended course), Moxifloxacin (for resistant cases), Partner notification and treatment, Test of cure. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Mycoplasma Genitalium be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Fever readings and timing of symptoms. Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures. Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines. Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Mycoplasma Genitalium can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.