Only about 15% of people in the UK know about Mycoplasma genitalium, or Mgen, despite it affecting around 500,000 individuals—roughly 2% of the sexually active population. This bacterial infection rivals chlamydia in prevalence, with hotspots like Liverpool reporting over 21,000 cases of chlamydia alone. Discovered in 1981, a reliable test emerged only in 2017, allowing it to spread unnoticed.
What Causes Mgen?
Mgen spreads through unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner. Researchers continue to investigate potential oral transmission. Unlike routine STI panels, standard screenings exclude Mgen unless persistent symptoms warrant it.
“Mgen isn’t included in standard STI screening unless there’s a specific reason, like persistent symptoms,” explains Dr. Nikki Ramskill, founder of The Female Health Doctor Clinic. “Widespread testing could lead to unnecessary antibiotic use, a major concern given its resistance.”
Symptoms of Mgen Infection
Mgen often remains asymptomatic, affecting 50-70% of women and 80% of men, per the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV. Symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks post-infection and include:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Bleeding after sex
- Testicular pain
- Genital itching
- Rectal inflammation
“These symptoms mimic other common STIs, making diagnosis challenging,” notes Dr. Ramskill. Risk factors include other STIs and unprotected sex, with over half of Brits engaging in the latter without recent testing for infections like gonorrhea, according to Dr. Babak Ashrafi, sexual health specialist.
Health Risks if Untreated
Left unchecked, Mgen leads to serious complications. In men, it causes epididymitis—inflammation of the tube behind the testicles—and proctitis. Persistent urethritis results in penile pain at the tip.
For women, risks include cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), potentially impacting fertility and causing intermenstrual spotting. “It’s not something to ignore if symptoms persist,” Dr. Ramskill warns. Dr. Ashrafi adds that untreated cases heighten vulnerability.
Treatment Challenges
Mgen shows alarming antibiotic resistance, earning ‘superbug’ status in some areas with rates over 90%. Treatment now involves a two-step regimen: doxycycline followed by azithromycin or moxifloxacin.
“Antibiotics still work, but require precise use,” Dr. Ramskill assures. Prevention remains key—use condoms consistently and test regularly if sexually active.
