Mycoplasma Genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted. It is sometimes referred to as MGen or M. Genitalium, and is often picked up alongside other STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

It is caused by mycoplasma genitalium bacteria. It is a sexually transmitted infection that is curable with the correct treatment.

It is difficult to diagnose as it commonly doesn’t present symptoms. When symptoms are present it is easy to confuse with other STIs.

Getting tested after having unprotected sex is the easiest way to get a diagnosis. You can do this at your GP or local sexual health practice.

When you have unprotected sex, bacteria can be transferred from one person to the next.

Bacteria can also spread through oral sexual contact or any contact with sexual fluids.

Any of the following can cause you to become infected with mycoplasma genitalium:

• vaginal or anal sex
• oral sex
• the sharing of sex toys

By using condoms or barrier methods of contraception with any of the above, you limit your risk of infection.

MGen doesn’t always show symptoms, and any symptoms you do get might only show up several weeks after becoming infected.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it would be a good idea to take an STI test:

It is always important to get tested after having unprotected sex with a new partner, or you might go weeks or months without knowing you have an infection.

By delaying a diagnosis, an MGen infection could lead to more serious health risks.

For women, one of the main risks of having MGen is that it can lead to something called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This affects the womb, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, and can cause painful and heavy periods.

For men, MGen can cause a condition called epididymitis. This causes the tube at the back of the testicles to become painful and swollen.

Other risks of an MGen infection include:

• bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• urethritis
• dysuria (pain whilst urinating)
• cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)
• proctitis (inflammation of the rectum)
• ectopic pregnancy (when a foetus forms outside of the womb)
• reactive arthritis
• infertility

By getting tested after sexual contact with a new partner, you can get a diagnosis for MGen and begin treatment right away. This limits your risk of the infection developing and causing any of the above conditions.

Is there a risk during pregnancy?

MGen is thought to put pregnant women at increased risk of:

• preterm birth (when the baby is born too early)
• miscarriage
• transmission to the baby on delivery

If you’ve tested positive for MGen whilst pregnant, it is important to inform your midwife or doctor, and to get treatment as quickly as possible.

You can get tested for MGen (as well as other STIs) at a sexual health practice. The NHS provides many free and confidential services throughout the country.

The test is usually done by getting either a vaginal swab or by giving a urine sample. It is a straightforward procedure that is quick and painless.

You should get your results within a week or two.

Alternatively, you can take a self-test at home. You can purchase these online from certain clinics or pharmacies. However, they may not be as accurate as getting tested by a healthcare professional.

You can prevent yourself from becoming infected with MGen by using protection during sex. This includes:

• using male or female condoms during sex
• cleaning sex toys in between uses
• putting condoms on sex toys

If you have a new sexual partner, regardless of gender, it is important to get checked. Whilst barrier methods of contraception are successful at reducing your risk of infection, they are not 100% effective.

Mgen must be treated with the correct course of antibiotics, which you can purchase online here at euroClinix.

We offer an MGen treatment package, which contains both Doxycycline and Azithromycin. This is currently the first line of treatment for mycoplasma genitalium.

The pack contains:

• 14 Doxycycline capsules (100mg)
• 4 Azithromycin tablets (500mg)

The treatment course is 10 days long. For the first 7 days you take Doxycycline, and for the last 3 days you take Azithromycin.

It is important to finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms have cleared. Otherwise, there is a chance that your infection will return.

Please note: Only take antibiotics when they have been prescribed by a doctor. Taking antibiotics when it isn’t necessary can cause certain diseases to gain antibiotic resistance.

This means that certain infections will not respond to treatment.

Yes, you can buy treatment for MGen here at euroClinix.

Once you’ve tested positive for the infection, simply complete the online questionnaire to submit your consultation.

This will be assessed by one of our UK doctors, who will then prescribe you the treatment package if you are suitable.

Once you have been approved for the treatment, your medication will be dispensed from our pharmacy with free next-day delivery.