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HOW URGENT ARE MY SYMPTOMS WHAT TESTS DO I NEED? WHERE CAN I BE TESTED? ABOUT STIs GET THE FACTS CONTACT
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Mycoplasma genitalium

Also known as MG

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is a bacterial infection which can be passed on during sex without a condom.

Quick facts

  • Mycoplasma genitalium is a STI affecting the cervix, urethra and anus
  • Most people infected with mycoplasma genitalium have no symptoms at all
  • The test is usually a urine sample, a vaginal or a cervical swab, or an anal swab
  • Mycoplasma genitalium is treated with antibiotics

Download a fact sheet in other languages:

  • Mycoplasma genitalium (Arabic)
  • Mycoplasma genitalium (Chinese Simplified)
  • Mycoplasma genitalium (Filipino)
  • Mycoplasma genitalium (Japanese)
  • Mycoplasma genitalium (Korean)
  • Mycoplasma genitalium (Spanish)
  • Mycoplasma genitalium (Thai)
  • Mycoplasma genitalium (Vietnamese)

What is this?

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is a STI caused by bacteria which infects the cervix, urethra and anus.

How do you get it?

MG can be passed on by vaginal and anal sex without a condom with someone who has MG.

What are the symptoms?

Vagina

If you have a vagina, you may experience:

  • lower abdominal pain
  • pain during sex
  • abnormal vaginal discharge
  • pain on passing urine
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding

Penis

If you have a penis, you may experience:

  • pain on passing urine
  • discharge from the penis

How do you test for it?

If you have a vagina, the test is usually a urine sample, a vaginal or a cervical swab.

If you have a penis, the test is usually a urine sample.

If you have an anal infection, the test is an anal swab.

How is it treated?

MG is usually treated with two courses of antibiotics. Both courses need to be taken to cure the infection.

2 - 3 weeks after taking the antibiotics, you need to be tested again to make sure the antibiotics have worked.

You should either not have sex or use condoms or dams 100% of the time for all sexual contacts until you and your partner(s) have a negative MG test result.

How can I protect myself?

Using condoms or dams for vaginal and anal sex is the best way to protect yourself from MG.

Let them know

When you've been diagnosed with an STI like this, all of your sexual partners from the last few months should be checked by a doctor. 

It is very important that all your sex partners (regular and casual) are checked because if STIs are not treated they may cause serious problems later on.

If you have difficulty telling your partners, you can use Let Them Know for sample conversations, emails, text messages and letters you can send to your partners either personally or anonymously.

Where can I get help?

  • Visit a sexual health service near you
  • Visit your local doctor
  • Visit your local community health centre

Related videos

What's involved in a sexual health check

Zane thinks he needs a chlamydia check and books in to his local community health clinic in country Victoria. A humorous clip about what to expect visiting a sexual health clinic, made by young people who found out for themselves just how easy it is to book in and get checked.

Disclaimer

This fact sheet provides general sexual health information and is not intended to replace the need for a consultation with your doctor.

If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your doctor.

If you require urgent care, you should go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 000.

How urgent are my symptoms?
What tests do I need?
Where can I be tested?
Related links
  • Let Them Know

Disclaimer

This fact sheet provides general sexual health information and is not intended to replace the need for a consultation with your doctor.

If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your doctor.

If you require urgent care, you should go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 000.

Helping to keep you safe, healthy and STI free

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