Mycoplasma

What Is Mycoplasma?

Mycoplasma (often M. genitalium) is a tiny bacterium that causes a urinary or genital infection. You might have heard it called an "emerging" STI because testing has only become available in recent years. But don't panic—it's not new, it's just newly detectable. It's easily treatable with antibiotics and doesn't cause long-term damage if caught and treated promptly.

How Do You Get It?

Mycoplasma spreads through sexual contact—vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You get it from someone who has the infection. The risk is higher with multiple partners or without condom use, but it can happen in any sexual situation.

Symptoms

• Urethritis symptoms (inflammation of the urethra): burning or pain when peeing, frequent urination
• Discharge from the urethra (penis) or vagina—usually mild, clear, or slightly white
• Pelvic pain or discomfort (sometimes)
• Symptoms can appear 1-3 weeks after infection
• Many people have no symptoms at all—which is why regular testing matters if you're sexually active

Testing & Diagnosis

Mycoplasma is diagnosed with a urine test or swab. Until recently, it wasn't tested for routinely, but many Irish sexual health clinics now offer testing as standard or on request.

Irish clinics offering tests:

• Sexual Health Clinics (free on the HSE)
• Your GP (may offer or refer)
• Some private sexual health clinics

If you think you might have it, ask your clinic specifically about Mycoplasma testing—it's not always automatic, but it's becoming standard practice.

Treatment

Mycoplasma responds well to antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe the right antibiotic course based on your situation.

What to expect:

• A course of antibiotics (usually 1-2 weeks)
• Take all the medication as prescribed, even if symptoms disappear
• Avoid sex until you're cleared by your doctor or for at least a week after treatment starts
• Your sexual partner(s) should also be tested and treated at the same time
• Follow-up testing may be recommended to confirm it's cleared

Once treated, you won't have lasting immunity—you could potentially get it again if exposed.

Complications (If Untreated)

If left untreated for a long time, Mycoplasma can potentially lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in people with a vulva, which could affect fertility. But this is rare and entirely preventable with early treatment. This is why getting tested matters, especially if you have symptoms or risk factors.

Prevention

• Condoms—significantly reduce transmission risk
• Regular sexual health checks if you're sexually active
• Communication with partners about testing and sexual health status
• Monogamy or honesty in relationships about other partners

Support & Resources

Mycoplasma is becoming more common, which is partly why clinics are better at detecting it now. There's nothing to be embarrassed about—Irish sexual health clinics are used to it and will get you sorted quickly with antibiotics. If you're worried about telling a partner, most clinics can help with notification and support.