What should you know about Mycoplasma genitalium antibiotics?

Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted bacterium that may cause burning when passing urine, discharge or pelvic symptoms, although some people have no symptoms. A urine or swab test can confirm infection. Resistance means that a medicine that works for one person may not work for another, so treatment is not safely selected from symptoms alone.

Some antibiotic courses are given in stages or changed after resistance results. Taking an unsuitable medicine, missing doses or stopping early can leave infection present and make future treatment harder. Your clinician will consider pregnancy, allergies, other medicines and the infection site.

Arrange sexual-health or GP assessment and answer questions about recent partners, symptoms and previous antibiotics. Take the prescribed course exactly as directed and do not share tablets. Avoid sex until your clinician confirms when it is safe, and make sure current partners receive appropriate advice and testing.

Return for a test or review when advised, particularly if symptoms remain. A partner may need assessment even without symptoms. Condoms can reduce transmission, but they do not replace testing or treatment.

Seek prompt medical care for pelvic or testicular pain, fever, vomiting, pain during sex, unusual bleeding, or worsening lower abdominal pain. These symptoms can signal complications or another infection that needs examination. Get urgent help for severe pain, fainting or feeling acutely unwell.

Ask which test is being used, whether resistance testing is available, how long to avoid sex, whether partners need notification, and whether a follow-up test is needed. Mention pregnancy, allergies and every medicine or supplement you take.