What Is Genital Mycoplasma?

“Mycoplasma” describes a group of very small bacteria. In sexual health care, the most clinically important species is usually Mycoplasma genitalium, commonly abbreviated as Mgen.

Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted infection that may affect the:

• Urethra
• Cervix
• Uterus and fallopian tubes
• Rectum

Other organisms, such as Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma species, may sometimes be detected in the genital tract without causing disease. A positive result does not always mean treatment is required, so the exact organism and clinical symptoms must be reviewed.

Common Mycoplasma Symptoms

Many people with Mycoplasma genitalium have no noticeable symptoms.

Symptoms in Men

Possible symptoms include:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Clear or cloudy urethral discharge
• Urethral itching or irritation
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Penile discomfort
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during or after ejaculation
• Persistent urethritis after previous treatment

Symptoms in Women

Possible symptoms include:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Burning during urination
• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sexual activity
• Pelvic or lower-abdominal pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Cervical inflammation
• Persistent symptoms despite previous STI treatment

Rectal Symptoms

Rectal infection may cause:

• Anal discomfort
• Rectal discharge
• Bleeding
• Pain during bowel movements

However, many rectal infections have no symptoms.

How Is Mycoplasma Genitalium Transmitted?

Mgen may spread through:

• Vaginal sexual contact
• Anal sexual contact
• Direct contact with infected genital fluids
• Sharing sex toys

Transmission through oral sex appears less common than genital or anal transmission, but patients should discuss their exposure history with the doctor.

A person can transmit the infection without experiencing symptoms.

Who Should Consider Mycoplasma Testing?

Testing may be considered for patients who:

• Have persistent or recurrent urethritis
• Have ongoing cervicitis
• Experience unexplained pelvic pain
• Have a partner diagnosed with Mgen
• Continue to have symptoms after chlamydia or gonorrhea treatment
• Are diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease
• Have recurrent burning or discharge with negative routine STI tests
• Had sexual exposure associated with infection risk

Routine screening of every asymptomatic person is not always recommended. Testing decisions should consider symptoms, exposure, and local clinical guidance.

Mycoplasma Testing in Busan

Mycoplasma genitalium is generally diagnosed using a nucleic acid amplification test, often called a PCR or NAAT test.

Testing may involve:

• First-catch urine
• Vaginal swab
• Cervical swab
• Urethral swab
• Rectal swab when indicated

The doctor may also recommend testing for:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Hepatitis
• Other infections based on symptoms and exposure

Testing should match the anatomical sites exposed during sexual contact.

Preparing for a Mycoplasma Test

The clinic may ask patients not to urinate for a specified period before providing a first-catch urine sample.

Patients should inform the doctor about:

• When symptoms began
• Sites and types of sexual exposure
• Recent antibiotic use
• Previous STI treatment
• Medication allergies
• Partner test results
• Pregnancy possibility
• Previous Mycoplasma or Ureaplasma results

Recent antibiotic treatment may affect test interpretation and treatment selection.

Mycoplasma Genitalium Treatment

Prescription Antibiotics

Mgen requires prescription antibiotics. Treatment can be challenging because the bacterium has developed resistance to commonly used medications.

The treatment plan may depend on:

• Resistance test results when available
• Previous antibiotic exposure
• Treatment history
• Medication allergies
• Pregnancy status
• Infection location
• Local resistance patterns
• Likelihood of completing follow-up

Sequential treatment using more than one antibiotic may be recommended. Patients must follow the prescribed order, dose, and duration carefully.

Resistance-Guided Treatment

If resistance testing is available, the doctor may use the results to select medication more precisely. This approach can improve the chance of successful treatment and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.

Treatment Without Resistance Testing

When resistance testing is unavailable, the clinician may select a treatment sequence based on current medical guidance, local resistance patterns, and the patient’s antibiotic history.

Patients should not attempt to treat Mgen with leftover antibiotics.

Why Is Mycoplasma Difficult to Treat?

Mycoplasma genitalium has no cell wall, so antibiotics that work by attacking bacterial cell walls are ineffective.

Treatment may also fail because of:

• Antibiotic resistance
• Incorrect medication selection
• Incomplete treatment
• Reinfection from an untreated partner
• Vomiting or missed doses
• Infection at an untested site
• Another condition causing similar symptoms

Persistent symptoms require reassessment rather than repeated antibiotics without testing.

Partner Testing and Treatment

Current or recent sexual partners may require evaluation and treatment, even if they have no symptoms.

Partner management helps reduce:

• Reinfection
• Continued transmission
• Repeated treatment failure
• Long-term complications

The clinic can advise which partners should be contacted and whether testing or presumptive treatment is appropriate.

When Can Sexual Activity Resume?

Patients should avoid vaginal and anal sexual activity until:

• The prescribed treatment is completed
• Symptoms have resolved
• The doctor’s recommended waiting period has passed
• Relevant partners have been evaluated or treated
• Follow-up testing is completed when advised

Condoms reduce transmission risk but do not replace treatment and partner management.

Test of Cure

A test of cure may be recommended to confirm that the infection has cleared, particularly when:

• Symptoms persist
• Resistance-guided treatment was unavailable
• A less-preferred regimen was used
• Reinfection is possible
• The patient is pregnant
• The doctor considers follow-up clinically necessary

Testing too soon after treatment can detect residual bacterial genetic material. Patients should follow the clinic’s recommended testing interval.

Mycoplasma During Pregnancy

Pregnant patients require specialist guidance because some antibiotics commonly considered for Mgen may not be appropriate during pregnancy.

The doctor will consider:

• Pregnancy stage
• Symptoms
• Infection site
• Potential treatment risks
• Available medication options
• Partner treatment
• Need for specialist follow-up

Pregnant patients should not self-medicate or use leftover antibiotics.

Possible Complications in Women

Untreated or persistent Mgen may be associated with:

• Cervicitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Endometritis
• Fallopian tube inflammation
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Possible fertility complications
• Pregnancy-related concerns

Severe pelvic pain, fever, or pregnancy with bleeding requires prompt medical evaluation.

Possible Complications in Men

Possible complications include:

• Persistent urethritis
• Chronic urinary burning
• Recurrent urethral discharge
• Epididymitis in selected cases
• Pelvic discomfort
• Sexual health concerns

Ongoing symptoms may also be caused by prostatitis, pelvic floor dysfunction, or a noninfectious condition.

Mycoplasma vs. Ureaplasma

Mycoplasma genitalium is a recognized STI and generally requires treatment when detected.

Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma species can exist in the genital tract without causing symptoms. Detection does not automatically prove that they are responsible for a patient’s condition.

Treatment decisions should consider:

• The exact species
• Organism quantity when reported
• Symptoms
• Pregnancy status
• Other test results
• Evidence of inflammation
• Alternative diagnoses

Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause side effects and contribute to resistance.

What If Symptoms Continue After Treatment?

Persistent symptoms may result from:

• Antibiotic-resistant Mgen
• Reinfection from a partner
• Incomplete medication use
• Chlamydia or gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis
• Prostatitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Urinary tract infection
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Noninfectious irritation

Repeat testing, resistance evaluation, and specialist consultation may be necessary.

Mycoplasma Care for International Patients

Busan offers urology, gynecology, internal medicine, and sexual health services for international patients seeking confidential PCR testing and treatment.

Patients should bring:

• Previous PCR or STI results
• A list of medications
• Information about antibiotic allergies
• Details of recently used antibiotics
• Previous Mycoplasma treatment records
• Partner test results when available
• Pregnancy information when applicable
• Dates and sites of possible exposure

Patients leaving Korea soon should ask how results, medication changes, partner care, and follow-up testing will be managed.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Specimen collection may be completed during the initial visit. Laboratory processing time varies according to the test and whether resistance testing is available.

Treatment may involve sequential antibiotics. Follow-up testing should be performed at the interval recommended by the doctor rather than immediately after completing medication.

Mycoplasma Treatment Cost in Busan

The total cost may depend on:

• Medical consultation
• Mycoplasma PCR testing
• Resistance testing
• Urine or swab collection
• Additional STI screening
• Pregnancy testing
• Prescription antibiotics
• Partner evaluation
• Test-of-cure testing
• Treatment of complications

Patients should request an individualized estimate after the appropriate testing plan is determined.

When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Care?

Seek prompt medical attention if symptoms occur with:

• Severe pelvic or lower-abdominal pain
• High fever or chills
• Testicular pain or swelling
• Persistent vomiting
• Pregnancy with pain or bleeding
• Inability to urinate
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Rapidly worsening symptoms

These signs may indicate pelvic inflammatory disease, epididymitis, or another condition requiring urgent care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mycoplasma genitalium an STI?

Yes. Mycoplasma genitalium is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and can cause urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Can I have Mycoplasma without symptoms?

Yes. Many infected patients have no noticeable symptoms but may still transmit the infection.

Can Mycoplasma be cured?

It can often be treated successfully, but antibiotic resistance may complicate treatment. Correct medication use and follow-up are important.

Does every positive Mycoplasma or Ureaplasma test need treatment?

No. Mgen generally requires treatment, while other genital Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species may represent harmless colonization. A clinician should interpret the result.

Does my partner need treatment?

Partners may require testing or treatment to reduce reinfection and continued transmission. Follow the clinic’s partner-management guidance.

Can international patients receive confidential treatment in Busan?

Yes. International patients can receive private PCR testing, resistance-guided antibiotics, partner guidance, and follow-up care in Busan.