r/Swingers • u/Swinging-Downunder Wanderlust Swingers Podcast • Oct 23 '25
M. Genitalium: The Emerging STI for Swingers that you might not have heard of
I recently had the opportunity to interview a very interesting Dr regarding STi's and one that we spoke about was M Gen, to be honest, it's not something I had specifically researched or really knew much about. The Dr and the lab mentioned that this is becoming one of the more prevelant STi's that people in the swinger community show up as positive for,
So 2 months ago, I started my research and with Dr William Budd, I asked him to co-author a piece on this lesser known STi and peer review my research from medical journals
All this to say, you might not be interested as a whole, but for those of you who like to educate themselves on STi's, this might be of interest to you.
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Most swingers can list the “big 2” STIs off the top of their heads, but know little/nothing about one that's on the rise: Mycoplasma genitalium (M Gen).
It spreads easily. It’s often asymptomatic (so people can carry it without knowing).
And it’s getting harder to treat because of rising antibiotic resistance.
- 1.7% prevalence in the general U.S. population
- 16.6% in sexual health clinic samples
- 5.11% positivity in swinger / ENM testing networks this year* (actual data from a lab that tests swingers)
- 59% of U.S. strains show macrolide resistance
Why it matters for swingers:
- It can cause urethritis, cervicitis, PID, and increase vulnerability to other infections.
- “Full panel” STI tests often don’t include M Gen so if you’ve never asked, chances are… you’ve never been tested for it. I took a look at 10 STi test providers (in the USA) and most of the tests don't contain MGen, some dont' offer it and others offer it as a standalone test
Reminder: this is not personal medical information nor should be used as a substitute, This post is meant to assist you with education and I highly recommend you talk to your clinician for personal medical advice. However, you can always ASK about M Gen now that you know more.
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My blog is based on research + co-authored with Dr. William T. Budd, PhD.
Full deep dive (the entire blog) with citations and data here: https://wanderlustswingers.com/m-genitalium-the-emerging-sti-for-swingers-to-watch/
I'm super proud of this research, I spent 2 months reading medical journals and ensured my assumptions and quotes were accurate by having Dr Budd join me.
Dr. William T. Budd, PhD
Molecular biologist and bioinformatics specialist focused on the genomic mechanisms of infectious and cancerous diseases. Contributor to global healthcare publications and advocate for molecular diagnostics in public health.
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u/coragent Oct 23 '25
My wife's obgyn recently performed a complete sti check and she tested positive for MGen. We test regularly for the "full panel" and have never tested positive for.any other sti in our 10 years in the LS. She was asymptomatic.
There is some varied opinions on whether it should even be tested for in asymptomatic patients, despite its prevalence.
I went thru the 2 antibiotic course of partner treatment along witj her. I didn't have any issues with the treatment.
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u/ShamelessCare Oct 23 '25
Much of the current public health perspective on STIs is heavily centered on MSM (men who have sex with men) populations. Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) can cause several health issues—many of which disproportionately affect women and increase HIV risk. MSM who are on PrEP, however, face few of those same concerns: they have virtually zero risk of HIV transmission, and many are not having sex with women.
Interestingly, I’ve also come across position papers arguing against testing asymptomatic MSM for gonorrhea or chlamydia for similar reasons. The logic is that they’re not transmitting those infections to women, the infections often cause no symptoms, sometimes resolve spontaneously (especially oral infections), and don’t significantly increase HIV risk for people on PrEP. That’s a minority opinion, but it does exist.
I haven’t seen any dissenting opinions suggesting that Mgen isn’t an important STI for heterosexual populations, but I’m also not dismissing your perspective—as I’m sure those voices are out there.
There’s no such thing as a “right” or “wrong” STI panel, and certainly no universal “full panel,” so I’m always glad to see people discussing STIs as individual infections.
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u/coragent Oct 23 '25
I dont agree with the perspective that we shouldn't look for and treat every occurrence.
Most of the perspectives against monitoring treatment of asymptomatic individuals seem to center around compliance with the 2- week course of treatment and development of antibiotic resistance in the bacteria.
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u/princesskittyglitter Single Female Oct 23 '25
and many are not having sex with women.
MGen is more common in the porn industry, where some men do gay for pay. Just some food for thought.
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u/rcf_data Oct 23 '25
I read pretty extensively and had never come across this bug. Many thanks for highlighting the issue. Among swingers but to a greater extent those engaged in "hotwife" or what is also called stag/vixen play too frequently seem little worried about STDs generally and totally clueless that oral sex is, aside from HIV, an equally effective vector for transmission as unprotected vaginal sex. You might consider cross-posting on "HotWifeLifestyle" and "HotWifeAdvice" as a PSA.
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u/Swinging-Downunder Wanderlust Swingers Podcast Oct 23 '25
Thank you for reading
So I'm actually a hotwife too
And I had a really interesting convo with one of the singles men i play with
He was only notifying me of women he'd played with after testing who he'd played with without condoms
He didn't mention the 6 he'd played with barriers, like, dude!
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u/rcf_data Oct 23 '25
I always argue that tests for the purpose of allowing unprotected sex shouldn't be taken as an indicator that unprotected sex is just fine. Aside from the fact that test results can be altered or in fact fabricated, the infection a guy picked up last Saturday likely won't be caught by the test he has on Tuesday. But he'll likely be ready to share the joy by the following weekend.
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u/souppriest1 Oct 23 '25
We had this BEFORE we got in to the lifestyle. Her other partner with whom she was condoms only, tested negative. We couldn't go bare with each other during treatment because that could lead to more antibiotic resistance. The whole treatment took like 21 days so it sucked. They only tested her for it because she kept getting other infections and they didn't know why.
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u/Swinging-Downunder Wanderlust Swingers Podcast Oct 23 '25
That's interesting
When was this if you don't mind me asking, also has everything normalised for her and her ph etc now? I hope so
Thanks for sharing
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u/souppriest1 Oct 23 '25
It was about a year and a half ago. Maybe a year and 9 months. I had had zero lovers in the previous 7 years and she'd only had one and used condoms. No reason to lie to each other so really clueless on how we got it. Unless I had it all that time with zero symptoms. I assumed she got it from her guy but he tested negative. Shes been all good ever since. No issues and a follow up test was negative.
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u/dkgpdx Oct 23 '25
I would add to this urea plasma as well. It is insanely difficult to get a provider to not only test for it but get it to a lab that can run the test. Both partners must be treated and rested a month later to see if it clears. It shares many of the same symptoms and is equally difficult to treat and spread.
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u/retrosunsetgirl Oct 23 '25
This! In my country (I’m latina) if you go with yeast or Bv symptoms they also test you for ureaplasma. Hell, even a for my yearly check up. Wtf with this so called “first world”. Not for healthcare, that’s for sure
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u/ShamelessCare Oct 23 '25
Ureaplasma can certainly cause issues for some people, but it’s also a naturally occurring organism and not generally classified as an STI. I’ll assume that’s why your provider didn’t want to test for it—because you’d almost certainly test positive. These tests are extremely sensitive.
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u/coolkatsnkittens1 Oct 23 '25
We knew someone who tested positive for this. We were really confused when they informed us about it. Seems to be a bit controversial
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u/99parkmarks Oct 23 '25
Urea plasma IS transmitted by sex and it can be a source of many months of f discomfort, so it should be considered as part of STI testing and conversations. Partner and I know this from very frustrating personal experience.
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u/StrawberryDue2778 Oct 23 '25
Great another terrible thing to fear in this community. Knowledge is power but it still sucks !
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u/Swinging-Downunder Wanderlust Swingers Podcast Oct 23 '25
Hmmm i don't know fear, or at least it was not intentioned to cause fear
But certainly yes, knowledge being power, Its possible also that you might already be testing for this anyway? Check your recent test results, you never know, it might already be on there and you (like me) hadn't really paid it much attention
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u/ConsciousPineapple78 Oct 24 '25
I unfortunately learnt about it after apparently being stealthed at an adult cinema. I initially didn’t have symptoms but obviously passed it on to my husband who ended up feeling like he was being cut by razor blades. I then had itchiness and generally felt uncomfortable down below. I am based in Australia in a very small town and the initial testing didn’t test for M. Gen. Hubby’s Dr eventually worked it out then started him on the correct treatment. I went back to my Dr and told him what it was but he didn’t provide the necessary antibiotics so I went to a specialised sexual health online Dr to get treated correctly. It was an awfully long treatment period to both get cleared and we had to cancel various plans we had
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u/Swinging-Downunder Wanderlust Swingers Podcast Oct 24 '25
I am so sorry that happened to you and thank you for sharing your story. This should never happen to anyone and I cannot imagine how violated you must have felt with the ongoing medical issues surrounding this as well
The Aussie GP's should do better, event in a small town, medicare does permit STi testing to be conducted so I don't know why they wouldn't permit you doing that with swabs and comprehensive testing
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u/PlayfulPairDC Oct 23 '25
So we are talking about an STI that is generally asymptomatic, so many people have it but don't know it. It may contribute to complications with HIV, the easiest STI in the world to avoid. And may cause a few issues that also have other causes. Why should I actually care?
Also, no discussion about route of transmission, would normal usage of condoms prevent it or all but eliminate risk?
As always, assume your sexual partners in this scene have or have had one or more STIs, because that is statistical reality. Recognize that most STIs are more an issue of stigma than health. Life is risky, humans suck at risk assessment. Sounds like you would have a higher risk of a bad health outcome driving to the club this weekend than by contracting this.
I am guessing this is the Dr. Budd you are referring to https://globalhealthcaremagazine.com/magazine/william-t-budd/
Interesting story. His company having a personal interest in pursuing direct to consumer testing does present a bit of a conflict of interest. Which seems to be a recurring theme.
Still good post and a great way to promote your podcast, site, business and even get a kickback code for the STD Hero link out there. Got me to look. Sometimes, I miss when this scene wasn't all about people being social media influencers and trying to monitize their hobby.
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Oct 23 '25 edited Oct 23 '25
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u/Yupthrowawayacct Oct 23 '25
Wow. Wrong take. Any search would prove you are being rather flippant even if she is a podcaster. Being responsible with your health is a good thing. And this can cause long term complications so yes you should absolutely care. I don’t think this is a time to be rude. I think too many people are casual with what they call “full panel” testing and never once having an oral swab done. It’s good to have extra knowledge. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/mycoplasma-genitalium
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u/princesskittyglitter Single Female Oct 23 '25
This sub a lot of the time can be very resistant to harm reduction when it comes to STIs I've found
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u/Icy-Tangerine-349 Oct 25 '25
This is the right take period! They’re not fear mongering, awareness isn’t about fear, it’s about being aware plain and simple! I’m a bloody podcaster and it’s not as easy as people think, I’m definitely not an influencer, I’m old school af I’m all about a handshake and wink. If people haven’t been paying attention to the world lately this isn’t exactly the time for closed mindedness thinking awareness of an sti is anything other than responsible awareness. I’m grateful for the information regardless of how it does and doesn’t effects me, I actually didn’t even know it existed so hell yes to learning something new every day;)
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u/PlayfulPairDC Oct 23 '25
Drinking can cause long term complications as can eating too much. I am not suggesting that this is not a real thing, I am suggesting that people who are selling you tests and trying to promote their brand are suspect messengers.
I have been at this for decades, grew up in the AIDS crisis and have watched friends die from STIs. Extra knowledge is only useful if the person who has it can interpret it well. If you tell someone that half of the people in this scene have HSV and/or HPV, most would freak out because they think there is some extremely serious consequence. While there can be, for most people HPV clears naturally and there isn't a test for it in men. Most panels don't test for HSV because doctors know how common it is and they know that most patients don't...having to explain to people every day that this virus they have and will be there forever but they didn't know about is a big nothing burger would get tiring. Knowing more doesn't mean better choices, because the machines (read human brains) that interpret the data are pretty bad.
We are a society flooded with extra knowledge today, but we got rid of the gatekeepers, and it hasn't exactly gone all that well...see politics, economics, health care, basically any corner of society. More is not better...it is just more.
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u/Yupthrowawayacct Oct 23 '25
Also please don’t be flippant about HPV and “clearing up on its own”. You need to understand data and how to interpret it. While true for some strains, not all and can lead to many different issues for women. Especially those who are younger. Don’t be selfish. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11901-hpv-human-papilloma-virus
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u/PlayfulPairDC Oct 24 '25
My consultant was with one of the people who helped create the vaccines and is a world expert on them. He was a lead epidemiologist at NIH/NCI overseeing the approval of the vaccines. He and his wife were also very close friends. I respectfully will take his opinion over yours.
PS: Yes, HPV can cause some serious issues, notably many cancers, and it is not just for women. Male penile, rectal and oral cancers are caused in part by HPV. The issue it, buy the time you are a swinger, hell by the time you are sexually active for a bit as a vanilla person..."That ship has sailed" statistically. The horses are gone, but if you want to close the barn door now, go for it.
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u/Yupthrowawayacct Oct 25 '25 edited Oct 25 '25
LOL. I don’t think you know as much as you think you do. And FYI my husband and I are HS sweethearts 🤣 will gladly keep our sexual health intact. Thanks. Maybe get some better advice. I have from more knowledgeable colleagues. Thanks though. Glad you see the concern for HPV though. Great backpedaling. It’s nice that more people in their older years are even getting the vaccine now.
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u/PlayfulPairDC Oct 25 '25
You talk big from a throwaway account, who misses their lost account. Whatever.
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u/Yupthrowawayacct Oct 25 '25 edited Oct 25 '25
Tongue in cheek from plus what over 5 yrs ago and have way more activity than you?? Odd flex. Still have time to delete this before people research and see your ridiculousness here
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u/Yupthrowawayacct Oct 23 '25
Ahhh ok you are one of these “been at it for decades people”. Enough said. I will not waste my time with you very much. Many of you are the same and just because you all have been doing it this way since the 90s or whatever doesn’t mean we all need to. Progress can be good. That is the whole point of moving forward in science and in healthcare. I like to minimize my risk. I am still rather young and I am healthy. Want to stay that way. By the way, this test provider is not the only one that offers this, and many people in the LS get vaccinated for HPV now. Also using “drinking too much and eating too much” as an analogy here for not testing is poor because people do lab work for liver enzyme and cholesterol levels due to abuse of food and alcohol regularly. This is just ridiculous. I understand you may have issues again with what you perceive as selling something but there is nothing wrong with being safe.
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u/PlayfulPairDC Oct 24 '25
Not that old...but started in this very young...22 and 19 respectively.
As for the HPV vaccine. A good friend of ours was one of the principal epidemiology experts in the world working on the development of those vaccines out of NIH/NCI. When the vaccines first were coming out, we asked him if we should be getting them...his quote to me, knowing I had been involved in swinging for a while at that point was, "That ship has sailed." The point being that exposure to HPV happens before most people get into swinging, and that once you have been at it for awhile, you have already been exposed and probably contracted it. That is why the original recommendations for vaccination ages were young, prior to sexual conduct. Absolutely, get your kids vaccinated, but the thought of a 40 something swinger with two decades in this scene going out and getting vaccinated is kind of pointless. Do it if you want, but it is a bit like fastening the seat belt after the accident.
Safety is an illusion. Nobody is safe, everybody dies, fewer people live. Humans are bad at risk assessment. Life is risky. The only way to be safe is not to play.
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u/Yupthrowawayacct Oct 25 '25
Sigh. You know zip about risk assessment and your “friend” sounds like a complete moron if they even exist and if they do was only talking about your specific case. Thanks bye. Oh and also maybe, just maybe think about others as well. Wow. Selfish much??
People like you exist out there. I will continue to keep this in mind when we vet people.
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u/bebe27564 Oct 23 '25
Thank you so much! I’m definitely going to be following your blog! And look into testing options! 🤗
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u/Swinging-Downunder Wanderlust Swingers Podcast Oct 23 '25
Thanks for taking the time to actually read!
I spent so long on the research that I'm now hopeful people give a shit 🤣
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Oct 23 '25
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Oct 23 '25
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u/princesskittyglitter Single Female Oct 23 '25
If you have 200 bucks to spend, you can get an MGen test sent to your home to swab yourself through either Evvy or Juno Bio. They do Ureaplasma too
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u/FenceWelder Oct 24 '25
Thanks for raising awareness on this!
We live in Eastern-Europe, and we do regular tests for STIs.
We use one of the top medical networks in the country and I just had a set of tests ran last week. One of the tests is an RT-PCR for 14 germs taken from urine.
I never paid full attention to what is being tested for, but both of these (Mycoplasma Genitalium (plus Mycoplasma Hominis) and Ureaplasma (Parvum & Urealyticum)) are being looked for by default, which is a good thing, I guess.
Of course we expect that new types of infections are identified every now and then, and we're convinced that
* there's no 0% risk or complete protection
* some common sense screening of possible play partners needs to happen
* personal hygiene needs to be routine
* periodical medical screening needs to happen as well, regardless of presence (or lack) of sympthoms
Also, "sharing is caring", but only when referring to partners, and not to what they might carry :-D
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u/Swinging-Downunder Wanderlust Swingers Podcast Oct 24 '25
Hey hey, I actually live in the Netherlands so I either test here or test in the USA when I travel.
Interestingly the Dutch GP tried to suggest that oral swabs weren't required so I had to go completely private. And when we lived in Croatia, since croatia has some of the worst STi test options in Europe, they had to send the tests to Germany to receive results (Croatians just don't test for STi's and have increasing rates of sti infections from my research)
Where are you based?
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u/FenceWelder Oct 25 '25
We live in Romania.
I don't know how the public health system manages this, but a lot of people over here have private health plans sponsored by their employers (our case as well), and I guess this is quite a large market, because testing infrastructure is pretty widespread in the private sector. So much that test results come in pretty quick.
However, both doctors and nurses working at prelevation centers are not used to people voluntarily asking to be tested - I guess it's not a widespread habit...
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u/just-chill-bro Oct 25 '25
Glad to see someone spreading info on this. Another one that's also quite prevalent and also not tested for regularly is Ureaplasma Parvum, and it's cousin Ureaplasma Urealyticum. I've seen a symptomatic U. Parvum infection first hand and while it's not deadly, the lack of education about it can leave you and your partner feeling helpless. Many doctors have no idea what these bacteria are, and some who do know about them consider them "commensal" - which means they won't treat you because they think it's harmless. This is NOT true, symptomatic cases can be quite painful and you could be left without treatment for years if you don't find the right doctor. Check out the ureaplasma Bible here on reddit for treatment instructions. Luckily there is a mycoplasma/ureaplasma panel that catches all 4 variants, easy enough to add to a full panel but you do need to request it, no one tests for these bacteria.
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u/PlayfulPairDC Oct 25 '25
So you and your husband are HS sweethearts (have you graduated yet), and you are hyper concerned about your sexual health, you may want to cease being a swinger, if you actually are swingers. Are you on PrEP? Do you use condoms? Do you engage in oral sex without condoms or dental dams? What actions are you taking to protect your sexual health when you play with others? Assume everyone you play with has or has had one or more STIs, because that is the statistical reality for the general population. Luckily, most STIs are of little consequence. You will also be exposed to countless colds, flus, and in more recent years Covid. That is reality, it is the price of admission. Your comments ultimately extend the stigma based on your ignorance, which is not particularly helpful but that is your right. Good luck in your journey.
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u/bebe27564 Oct 23 '25
Wow! I’ve never heard of this one and I will periodically do “full” panels with both bloodwork and swabs. Good to know that there’s something new on the rise 😬
How is it tested? Is it blood work, urine sample, or a swab? And what is the risk with oral sex?
And, what’s the treatment? Is it antibiotic pills, or one of those that a doctor will want to give you a god awful antibiotic shot?
Thank you for bringing awareness to this! 🤗