Many cases of mycoplasma genitalium, or M. gen., may be going undiagnosed and untreated.

Doctors are urging more research into a little-known sexually transmitted infection that may be more common than thought.

Scientists have known for decades about mycoplasma genitalium, or M. genitalium or M. gen., a sexually-transmitted infection that may cause genital pain, bleeding and swelling, and has been linked to infertility and miscarriage. However, it wasn't until 2019 that the first Food and Drug Administration-approved test for M. gen. became commercially available. Many cases may be going undiagnosed and untreated, doctors warn.

“It’s a real concern,” said Dr. Irene Stafford, associate professor of maternal-fetal medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “Why are we not looking into this?”

Stafford called for more research and testing for the bacterial infection Tuesday during the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conference for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, where CDC officials warned about an “out of control” rise in STDs.

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