Sex After 50—Sexuality As We Age
Sex can be part of life well into our later years. While we may face health challenges as we age, we can still continue to enjoy a satisfying sex life.
Mgen: The STI You’ve (Probably) Never Heard of
It has been associated with urethritis in men and linked to cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. In one study of young men and women, it was found to be more common than gonorrhea infection. But odds are you’ve never been tested for, or even heard of, this sexually transmitted bacterial infection.
Mycoplasma genitalium, or Mgen, was first identified in 1981. It is a bacterium that can infect the reproductive tract and is passed on through sexual contact. In men, infection with Mgen can cause urethritis (swelling and irritation of the urethra), and in women it has been linked to cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix), PID, and possibly infertility.
While there aren’t statistics to show how common infection with Mgen is, in one study of 2,932 young men and women, Mgen was more prevalent that gonorrhea, but less than chlamydia and trichomoniasis. Like those infections, Mgen can be asymptomatic, particularly in women. Women may have pain with urination, vaginal discharge, or discomfort with sex, while men may experience burning, painful urination and sometimes a discharge from the penis.
There are currently two FDA-approved diagnostic tests for Mgen. Labs can use a specific type of test method—nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT)—to identify an Mgen infection. Testing can be done on urine, cervical swabs, or urethral swabs.
Since Mgen is a bacterial infection, it can typically be cured with antibiotics, sometimes with a single dose. Occasionally, if a first course of antibiotics doesn’t cure the infection, an additional antibiotic treatment may be required.
Sex can be part of life well into our later years. While we may face health challenges as we age, we can still continue to enjoy a satisfying sex life.
ASHA was founded in 1914. This timeline traces our history over our first 100 years.
Despite negative stereotypes, as well as some actual difficulties women can face during this time, many women report that once they’ve reached menopause they feel more confidant, stronger, and energized than they did before.
While most adults know the most common STIs, there’s still confusion about lesser-known infections, vaccines to prevent STIs, and whether sitting on a toilet seat is risky (it’s not).
From Pride Month to National Kissing Day, there’s a lot to celebrate in June.
Is mpox passed on without symptoms? In a new study of more than 8,000 men, about 1% of the men tested positive despite never having had symptoms.
New data shows that cases of bacterial STIs have dropped dramatically in San Francisco. Public health officials in the city believe doxy PEP has helped drive these declines.
A new report shows that fewer women are getting prenatal care. That means too many patients are missing the chance to prevent congenital syphilis.
ASHA believes that all people have the right to the information and services that will help them to have optimum sexual health. We envision a time when stigma is no longer associated with sexual health and our nation is united in its belief that sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life.
ABOUT
GET INVOLVED
ASHA WEBSITES
GET HELP
© 2026 American Sexual Health Association
We need to know if we can keep you company during this visit. We are useful for making this site work.