Mycoplasma Genitalium

WHAT IS MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM?

Mycoplasma Genitalium is a very small bacterium that can infect both men and women. Mycoplasma Genitalium bacteria can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. The NHS in the UK does not carry out universal screening for Mycoplasma Genitalium. Mycoplasma Genitalium can cause infections such as urethritis, PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), epididymitis or cervicitis.

CAN I BE TESTED FOR MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM?

Our laboratory offers a urine or vaginal/penile/anal swab test for Mycoplasma Genitalium using DNA PCR technology. This test looks for and amplifies the DNA of Mycoplasma Genitalium in the urine sample or swab, and is the diagnostic method recommended as the gold standard in recent guidelines.

HOW LONG DOES THE TEST TAKE?

Most results are available within 48-36 hours after the sample is collected. The laboratory that performs this test generally does not report on weekends, so this should be factored into your expected turnaround time.

SHOULD I BE TESTED FOR MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM?

We recommend testing for Mycoplasma Genitalium only after all other options have been ruled out. If you have signs of a potential sexually transmitted infection, such as a burning sensation when urinating, redness in the genital area or an unusual discharge, we recommend a full Sexually Transmitted Diseases PCR Screen to help us determine what the problem is.

CAN MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM BE TREATED?

Antibiotic resistance is common in Mycoplasma Genitalium; treatment is chosen according to resistance testing, and a test of cure is performed at least 3 weeks after treatment. Therefore, please make sure you take the treatment prescribed by your doctor completely and at the correct dose.