- Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrea Pinto on 13 November 2021
What is Mycoplasma genitalium?
Mycoplasma is a bacterial STD which can be spread through genital-to-genital contact including vaginal and anal contact and oral-to-genital contact.
Mycoplasma is most easily transmitted in cases of genital contact, by men with symptoms of urethritis, and by women with symptoms of urethritis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Mycoplasma can be tricky to spot because the symptoms of mycoplasma are similar to the symptoms of a number of other sexually transmitted infections.
Mycoplasma may affect the cervix, urethra, and rectum. Mycoplasma can be passed through sex with a person of the opposite or same sex to you.
What is a Mycoplasma genitalium test?
A mycoplasma test is a test that is used to identify mycoplasma genitalium bacteria through the blood, urine or via a swab sample.
How do you test for Mycoplasma genitalium?
Mycoplasma tests are used to identify and detect mycoplasma genitalium. There are a number of different samples that you can take to identify mycoplasma including:
- Swab samples of the vagina or anus can be taken to test for mycoplasma
- Urine samples can be taken in men and women to test mycoplasma
- Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex (females)
Get Your LetsGetChecked Discount for Mycoplasma Test Today!
At home Mycoplasma genitalium tests
At home mycoplasma tests are easy to use, and in most cases are painless.
The type of sample required to take your mycoplasma test will depend on the screening service you decide to go with. We will talk you through which samples are required per provider below.
Ordering and taking a mycoplasma test is seamless. Here’s how it works:
- Order your mycoplasma test from a home health testing providerof your choice.
- Register your test online.
- Take your test from the comfort of home.
- Return your test in the packaging provided.
- Receive your results within a week.
- LetsGetChecked ($249, as part of the Complete 8 test, a complete sexual health screening)
- MyLAB Box ($79 as a stand alone test)
- Health Testing Centers ($259, tests for mycoplasma and ureaplasma)
Which sample does each provider require?
- LetsGetChecked (Blood and urine sample)
- MyLAB Box (Swab and urine sample)
- Health Testing Centers (Urine sample)
How does a doctor test for mycoplasma?
A doctor will talk through your symptoms with you before collecting a sample. A doctor will either take a swab, blood or urine sample depending on your symptoms.
How long do Mycoplasma genitalium tests take?
On average, it takes 2-3 days to receive mycoplasma test results from an online provider. Time frames may vary depending on lab capacity and public holidays.
You should expect results for a mycoplasma test within a week.
What are the symptoms of Mycoplasma genitalium?
Some of the most common symptoms of mycoplasma include:
- Pain in the genitals
- Abdominal pain
- More frequent urination pain during intercourse
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Discharge from the vagina (females)
- Vaginal bleeding (females)
- Pain during sex or ejaculation (males)
- Discharge from the penis (males)
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should consider a full sexual health screening to rule out all sexually transmitted infections that could be causing them.
We have compiled a list of the best home STD testing providers for your convenience.
Get Tested For Mycoplasma With LetsGetChecked Today!
FAQs
How long is a person contagious with Mycoplasma genitalium?
The length of time it takes to not be contagious depends on when you finish your treatment. It is recommended that you refrain from having intercourse until two weeks after you have finished your treatment.
How can I get rid of Mycoplasma genitalium?
Antibiotics are used to treat mycoplasma. You will be able to get a prescription from your doctor once you have received a diagnosis.
Some of the most common antibiotics used to treat mycoplasma include erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin.
Can Mycoplasma genitalium cause a UTI?
Mycoplasma can cause UTIs in both men and women.
How long does Mycoplasma genitalium last?
According to the Maryland Department of Health “no one knows how long an infected person remains contagious, but it is probably less than 20 days. The disease can be treated with antibiotics. While antibiotics help an infected person to feel better faster, they do not remove the bacteria from the throat. Mycoplasma can remain in the throat for as long as 13 weeks.”
More than a quarter of untreated infections have been shown to persist for over a year, and infections have been detected 2-3 years after the initial contact with the bacteria.
Written by Hannah Kingston on April 7, 2021
Resources
- STD symptoms | What are the most common symptoms of an STD?- stdwatch.com
- Home STD Testing: 6 Best At-Home STD Test Kits in 2021 - stdwatch.com
- LetsGetChecked - letsgetchecked.com
- MyLAB Box - mylabbox.com
- Health Testing Centers - healthtestingcenters.com
- Mycoplasma Fact Sheet - phpa.health.maryland.gov
