Mycoplasma Genitalium

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Mycoplasma Genitalium

What is it?

Mycoplasma Genitalium is a bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) that can infect both men and women.

Patients with a Mycoplasma infection, have an increased risk of getting other STIs, including HIV.

MUMS GPs, Nurse and Health Care Assistants offer Mycoplasma Genitalium testing. The cost of the test is £150.00. 

An appointment with the Nurse costs £30.00

An appointment with the GP costs £100.00 where a full history and exam will take place – this also included providing you with a result and any further advice or treatment.

Mycoplasma Genitalium is also included in our combined STI multiple tests.

How do you get it?

The Mycoplasma bacterium is contagious to both men and women. It can be passed between partners through genital contact as well as through oral sex. Mycoplasma infection cannot be spread by toilet seats, door knobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bath tubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.

Symptoms

Mycoplasma can often show no symptoms but these may include:

In women:

• Painful urination
• Vaginal bleeding after sex and between periods
• Abdominal pain and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

In men:

• Urethral discharge and discomfort
• Pain on urination
• Inflammation of the penile skin
• Inflammation of the testicles

How to test and samples

We test for Mycoplasma with a first catch urine sample in men and a vaginal swab in women. 

Times: Incubation, results and re-test

Mycoplasma has a two week incubation period.  Results are available within five days of the sample being received in the laboratory.

Regular retesting is advised if the patient continues to be at risk. A repeat test is recommended with every partner change.

What to do if the test is positive

Mycoplasma Genitalium is treated with antibiotics. It is particularly difficult to treat. There are a number of antibiotics which can be used to treat a Mycoplasma infection but it is particularly important that you complete the full course of the antibiotic as there is evidence of this bacteria quickly developing resistance to antibiotics if the complete course is not taken.

You should not have sex until the treatment has finished and the symptoms have gone away.