Testing for Mycoplasma Genitalium

Mycoplasma Genitalium is a sexually transmitted illness caused by a bacterium of the same name. The condition is one of many that is passed on through unprotected sexual contact, and is hence classed as a sexually transmitted infection/ disease (usually referred to as STIs or STDs).

What are the signs of Mycoplasma Genitalium?

Mycoplasma Genitalium typically causes an inflammation of a tube called the urethra which carries urine and sexual fluids through the genitals. This condition is called urethritis and is the most common symptom of this infection, although others include genital discharge, vaginal itching, and pain during sex for women.

Testing for Mycoplasma Genitalium

Mycoplasma Genitalium is one of the only STIs not screened for by the NHS because of its low incidence. However you can receive tests for this condition from private sources, including web based providers of tests.

Testing for Mycoplasma Genitalium is fairly straightforward and involves studying the DNA (the genetic blueprint) of the bacteria present in urine samples. Usually very small amounts of bacterial DNA are present in urine, which is why the test is designed to amplify these amounts of DNA to the point where an accurate diagnosis can be made.

All that is needed for this test is either a urine sample of a vaginal swab (for women). And the test won’t take more than a week to yield results. Because of the technology used for the Mycoplasma Genitalium test it usually costs a bit more than most other STI tests (around £65 compared to £30 for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea tests).

Treating Mycoplasma Genitalium

Mycoplasma Genitalium is actually very easy to treat with a course of antibiotics. These are antibacterial drugs which can clear up the infection within days, depending on which antibiotics are prescribed and at what dosage.

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