Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma hominis (PCR)

Do you have burning when urinating, discharge or lower abdominal pain, but a negative chlamydia test? Mycoplasma PCR shows whether the cause is Mycoplasma genitalium, a sexually transmitted bacterium causing symptoms similar to chlamydia. Mycoplasma hominis can also be tested in the same sample.

Who is this test for

• men with stinging, burning or urethral discharge, particularly when chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests are negative;
• women with unusual discharge, bleeding after intercourse or between periods, and pelvic pain;
• sexual partners of someone with confirmed Mycoplasma genitalium;
• people whose symptoms recur despite treatment;
• after treatment when a doctor recommends a follow-up test;
• couples undergoing infertility investigations or before a gynaecological procedure when a doctor requests the test.

What the test reveals

PCR looks for the bacterium’s genetic material, reliably detecting even small amounts. Two tests are covered on this page:

• Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted bacterium. In men it causes urethral inflammation, and in women cervical inflammation. Untreated infection in women can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease). Many infected people have no symptoms.
• Mycoplasma hominis often lives harmlessly in the vagina of healthy women. It is found more frequently with bacterial vaginosis and is also associated with certain pelvic infections and complications during pregnancy and after childbirth.

European guidelines do not recommend routine mycoplasma testing in people without symptoms, except partners of someone with confirmed Mycoplasma genitalium.

The test and preparation

The sample is the first stream of the first morning urine, or urine after not urinating for at least two hours. Collect only the first stream, not midstream, in a clean container and bring it as soon as possible, preferably within 2 hours. Women may also provide a vaginal swab, which they can collect themselves at home using a self-sampling kit obtained from a branch and return to the branch. Men may provide an anogenital swab instead of urine.

Do not use vaginal pessaries, creams or douching for several days before sampling unless a doctor advises otherwise. Mention recent antibiotic use. Providing the sample takes a few minutes.

What your results mean

• Mycoplasma genitalium positive: this is an infection requiring treatment. The bacterium is often resistant to some antibiotics, so a doctor selects treatment. They also assess whether a follow-up test is needed after treatment according to the therapy, symptoms and current guidelines. The partner should be included in assessment and tested and treated if necessary. Avoid intercourse until treatment is complete.
• Mycoplasma hominis positive: the bacterium is present, but this does not necessarily mean it causes symptoms. A doctor decides whether treatment is needed alongside examination and other findings.
• Negative: the bacteria were not found in the sample. If symptoms persist, a doctor looks for other pathogens, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or trichomonas.

A gynaecologist, urologist or dermatovenereologist interprets the result alongside your symptoms and examination.

How to arrange testing

The test is performed without a referral or appointment. A nurse takes the swab; urine samples or swabs collected at home can be submitted at any of our branches (listed on the Contactpage). Testing is also available anonymously, without disclosing personal details. Prices for all tests and panels are listed in the price list. Both mycoplasmas, alongside chlamydia and Ureaplasma urealyticum, are included in the STD4 basic panel, and a wider choice is described on the Sexually transmitted infection testing.

Frequently asked questions

Is mycoplasma a sexually transmitted disease?

Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted infection. Mycoplasma hominis is often part of the normal vaginal flora and is not by itself a sign of sexually transmitted disease.

Can I have mycoplasma without symptoms?

Yes, many infected people have no symptoms. Testing is therefore also recommended for partners of someone with confirmed Mycoplasma genitalium, even without symptoms.

Should my partner be tested too?

Yes, for positive Mycoplasma genitalium. The partner should be tested and treated according to the result, because infection otherwise easily recurs. For Mycoplasma hominis, a doctor decides.

Can mycoplasma affect fertility?

Untreated Mycoplasma genitalium in women can cause pelvic inflammation that may make conception more difficult. Such a link has not been clearly established for Mycoplasma hominis.