Mycoplasma Genitalium Testing: Where to Get Screened for This Overlooked STI

Testing for Mycoplasma Genitalium — A Common But Overlooked STI

Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen or M. genitalium) is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that’s often missed in routine screening. Though less well known than chlamydia or gonorrhea, it can cause similar symptoms and lead to serious reproductive complications if untreated — including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.

Why You Should Consider Testing for M. Genitalium

Most people infected with M. genitalium don’t have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often resemble chlamydia or gonorrhea — including burning during urination, discharge, spotting, or pelvic discomfort. In women, untreated infection can spread to the reproductive tract, increasing the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy. In men, it can cause urethritis and persistent inflammation.

Testing is especially important if you’ve had symptoms that didn’t improve after being treated for other STIs, or if your partner recently tested positive. Since M. genitalium isn’t included in most routine STI panels, you’ll need to choose a provider that specifically offers it.

When to Get Tested

M. genitalium can be detected just a few days after exposure, though most people test after symptoms appear or when previous testing fails to explain ongoing discomfort. High-sensitivity tests — including TMA (transcription-mediated amplification) and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) — can detect the bacteria from urine samples or vaginal swabs.

Routine screening isn’t yet universally recommended, but targeted testing is appropriate for those with persistent symptoms, multiple partners, or a known exposure to M. genitalium. It may also be recommended in cases of recurrent cervicitis or urethritis that hasn’t responded to standard antibiotics.

How Private Testing Works

You can get tested through an at-home kit or local lab — no waiting rooms, insurance billing, or paperwork required:

• Lab testing: Place your order online, then visit a nearby lab for a quick urine test. No ID or appointment required. Results are available in 1–3 business days.
• At-home kits: Use a finger-sized vaginal swab or a first-catch urine sample and mail it back using prepaid, discreet packaging.
• All results are delivered through a private, encrypted online dashboard — not your insurer or doctor.

Mycoplasma Genitalium Test Options & Pricing

Your Results Stay Private

All providers listed offer HIPAA-compliant testing with encrypted portals. Nothing is shared with your doctor, insurance company, or medical record unless you choose to disclose it. At-home kits are shipped discreetly, and lab visits require no identification.

What Happens After Testing?

If your result is negative, you’ll receive a confirmation with no further steps. If positive, targeted antibiotic treatment can clear the infection. Due to rising resistance, macrolides like azithromycin are less commonly used — providers now recommend moxifloxacin or combination regimens based on test sensitivity.

Some services, including Priority STD and myLAB Box, offer telehealth consultations for treatment guidance, prescriptions, or referral support. You may also need to notify partners, as reinfection is common if only one partner receives treatment.

FAQs

What is M. genitalium?
A bacterial STI that infects the urethra, cervix, or rectum. It’s not routinely tested for, but it’s becoming more common and harder to treat if undiagnosed.

How is it detected?
High-accuracy RNA or DNA amplification tests are used. Samples may come from urine or a vaginal swab depending on the testing method.

Do I need symptoms to test?
No. Most people are asymptomatic. Testing is encouraged if symptoms persist after other STI treatment or if a partner tested positive.

Is treatment available?
Yes — but antibiotic resistance is a concern. Targeted treatment is based on current clinical guidelines to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Are results confidential?
Completely. Results are private, encrypted, and never shared unless you authorize it.