Mycoplasma genitalium (MG)is a lesser-known but otherwise commonsexually transmitted disease (STD).
If symptoms do develop, they can vary significantly by sex.
It is vital, therefore, to seek a proper diagnosis, especially in women.
Witoon Pongsit / Getty Images
It is unknown whether untreated MG may also interfere with male fertility.
Labs and Tests
There are challenges to diagnosing MG given the lack of an FDA-approved test.
It can be used to test urine, endometrial biopsies, and urethral, vaginal, and cervical swab.
It is not only accurate but fast, usually returning a result in 24 to 48 hours.
(The NAAT is also considered the gold standard method of testing for chlamydia.)
The NAAT is not without its challenges.
Unless performed correctly, the test may return afalse-negative result.
This can help ensure your healthcare provider reaches the correct diagnosis.
The others may only be performed once the more likely causes of urethritis and cervicitis have been ruled out.
2017;216(suppl_2):S389-S395.
doi:10.1093/infdis/jix198
Horner PJ, Martin DH.Mycoplasma genitalium infection in men.J Infect Dis.
2017;216(suppl_2):S396-S405.
doi:10.1093/infdis/jix145
Haggerty CL, Taylor BD.Mycoplasma genitalium: an emerging cause of pelvic inflammatory disease.Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol.
Coorevits, L.; Traen, A.
