Mycoplasma genitalium

Understanding Mycoplasma & Ureaplasma

Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma are among the most debated organisms in modern sexual health medicine.

Unlike infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, which are universally accepted as sexually transmitted infections, these organisms occupy a more complex position.

Some individuals carrying these organisms experience symptoms, whilst many healthy individuals have no symptoms whatsoever.

As a result, interpretation of results often requires careful clinical judgement rather than simply treating every positive result.

Mycoplasma genitalium has become increasingly recognised as an important cause of persistent genital and urinary symptoms.

It is now regarded as a genuine sexually transmitted infection and may cause:

• Non-specific urethritis
• Persistent urinary symptoms
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Cervicitis
• Ongoing genital discomfort

Many patients undergoing routine sexual health screening are surprised to learn that Mycoplasma genitalium is not always included in standard STI testing panels.

Specific testing is usually required.

Testing

Diagnosis is performed using highly sensitive PCR testing.

Samples may include:

• Urine
• Vaginal swabs
• Cervical swabs
• Urethral swabs