TESTS AND PROCEDURES

Mycoplasma (Genital)

By Orenstein, Beth W 
 | 
October 09, 2017

Mycoplasma (Genital)

Does this test have other names?

Mycoplasma culture

What is this test?

This test looks for microorganisms in a sample of secretions from your genital area.

Mycoplasma are the smallest free-living organisms. They aren't bacteria or viruses. They don't have cell walls and can be many different shapes.

Three species of mycoplasma are closely related: Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium and ureaplasma spp. These may be present in women who have a urinary tract infection, gynecological infection, vaginal discharge, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In men, mycoplasma may be present in some sexually transmitted infections.

If a pregnant woman has these microorganisms in her birth canal, her unborn baby can be exposed to them. They may grow in an infant for a few years, causing infections that affect the entire body.

For this test, a sample from the cervix in women or the urethra in men is sent to the lab. There it's placed in a culture medium to see if the microorganisms grow. 

Why do I need this test?

You may need this test if you have symptoms of a genital or urinary tract infection. Finding out the cause of your infection helps your healthcare provider figure out how to treat it. Symptoms in women include:

  • Cervical and pelvic pain

  • Bleeding after intercourse or in between menstrual periods

  • Vaginal discharge 

Symptoms in men include:

  • Inflammation of the urethra

  • Itching and tingling of the urethra

  • Penile discharge

Not all infections have symptoms.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Your healthcare provider may also order these tests:

  • Culture tests for other diseases of the genital and urinary tract. These might be gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis, to rule out these infections

  • Polymerase chain reaction test (PCR) to find out the strain of mycoplasma. A PCR test may be better than a mycoplasma culture for finding mycoplasma in genital secretions.

How is this test done?

This test is done with a sample of secretions from your genital area. If you're a woman, your healthcare provider will collect the sample by placing a cotton swab on your cervix. If you're a man, your provider will place the swab in your urethra. 

What do my test results mean?

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. 

Normal results are negative, meaning that no mycoplasma were found in the sample.

Positive results mean that mycoplasma were found and that you may have a sexually transmitted disease or PID. But some mycoplasma may be present without causing disease.

Does this test pose any risks?

This test poses no known risks.

What might affect my test results?

In women, using lubricants, douches, and disinfectants can affect results, as can your monthly period. In men, urinating within an hour before testing may affect results.

How do I get ready for this test?

Women should not use a douche or disinfectants the day before testing. Men should not urinate 1 hour before testing. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illicit drugs you may use. 

Updated:  

October 09, 2017

Sources:  

Genital Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma Infections. Clinical Infectious Disease. Schlossberg D, ed. 2015, 2nd ed., Mycoplasma genitalium infection in men and women. UpToDate.

Reviewed By:  

Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN,Haldeman-Englert, Chad, MD