Mycoplasma testing and treatment in NYC, New York
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AT A GLANCE

WHO SHOULD GET TESTED FOR MYCOPLASMA?

Screening or routine test

No routine test for Mycoplasma genitalium is recommended. The harmful role of M. genitalium is less definitive in women than it is in men. 10-30% of females have Mycoplasma living in the vagina without causing any damage

Females

Females who have symptoms including vaginal discharge, smell, or burning that cannot be attributed to more common sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, BV, yeast)
Females with suspicion of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
Female who has recurrent urethritis, vaginitis or cervicitis

Males

Males who have female partners with symptoms caused by mycoplasma
Males who have urethritis symptoms and all other STIs that might cause it are ruled out (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis)
Males with recurrent urethritis

HOW ACCURATE IS MYCOPLASMA TEST

This is the test accuracy of a nucleic acid-based test such as PCR:

Female vaginal swab: 98.5%
Female urine test: 81.5%
Male urethral (penile) swab: 98.2%
Male urine test: 98.2%

MYCOPLASMA TEST TYPES

There are two types of mycoplasma tests: the swab test and the urine test.

Male
- Urine and urethral swab
Female
- Urine and vaginal swab

Both tests are NAAT (nucleic acid amplification) PCR tests.

MYCOPLASMA TEST PREPARATION

For the highest accuracy, prepare in the following ways:

Urine test: Avoid urinating for two hours before a urine test
Vaginal swab: Avoid douching or using vaginal cream for 24 hours prior to the test
Penile swab: No preparation is needed

Frequently Asked Questions

How are Mycoplasma tests done?

Female vaginal swab

A doctor will collect a sample of fluid from the vagina and/or the cervix using a thin, sterile cotton swab. This may cause mild discomfort. If the area is infected and the mucosa is fragile, swabbing might cause minor spotting afterward, but this is uncommon.

Remember: You should not use vaginal creams or douches 24 hours before being tested.

Image source:
Chlamydia / N. Gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA - Unisex Collection | Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma. https://www.dlolab.com/chlamydia-n-gonorrhoeae-rna-tma-unisex-collection.

Male urethral swab

A doctor will insert a thin, sterile cotton swab into the tip of the penis, three-fourths of an inch into the urethra, to collect urethral fluid. The test takes 15 to 30 seconds. Mild discomfort is possible.

Image source:
Chlamydia / N. Gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA - Unisex Collection | Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma. https://www.dlolab.com/chlamydia-n-gonorrhoeae-rna-tma-unisex-collection.

Urine test

A doctor will ask you to urinate into a cup. It should be a first catch urine sample (the initial portion of the urine stream).

Remember: You should not urinate for at least two hours prior to the test.
Oral and rectal mycoplasma test

Oral and rectal Mycoplasma genitalium tests are not commonly performed unless one partner is getting recurrent Mycoplasma genitalium urethritis.
How long does it take to get results?
- Urine test results are usually back in seven business days
- Swab test results are usually back in seven business days
Should the partners of those who tested positive and symptomatic for Mycoplasma genitalium be tested and treated?

Yes. All partners of people who have tested positive for Mycoplasma genitalium should be tested and treated.
Is Mycoplasma genitalium considered an STD?

There are around 200 Mycoplasma species and the majority of them are harmless. Few types cause lung or skin diseases (Mycoplasma pneumoniae) and do not affect the urogenital organs. The one that does affect the urinary and genital organs is Mycoplasma genitalium.
Mycoplasma genitalium is a part of the normal flora of many females, and it can live on top of the epithelial cells of females’ genitals. However, it is considered as an STD since it was obtained sexually at some point.
Moreover, Mycoplasma genitalium is responsible for one-third of non-chlamydial or non-gonococcal urethritis in males.
What is the treatment for Mycoplasma?
There are three different treatment options available depending on the situation and the allergy profile:
- One dose of Azithromycin (1 gm)
- 400 mg of Moxifloxacin twice a day for seven days
Where can I get tested for Mycoplasma?

Not many places offer the Mycoplasma test since it is part of the normal flora. However, the test can be done in GYN clinics, urology clinics or our specialized STD office.
Should I tell my partner that I have Mycoplasma?

You should notify your current partners about your Mycoplasma status and suggest that they undergo a medical examination and receive treatment if necessary. If you are not comfortable telling them, we can anonymously notify them on your behalf via a call, text message or email.
Can I get infected with Mycoplasma again?

Yes. This is another reason you should notify your partner(s) and suggest that they be tested and treated.
Mycoplasma retesting after treatment

Mycoplasma can be retested for three to four weeks after treatment. Around 30% to 40% of Mycoplasma genitalium can be resistant to antibiotic treatment (one dose of Azithromycin) and the resistance is growing.
What are the symptoms of Mycoplasma?
About 70% of people with mycoplasma infection do not experience any symptoms. Among symptomatic patients, the most commonly reported mycoplasma symptoms in men and women are the following:

Mycoplasma symptoms in heterosexual men
- Urinary problems (painful urination, frequent urination)
- Urethral discharge
- Irritation of the penis
Mycoplasma symptoms in homosexual men
- Urinary problems (painful urination, frequent urination)
- Urethral discharge
- Irritation of the penis
- Symptoms of proctitis (left-side abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, pain)
Mycoplasma symptoms in women
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding on non-period days
- Abnormal discharge from the vagina
- Pelvic pain
Will health insurance cover the testing?

Yes, health insurance usually covers the doctor’s office visit, testing and treatment. If you have a high-deductible plan and want to know your exact contribution for the testing, please call your insurance company and find out your contribution for the primary care office visit and Mycoplasma testing
What is the cost without health insurance?

If you do not have health insurance the cost of the office visit is $84 cash (or $90 credit) plus $60 for the testing. All tests are performed by certified labs.
Where is the STDcenterNY clinic located?

Our walk-in clinic for STD testing and treatment is conveniently located on the east side of Midtown Manhattan near the Grand Central Terminal and the Main branch of the New York City public library.
Despite it being our only STD testing center, we offer health services to New Yorkers from all zip codes across all 5 NYC boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.
Our certified STD center offers testing services for mycoplasma and other STDs (including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, HPV, Ureaplasma, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C), along with effective treatment and follow-up care.