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Sexually Transmitted Infection of the Genital and Urinary Tract

Mycoplasma Genitalium Testing

Canadian studies estimate the prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium infection at 3-8%. 

How is the test performed?

Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is used when testing for Mycoplasma genitalium due to its sensitivity and convenience. Sample collection options include urine OR cervical, vaginal, urethral or meatal swabs. 
How to Order

FAQs

What is a Mycoplasma genitalium infection? 

Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects the mucous cells responsible for protecting the body from irritants of the urinary and genital tracts in humans. For the male sex, it is associated with persistent urethritis; and for the female sex it is often associated cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pre-term birth, pregnancy loss or infertility.

How is Mycoplasma genitalium contracted?

Risk factors for Mycoplasma genitalium infection include having unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, and having a previous STI. To reduce the risk of infection, it is important to practice safe sex, such as using condoms and getting regular STI screenings.

Who should get tested?

Routine screening for Mycoplasma genitalium is not currently recommended. Your healthcare provider may order a Mycoplasma genitalium test if chlamydia and gonorrhea have been ruled out as a cause of persistent or recurrent urethritis, cervicitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), following empiric treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

When is a test for Mycoplasma genitalium ordered?

Routine screening for Mycoplasma genitalium is not currently recommended. A test for Mycoplasma genitalium can be considered when chlamydia and gonorrhea have been ruled out as a cause of persistent or recurrent urethritis, cervicitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), following empiric treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

How can I get tested?

If you suspect that you have a Mycoplasma genitalium infection, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. This infection can be treated with antibiotics, and early treatment can help prevent the development of more serious health problems.

Understanding your results

Test results will be provided directly to your doctor for discussion with you. Your doctor will receive the results within 2-7 days of being received in the laboratory.

Additional Resources

What you should know about Mycoplasma genitalium

Sources
  1. Adapted from Canadian STI guidelines https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/sexualhealth-sexually-transmitted-infections/canadian-guidelines/mycoplasma-genitalium.html
  2. Clin Infect Dis. 2011 Dec 15; 53(Suppl 3): S129–S142.
  3. Adapted from https://nccid.ca/debrief/mycoplasmagenitalium/
  4. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol. 2016; 2016: 4513089.

FAQs

Overview

Infection with Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium), a sexually-transmitted pathogen, can result in genital tract infections. An M. genitalium infection affects the mucous epithelial cells of the urinary and genital tracts in humans.

Canadian studies estimate the prevalence of M. genitalium infection at 3-8%. M. genitalium is associated with a variety of clinical conditions, including:

  • Persistent urethritis in the male sex
  • Cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pre-term birth, pregnancy loss, or infertility in the female sex

M. genitalium infections can be asymptomatic or symptomatic in all individuals. In symptomatic individuals of the male sex, urethritis is the most common symptom. In symptomatic individuals of the female sex, symptoms may include dysuria, vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding.

How to order and submit a sample

LifeLabs offers two convenient sample collection options for your patients (there is no difference in the accuracy of the results between collection methods).

Option 1: Urine collection at LifeLabs Patient Service Centre (PSC)

Please send your patient to a LifeLabs PSC with a signed requisition form with the test “Mycoplasma genitalium NAAT – urine” written in the “Other Tests” section. Our staff will collect payment and provide a container to the patient for sample collection when they arrive at a LifeLabs patient service centre with the signed requisition.

Option 2: Swab (cervical, vaginal, urethral, or meatal) at your clinic

You can collect the sample at your clinic, provide your patient with a signed requisition with the test “Mycoplasma genitalium NAAT” written in the “Other Tests” section, and direct your patient to visit a LifeLabs PSC for payment and sample drop-off.

M. gen FAQ Test Kit

  • Cervical, urethral and meatal swabs can be collected using the Unisex Aptima kit
  • Vaginal swabs can be collected using the Aptima Multitest kit
  • Self-collected specimens are also acceptable

If testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomonas concurrently, an additional sample must be collected and submitted.

Information on ordering supplies for the Mycoplasma genitalium test in BC may be found in the healthcare provider supplies portal. Mycoplasma genitalium may not be listed directly on all regional forms. If Mycoplasma genitalium is not listed in your region, simply select, “Unisex PCR swab or Multitest PCR swab” on the form before faxing in your order.

Cost

Mycoplasma is currently an uninsured test. The cost is $80.

Payment may be made by the patient at one of LifeLabs Patient Service Centres at the time of sample collection. For convenience, Visa, Mastercard and Debit Cards are accepted.

Receiving results

Results will be available within 2-7 days of being received in the laboratory.

Request a medical consult

We have a wealth of medical experts available to support you in interpreting test results.

Consults with our experts are available upon request. Request medical consultation.

Additional Resources

Mycoplasma Genitalium – Information for Healthcare Providers

Sources
  1. Adapted from Canadian STI guidelines https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/sexualhealth-sexually-transmitted-infections/canadian-guidelines/mycoplasma-genitalium.html
  2. Clin Infect Dis. 2011 Dec 15; 53(Suppl 3): S129–S142.
  3. Adapted from https://nccid.ca/debrief/mycoplasmagenitalium/
  4. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol. 2016; 2016: 4513089.

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