Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Mycoplasma genitalium testing

Does anyone know where I could get tested for mycoplasma genitailium in California? I was diagnosed with NGU at an STD clinic 10 months ago (via urethral smear) one week after receiving unprotected oral sex. I tested negative for gono and chlamydia. Treated with 1g azithromycin and one week Cipro. Discharge and burning after urintation disappeared. Had testicular discomfort so I returned a week later. The swab test suggested the NGU was gone. The Dr. gave me two weeks of doxy just in case. I finished this and then developed sensitivity around the head of my penis (that I feel whenever I walk as my penis rubs against my underwear....like my boxers are made of sandpaper) and it appeared like my urehtra was much pinker and puffier than usual. Returned to the STD clinic and he said it was no big deal after another urethral swab and urine test and said I was clean.

My GP gave me metradinazole as well as difulcan (one dose). No change to my penis irritation issues. I tested negative for HSV II (+ for HSV I but I have had this forever). Urologist inspected me and found nothing wrong. Both saw no WBCs in my urine.

So I am out of thoughts as to what could be going on. My only thought at this point is mycoplasma genitalium. Does this sound like a possibility given the symptoms (no lesions/bumps, no discharge, sensitivity/irritation around the coronal edge and slight pinkness at the urethral opening)? I guess I am trying to understand the difference between NGU and mycoplasma genitalium. Does a negative test for NGU via swab mean no mycoplasma genitailium?

I have looked everywhere for a test and found only one place that wil provide it but it is over 220 miles away. I will make the road trip if necessary.

Thanks everyone!!!
38 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
For mycoplasma and ureaplasma testing, you can order the tests yourself at the website www.requestatest.com, and the test itself will be done at your nearest LabCorp lab, which are prevalent all over the US.  Search for Mycoplasma in the search box on that site, then select the Mycoplasma Genitalium and ureaplasma Urealyticum/Mycoplasma Hominus tests (2 tests).  They are simple urine tests, no needles involved.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Things have come a long way in the last couple of years.  Both LabCorp and Quest diagnostics, which have thousands of lab locations all over the place, have a M Gen urine test available that is not super expensive and uses PCR DNA technology to get very high accuracy.  For LabCorp specify test #180025 for example.  I know of at least one online pace you can order this test yourself, for $199, and pick the closest labcorp lab to collect the sample.  Results in 3 business days emailed right to you.  Use RequestATest.com to access this test.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
Ohh boy,

I think I am in this boat as well. I consist of mainly frequency and urgency to urinate, and slight sting in my penis. I have taken numerous doses of Azithromycin which relieves my symptoms for less than 24 hours now which leads me to believe this germ is becoming resistant. Tomorrow I get my results back from the doc for M Gen.

I have had a past of depression and anxiety and was in the best state for many years but this issue for the past few months has driven me straight back into the dark days and I am freaking out. I would love to hear how people went with this condition because if I cannot cure this I do not see a bright future :/

I am willing to do anything. I would happily be put into a coma and drip fed antibiotics for 6 months if it meant a cure.

Thanks.
If you have MG be sure to treat it with 10 days of Moxifloxacin 400 mg once a day.  That is the only currently available drug that will work on MG.  Almost all the strains in the wild are now resistant fully to azithromycin and doxycycline as well as any other antibiotic.  There is a very small number of strains resistant to Moxi now as well, so this is a serious concern, but its quite unlikely you have one of those.
Avatar universal
Part of the symptoms can be arthritic joints.  I tried moxifloxian for 10 days, symptoms reappeared 3 days after final pill. uribel helps to control the pain.
I haven't found any meds that help.  I think longer doses and switch up types of antibiotics will work, but trying to find a doctor who will try this is very hard.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So I just want to share my situation. Had unprotected sex with random girl (biggest mistake of my life!). A day or two later i felt stinging around the glans of my penis. Was constant and lasted a couple of days before subsiding. Didn't think too much of it in the meantime. Started to feel "off" in my penis in general. Tested negative for hep b and c, chlymidia, gonnorhea, HIV, syphillis. Doctors prescribed course of doxycycline but didn't work. One doctor even prescribed me herpes meds as a knee jerk reaction. Got PCR testing (which must be easier to obtain in Australia) and found to have M. Genitalium. Have since done a course of azithrymicin. Seemingly suppressed the symptoms but didn't cure me. Ended up doing a 10 day course of Moxi which I was hesitant about because it has such a bad reputation. Anyway at this point (approx 2 weeks after treatment) I have had no side effects. I'll go back for retesting in about 2 weeks but it seems to have helped with the M.Genitalium.

Unfortunately I've been struggling with a red sensitive urethral opening so I'm thinking this is a complication of my M.Genitalium infection. I also have a sensitive glans (knob) at times. Looks like I've also been "lucky" enough to cop a bout of Reiter's Syndrome or referred arthritis. Its caused me aching arms (mostly forearms and elbows/wrists). Will need to visit someone to have this looked into.

Anyway I'll report back once I have sorted my situation, hopefully with some good news. I'll leave you with a few things I've learnt...

- Only take the Moxi if absolutely necessary. Need to weigh up the potential risk (ruptured tendons, neurological issues) vs the reward. For me, getting rid of the infection was a no brainer so worth the risk.

- Insist on being tested for M. Genitalium when being tested for STDs. Its not commonly tested for and I'm thankful that I visited a switched on Medical practitioner who was willing to test for it.  

Feel free to drop me a personal message with any advice/questions.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, i`m allso a victim for this ! Its realy hurting my heart to read this, but we are all in the same boat. Microplasma Genitalum.

Anyone have a solution for this ?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Whats the latest on you guys? I think im new to this awful community with all the same symptoms and negative tests.
Helpful - 0
4616538 tn?1357543078
You can throw in HPV< which by the way has become very popular lately..
Helpful - 0
4616538 tn?1357543078
Well, the only accurate test for MG is through PCR or through an atomic microscope, basically there are several labs in the States that would do a MG test, however, the problem really lays in the available treatment, and further complications of the disease... It is well known that MG is asymptomatic for most women, symptoms are generally more noticeable in men, hence if you're a guy and you're asymptomatic, you can be carrying the pathogen it for a while without proper treatment, I mean, urologists generalize the symptoms as NGU, and the medicine that they recommend is pointless for MG (like doxy or cipro) while one wastes time, the disease progresses further down your prostate, once you realize (like in my case) you could have MG and when you finally see the 4th or 5th urologist that know about MG and orders you to take the test.// Well guess what? it is too late, disease is already has spread to the prostate and it is mostly impossible to cure, all around Drs have told me that MG at that stage is treatable.  Which is basically a ******** solution -
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i think it might be good to establish a list of tests that people get when in search of nsu. whether you have it or have been cured please help. i'll start the list,lets add to it so maybe we can see.


Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Hepatitis
Herpes 1 and 2
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
mycoplasma genitalium
mycoplamsa hominis
bacteroides ureolyticus
ureaplasma parvum
ureaplasma urealyticum



Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
what was the treatment and doses you were given to for trich?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
where can you get an accurate test for mg?
Helpful - 0
4616538 tn?1357543078
Well I would have 2nd thoughts on that Shaken2core--

It is sad, but true.., Mycoplasma G. is becoming a "very hard or almost impossible to treat" STD, thus, I have personally proven than even condoms are not as effective as a protection against these evil non-cell-wall creatures as one would think they should. There is a big chance of contracting the infection through merely genital skin contact, I learned this through personal experience and from listening to acquaintances who got the MG infection while using condoms.

These drug resistant MG strains should be now a big concern to the CDC and other government health agencies, I'm surprised to this date that  so called "Urologysts and Infectious Diseases Drs" are relying on a so called "last magical bullet" called Moxifloxacin, or hoping and waiting for the CEM-101 to come out?? It is obvious that Doxy and Azithromycin are long dead solutions..

I mean no disrespect to the medical community but honestly, they show lack of professionalism or desinterest as why can't they contribute to more research or at least care by updating their knowledge to understand the real problem that Mycoplasma Genitalium is creating on a healthy individual's life.

I'll be posting my story in a new thread, as right now is kinda late, and I have to work tomorrow/    

Cheers,
Helpful - 0
101028 tn?1419603004
I encourage you at this point to pay to post on the std experts forum. I think you need their reassurance at this point that there is little point in continuing to worry about this.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i just want to say i have been watching this link and you are very helpful with your answers i have been told by others to get over it and stop asking or posting questions but my test were neg but man i know my body somethings not right with the itch and stuff following up with another doctor from free clinic may know more then my private doctor. But thank god for people like you who knows things are out here.Hope this does'nt get me kicked off of here but at least i have somethings to disscuss with doctors.Thanks again...! p.s. since 2007....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
To shaken2core, T12388help, lionskipper969

do you guys mainly have urethra pain?  what about prostrate pain?  I've been on about everything known to man since last May except an extended course of zithro (1g one time).  Currently taking 1g of tindamax for 7 days.  Have taken standard STD tests, PCR for Trich and urea/myco all of which have come back negative.  I've read thought that you need to be antibiotic free for 4 weeks for these tests to be accurate.  I'm at the end of my rope too.  I'm 38 and was in excellent health before this nightmare that wont' go away.  any suggestions or success stories would be welcomed.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Shaken,
Was wondering about where you had testing done for M Gen.  As I mentioned, I'm in Canada and from what I've seen there is no PCR testing up here.  Tried to contact a lab in the States, no word yet. Finding a lab to help me from here is proving difficult.  Aside from testing, how can I be sure I don't have it?  If I've taken azithro and doxy can I be considered M Gen. free?  My concern is that they aren't 100% as there are failures with these treatments.  Which takes me back to Moxifloxicin.  Is it the only way to take M. Gen. off the table without testing?  I've been searching like crazy for an antibiotic that is as effective against mycoplasma.  I see my infectious diseases specialist soon.  Not sure what to ask for as I just went thru 2 week doses of azithro, Augmentin, and Septra.  He seems to have no further answers for me.  I'm definitely going to ask for treatment for Trich as you suggested.  I've read about other classes of antibiotics that might work, but they are either really expensive or only by IV.
I'm considering Cipro.  have a feeling it will come down to me taking Moxi. If it doesn't work at least I can be sure Bacteria is ruled out.  I've done hours of research on this. Was also thinking about anti fungal treatments like difflucan. Parasitic  possibly?  have you tried them all?
I'm holding off being intimate with my partner after making a mistake and it's maddening to not know if I have something or not. It's been 6 months.  This problem, coupled with the guilt, has been the hardest time in my life.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey Hanger,
I know personally how hard it can be. It can wear on you and consume your life.  Try your best to hold out hope for this to end or at least become manageable..  It may be a part of your life for however long but know it will get better. I know the depression can be brutal, it can be as bad or worse than the physical problem so try not to fall down that hole too far.  It will be ok.  Shaken's experience gives me hope that life can still go and be good for guys like us with this problem.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hang in there bro (no pun intended).  Please know that it took 3-4 months for my major symptoms to  subside.  I'm left with residual symptoms at this point.  It will take over your life because it's something you will think about and stress out about on a daily basis, but continue to fight the depression, things will get better.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Bro,How r u?
Guys(lionskipper969,T12388help) I am in the same boat as u.shaken2core knows about my case.Here is My case: I had sex with a prostitute both oral and vaginal with condom,but right from the next day I had burning upon urination 2 days later I started getting pain in right testicle.The pain persisted for 1month 24/7,then after 1month I started having pain in my left testicle(still suffering).

COMING TO DOCTOR VISITS&TESTS I HAVE SO FAR:
* Tested at 9 days after exposure for G,C,HEP A,B,C,HIV,HERPES1,2 All negative
* Tested at((PLANNED PARENTHOOD) on 18th day  for G&C --negative.
*19th day after exposure went to UROLOGIST,he prescribed azithromycin(1g) ORAL,ciproflaxacin(2/day,10days).
* 21st day went to different STD clinic,they did urinalysis and to my surprise they said they found WBC's which indicates some infection and gave ceftrioxin shot(250 IV) and said to continue the medication prescribed by UROLOGIST,tested for G&C again on the same day-result was negative.
*After finishing ciproflaxacin,I still had pain in My testicles and I got a new symptom i.e,pressure in lower left abdomen(bladder may be??), went to UROLOGIST.In Urinalysis he found both WBC'S AND RBC'S,said to go for XRAY(KUB) suspecting kidney stones,he also prescribed some anti inflammatory medicine,I asked him to treat for trich just in case so he prescribed metrodizle(2grams) oral.taken the XRAY and medication,no change in My symptoms.After 2days doctor called me and said the XRAY looks normal(no kidney stones)
*As symptoms still persisted I did go to STD CLINIC,they did check my penis and testicles said nothing looks abnormal and told me to take ibobrufein for 10 days for the pain WTF
*I visited UROLOGIST again,told him I have a new symptom that is the My first urine of every day is brownish red in color.He did cystoscopy, said everything looks normal and asked me to take CT SCAN for abdomen and pelvis just in case and asked me to relax?
* After 2 days DOC called me and said he got CT SCAN results,and he did not find anything abnormal.
*This is 9th week of exposure,did take a 8 panel test 2days back,waiting for the results.
Guys,I am depressed,lost My job,don't want to talk to any body,crying all day,I think this is invading My life.Oh God but I'm only 25

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey Lion - was not aware this post was still going until you alerted me.  As far as Herpes goes, I can say with 99.99% certainty that it's not the cause.  It would not give you persistent NSU for 2 yrs because Herpes comes and goes.  What other PCR tests does he want you to have done?  You've taken Moxi, so it can't be M. Gen.  You've pretty much been tested for everything and you've taken every effective antibiotic available.  My view is still the same, guys like you, T12388help, myself, and others in our shoes are battling some kind of residual effect, caused by some unknown bacteria or inflammation persists for one reason or another.  I find it difficult for inflammation to persist so long without a causative agent.  I would say this is something we need to live with and hope our immune systems will eventually kill this off and our bodies will repair themselves.  The medical community has no answers for us, but hopefully in time, with more research, they will discover more causative organisms that cause NSU and/ or develop an effective antibiotic to combat this.  

Do I think you guys are contagious and would be passing some devastating STI onto a partner?  No, I think you guys should be fine and should pursue relationships and not be affraid to have sex.  Always use protection for your own safety and your partner's safety, and you should be fine.  I'm living proof of this, and I've been where you guys are going, and I've finally been able to break through my fears and begin sexual relations with my partner again without causing her adverse health affects.  

I really feel bad for you having to wait so long for medical attention.  I'm assuming you're in the UK and that you're on public health care?  Here in the U.S. ,I got all the testing you described, plus some, within 1.5 months.  

Hang in there and be persistent.  Remember that doctors dont know everything,especially urologist and STD's, so keep doing your research, bring it with you to your appointments and discuss other possibilities and treatments.  Hopefully you have a good doctor who is open and willing to consider everything, and who will work with you to figure out what's going on.  As always, keep us updated.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
Shaken2core,my last post may be of interest to you.Even  though its long.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
Spoke to a doctor from a top private clinic yesterday on the phone.Expensive phone call.I remember being told you cannot put a price on health but private clinics certainly do.
Explained my two years of Nsu/Ngu.
Doctors thoughts are:
Stop taking general meds:Easy my doc and gum clinic are not giving me anymore.
Go to his clinic and have a PCR test done as gum clinic do not check for everything.i.e Herpes? I thought they did.But the others mycoplasma etc we know they do not check specifically for that and others.
Told me I should seriously consider herpes as a cause.?
Have a trial of Herpes supressants.
No sign to me ever of that and surely cystoscopy would have noticed something.
Regarding prostate;
Have another DRE exam as I was told mine was very tender last time and could be Chronic prostatitis but cystoscopy found no infection and I have no usual prostate problems at all.
Have an MRI scan of pelvis to check tissues etc to see if there is any problems.
Have a rectal ultrasound.
Have your seminal vesicles checked and an image made of your prostate.
He said if the PCR test comes back negative then I should consider myself not to have an STD and start to think about Alkalizing my urine etc
Well after two years and no better I am told to try all that.My urologist appointment is every three months for reasons I do not understand and I bet he will not put me up for most of them tests.
I will be paying privately for the PCR Tests but I could not afford the rest privately.
Still amazes me that clinics do not do PCR tests and after a while basically tell you to stop coming back and work with a urologist who seems very slow in trying to help me out.I have been seeing him a year and all I have had is a cystoscopy.
It will take me another five years at this rate to have the other tests done even if he can be bothered.
Keep you informed.




Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,results from cystoscopy were no infection found.I wish they found what is causing my Nsu/ngu.
I think I will go back to the gum clinic and talk to them and maybe go private as they do PCR testing.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So if no bacteria that they test for can be found, and you've been thru several courses of antibiotics, at what point can you consider yourself not contagious?  I'm struggling with this now and wondering if I have something u can pass on and how would I even know if that were the case. I have no discharge just inflammation swelling around opening. No bacteria can be grown from my sample.  It's been difficult to find testing for mycoplasma for me(impossible) so I don't think I have any choice but to treat for it.  Unless the symptoms go away, how can I be sure? Those out there with persistent symptoms and failed treatmentsand no answers, do you consider yourself a permanent std carrier? Are you infectious? At what point are you all clear?  Im finding it hard to accept this fate. Have to keep  trying different antibiotics until something works. Something has to work. I know treatment isn't clear cut but if this is happening to so many people why can't there be better testing and help with this?
Does a PCR use blood or urine? Maybe I will try a lab in the US like Shaken said.  I'm sure getting a blood sample to the States would be time sensitive and expensive.   
Helpful - 0
2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the STDs / STIs Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.