Mycoplasma Testing

What is Mycoplasma?

Mycoplasma is a bacteria present in humans and many types of animals. It is known for being the smallest type of bacteria and for its general resistance to antibiotic medication due to the lack of cell walls. Many antibiotics kill bacteria by weakening these walls, so antibiotics like penicillin will not work on mycoplasma bacteria. While most kinds of mycoplasma bacteria are not harmful to humans, there are five types which are known exceptions to this. We offer testing for three of these five harmful types of mycoplasma, which are typically transmitted through sex.

What are the Symptoms of Mycoplasma?

It is common for an infection caused mycoplasma bacteria not to display symptoms, but if it does, these symptoms can include pelvic pain, vaginal or penile discharge, inflamed cervix (cervicitis), painful urination, unpleasant vaginal odor, and pain or even bleeding during sex. These symptoms are similar to bacterial STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, which much more commonly tested for. Not identifying and treating mycoplasma may allow future complications to develop.

Why Should You Get Tested for Mycoplasma?

Untreated cases of mycoplasma genitalium have been linked to cervicitis, urethritis, ectopic pregnancies, and nongonococcal arthritis. Additionally, mycoplasma hominis and ureaplasma are linked to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pregnancy issues, infertility, prostatitis, urethritis, and nongonococcal arthritis. Despite the dangers of allowing mycoplasma infection to progress without treatment, mycoplasma is not commonly tested for in routine STD exams. We recommend getting tested for mycoplasma at least once.