Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG)

MG (a.k.a. Mgen) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that infects the urogenital tract in women and men. In women, the vagina, womb (uterus) and fallopian tubes, and urethra may become infected; in men, MG infects the urethra and epididymis (tube that carries sperm).

Scientists have known about this bug since the 1980s, but a recent study suggests that more than one in 100 adults may have it.

MG Symptoms

Common MG symptoms in women include:

• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Bleeding between periods
• Vaginal discharge
• Pain during sex
• Bleeding after sex

Common MG symptoms in men include:

• Watery discharge from the penis
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Pain on ejaculation
• Inflammation of the foreskin and penis

If you or your partner has symptoms of MG, or if your partner has been diagnosed with MG, it is important to be tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.

MicroGenDX Test Used in Diagnosing MG

A standard culture (growing microbes from your sample in a lab) is technically difficult and often unavailable for MG. Instead of culture, a MicroGenDX test detects the DNA of all microbes in your sample, along with how much of each is present, and uses that information to identify the bacteria in your infection and the drugs that can best treat it. It is important to know that not all antibiotics work for all bacteria, and some even work differently in different areas of the body. Your doctor should consult the "antimicrobials for consideration" chart on your MicroGenDX report to decide what antibiotic is right for you.

You can order the “Full STI Panel” test, which is also used to test for other STIs, and get sampling instructions here:

https://microgendx.com/product/full-sti-panel-dm-intl/

Providing a Sample for the MG Test

You will need to provide a urine sample for this test. It’s very important to obtain a proper sample by following the instructions for collecting the sample, as well as when packaging and shipping it.

Everything you need to know about taking a sample is included with your test, and is also available online on the product page. The instructions contain illustrations that will help you collect a sample without contaminating it.  For example, you will need to wash your hands thoroughly and clean your genital area with soap and water, and to pay special attention to the gender-specific instructions so that bacteria on the skin aren’t included in your sample.

Medical Specialties Treating MG

MG can be treated by a primary care physician, urologist, or OB/GYN.

How is MG Treated

MG is treated with antibiotics. It is important to complete the full course of medication as it is prescribed, even when symptoms begin to clear up before you are treated.

Some strains of the Mycoplasma genitalium bacterium causing this infection can develop resistance to specific antibiotics, so that they cannot be effectively treated with those antibiotics. This is why all MicroGenDX diagnostic tests include detection of antibiotic resistance genes in your sample, and then provide alternative antibiotics for your doctor to consider prescribing to you.