What is Mycoplasma?
Mycoplasma is a bacterial infection that can infect both men and women. It can be passed through sexual contact. If left untreated, it can cause long term health and fertility issues.
How can I catch it?
Mycoplasma is transmitted mainly through unprotected vaginal or anal sex. Although less common, it can also be passed through oral sex. In women, Mycoplasma can infect the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes. In men, Mycoplasma can infect the inside lining of the penis (urethra).
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What are the signs and symptoms?
Most people will not have any symptoms so the infection can go undetected for a long time. The only way to know if you have it is to get tested.
When symptoms do exist, they may include:
In women:
- Burning or painful sensation during urination
- Vaginal itching
- Pain during sex.
In men:
- Urethral discharge
- Burning or painful sensation during urination
- Arthritis (pain and swelling in the joints).
Did you know? …
Mycoplasma is a common STI which can give you the same complications as Chlamydia if left untreated. Click here to see the full article.
How can I test for Mycoplasma?
The test requires a urine sample, so please be sure that you hold your urine before your test so that you can provide an adequate sample. Results are usually available five days from when the sample is received in the testing laboratory.
Better2Know can test you easily, quickly and painlessly as part of our Comfort Screen, Full Screen or Platinum Screen. Alternatively, you can have a Mycoplasma test on its own.
If left untreated, what are the health risks?
In women:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can damage the fallopian tubes and cause fertility problems
- Sexually associated reactive arthritis (arthritis triggered by infection)
- Premature birth
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth.
In men:
- Sexually associated reactive arthritis
- Pain and swelling of the testicles.
What if I test positive for Mycoplasma?
Mycoplasma is curable and treatable with a course of specific antibiotics. You can choose to access treatment through your Better2Know doctor, or you can take your results to your own GP or local health centre. Your choice of clinician will be able to prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic for you.
If you have tested positive for Mycoplasma using a home sample collection test, we can arrange a private doctor’s consultation for you. Your doctor will receive a copy of your results, discuss your diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic for you. Phone us on the number at the top of the page to book your GP appointment.
Once you have completed your treatment, you are advised to abstain from any sexual activity for at least two weeks to avoid passing the bacterium on to your sexual partner. You may wish to consider having a repeat test at the end of your treatment to check that the infection has completely cleared.
You should also contact your previous partner(s) to notify them about your result as he/she may also need to get tested. You can do this anonymously using the Better2Know notification service in your Patient Area.
Book your Mycoplasma test
Better2Know is the world’s largest private provider of sexual health testing services. We will arrange a confidential appointment at a clinic near you with fast and accurate results for your peace of mind. Book online or call our Sexual Health Advisors now.