Male Mycoplasma Genitalium (Mgen) Test

The most common way to test for Mgen in men is through a urine-based Mycoplasma genitalium test. After you provide a urine sample, the lab uses advanced testing called nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) to detect Mgen DNA. This type of Mgen urine test is the standard option for males and provides a simple, private way to check for the bacteria.

This Mgen test uses nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is known for high sensitivity and specificity. Accuracy can vary by test method, but NAAT is widely considered the most reliable method to detect Mgen in men. As with any medical test, there is a small chance of false positives or false negatives. Factors that can affect accuracy include:
 

• Proper sample collection technique
• The timing of the test in relation to potential exposure
• The presence of other infections or medications

To ensure the most accurate results:
 

• Wait at least 1-3 weeks after potential exposure before testing

If you have concerns about your results or experience symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. They may recommend additional testing or evaluation based on your individual circumstances.

Mgen is not typically detected with blood testing. Mycoplasma genitalium testing is performed using urine samples (for males) or vaginal swabs (for females).

The time it takes for Mgen to be detected on testing varies, but studies show that most people will have detectable levels within 1–3 weeks after exposure. In some cases, it may take 4 to 8 weeks or more, since the organism grows slowly.^2,3
 

Because Mgen often produces no symptoms, and the symptoms are similar to those caused by other infections, the only way to know you are infected with Mgen is through lab testing. If you believe you were exposed, a NAAT urine test can help detect the infection early, giving you answers sooner instead of waiting for symptoms to appear.

Mycoplasma genitalium spreads primarily through sexual contact. You can get Mgen by having vaginal or anal sex without a condom with someone who has the infection. A person who is infected but without symptoms can still transmit the infection to sexual partners.¹

Mycoplasma genitalium often causes no symptoms at all, which is one reason it spreads easily. However, when symptoms do appear in men, they usually involve the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Many of these symptoms closely resemble those of other STIs.
 

Common symptoms in men may include^1,3:
 

• Burning or pain during urination 
• Penile discharge
• Urethral discomfort or irritation

Important things to know:
 

• Mgen is a known cause of nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) in men, including persistent or recurrent cases⁴
• Many infections are asymptomatic, meaning you may not notice any symptoms at all. Testing is the only way to know for sure
• Symptoms, when present, usually begin weeks after exposure because Mgen has a longer incubation period than some other bacterial STIs. Studies estimate symptoms may appear after 4–8 weeks, though timing varies

Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.

Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also made available through a secure portal to the independent healthcare provider who placed your test order.  If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient™ account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, and/or federal health authority; for example, many states require the testing laboratory and physician to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to local or state health departments.  

If you have questions or comments regarding the Labcorp Notice of Privacy Practices, or have a complaint about our use or disclosure of your PHI or our privacy practices, please contact: privacyofficer@labcorp.com, call us at (877) 234-4722 (877-23-HIPAA) and ask for the Labcorp HIPAA Privacy Officer, or send a written request to: HIPAA Privacy Officer, Labcorp, 531 South Spring Street, Burlington, NC 27215. You also may file a complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Visit the Labcorp OnDemand® website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp Patient™ account to view your results. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires an order from an authorized healthcare professional. For your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with independent professional entities (collectively, Providers) to deliver healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home collection kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready and can be accessed through your Labcorp Patient™ account.

To align with clinical best practices, we’ve set an age maximum of 100 for consumer-initiated testing. This limit was set to encourage individuals in more advanced age groups - who may have complex medical needs - to receive personalized guidance about testing from their healthcare providers.