Why Are Trichomonas and Mycoplasma So Often Missed?
Medically reviewed by our MD Laboratory Director (a role required by CLIA; the director's name is on file in the CMS CLIA database, #45D2048957, and can be verified independently) · Editorial policy
Two of the most commonly missed causes of persistent symptoms — because most panels do not look for them.CLIA #45D2048957 · CAP #8722734 · Same-day results · Walk-ins welcome
Because a standard clinic panel is chlamydia and gonorrhea. Trichomonas vaginalis — the most common curable STI worldwide — and Mycoplasma genitalium, a leading cause of persistent nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis, are simply not on it. Patients then get told everything is normal while their symptoms continue.
Not sure what you need? Text us and we will set it up.
📱 Text (713) 832-8892 📞 Call (713) 266-0808
📱 Text (713) 832-8892 📞 Call (713) 266-0808
3707 Westcenter Dr Suite 100, Houston, TX 77042 · Walk-ins welcome
What they are
| Organism | Presentation | Detection |
|---|---|---|
| Trichomonas vaginalis (a protozoan) | Often asymptomatic; discharge, irritation, dysuria | PCR — far more sensitive than wet mount microscopy |
| Mycoplasma genitalium | Persistent urethritis or cervicitis, often after "treated" chlamydia | PCR; macrolide resistance is common |
If you were treated for chlamydia and the symptoms never went away, M. genitalium is one of the first things a thorough clinician looks for — and one of the last things most panels test.
Both are treatable
Trichomonas responds to nitroimidazoles per CDC. M. genitalium is more complicated: macrolide resistance is widespread, and CDC describes a sequential approach. Which regimen applies to you is a physician's decision, made with your result in hand.
We name drugs, never doses. Treatment statements follow CDC guidance; the dose, route and duration are decided by a licensed physician who has your result and your history.
Same day, start to finish. Sample by 1:00 PM → results at 4:30 PM → if treatment is clinically appropriate, a licensed physician in our partner network sees you between 4:30 and 6:00 PM, a few minutes away. That window is reserved for patients tested here, and your slot is held the moment we take your sample — the slot is held, not hunted. On your own, a same-day appointment is nearly impossible; at an urgent care, you wait in the queue. STAT: ~2 hours, sample in by 3:00 PM.
FAQ
- Is trichomonas serious?
- It is curable and it is common. Untreated, it is associated with adverse outcomes in pregnancy and increased HIV acquisition risk — so no, it is not trivial.
- I was treated for chlamydia and still have symptoms.
- That is the classic M. genitalium story. Come in and let us test for it properly.
- Are these on your panel?
- Yes. Both are included in the 12-marker molecular panel — see what the panel covers.
- Can men have trichomonas?
- Yes, frequently without symptoms, and they pass it on. Partner treatment is part of the plan.
Not sure what you need? Text us and we will set it up.
📱 Text (713) 832-8892 📞 Call (713) 266-0808
📱 Text (713) 832-8892 📞 Call (713) 266-0808
3707 Westcenter Dr Suite 100, Houston, TX 77042 · Walk-ins welcome