Questions:

If I have an enlarged lymph node on my neck would that pinpoint that the infection is around that area? Throat etc? Or can you have a genital infection and have a lymph node on your neck and not the groin? Also the one std I didn’t test for was m genitalium. I heard you’re not supposed to test if you’re asymptomatic but I don’t like the ethics in that..wouldn’t you want to get tested and get rid of it just in case you give it to someone who will then become symptomatic? Does the cdc just want people to spread it? 

Say I did get a lymph node biopsy. Would that reveal what exact infection I have?

Mycoplasma has been around since the 80s but nobody tests for it. Would that mean majority of the population has it but are asymptomatic? Can a asymptomatic individual become symptomatic later? 

How would I go and get a throat swab for m genitalium? I’m scared I may have an std that’s undetected

Welcome to our Forum. Thanks for your questions.  I'll be glad to comment.  Let me first provide some general information.  Most pharyngeal STIs are asymptomatic and do not cause inflammation.  The test results you mention appear to validate that.  In addition, lymph node swelling is non-specific and can be a sign of infection/inflammation due to a variety of causes.  In most people, lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, under the arms and in the inguinal region can be felt if one tries.  On the other hand, when lymph nodes are tender that tends to be more of an indication of an acute process.  Lymph node swelling limited to the neck and particularly if it is present on one rather than both sides, may indicate that something is going on.  Since STIs have been ruled out by your tests, I find myself wondering about other oral health issues including dental problems.  Seeing an ENT is the right thing to do.  With that preamble, let me comment on your specific questions:

If I have an enlarged lymph node on my neck would that pinpoint that the infection is around that area? Throat etc? Or can you have a genital infection and have a lymph node on your neck and not the groin? 

Good question.  Lymph node swelling isolated to the neck is suggestive of an oral or neck problem.  Genital infection would not be expected to cause swollen lymph nodes in  the neck

Also the one std I didn’t test for was m genitalium. I heard you’re not supposed to test if you’re asymptomatic but I don’t like the ethics in that..wouldn’t you want to get tested and get rid of it just in case you give it to someone who will then become symptomatic? Does the cdc just want people to spread it? 

Mycoplasma genitalium infections have only recently become a subject of research.  The only syndrome PROVEN to be associated with M. genitalium is persistent or recurring non-gonococcal urethritis.  Like chlamydia, while M. genitalium infections have been described in the throat, the are rare (like Chlamydia, M. genitalium does not seem to "like" the throat).  Because there is ongoing controversy regarding M. genitalium and its role as an STI, both the CDC and WHO recommend against routinely testing for it.  

Say I did get a lymph node biopsy. Would that reveal what exact infection I have?

I certainly wait to see what the ENT says before pursuing a lymph node biopsy.  That said, sometimes processes can only be diagnosed with a biopsy.

Mycoplasma has been around since the 80s but nobody tests for it. Would that mean majority of the population has it but are asymptomatic? Can a asymptomatic individual become symptomatic later?

Please see my comments on Mycoplasma above.  40 years ago, there was a lot of interest in other species of mycoplasma ( Mycoplasma hominis and Urealplasmas) which have since been proven to be normal parts of the genital tract bacteria.  The CDC and WHO has, in my opinion, made the right decision to not totally embrace Mg as a major STI pathogen.  It's role needs to be further explored

Hope this helps.  BTW, what is your age?  Are you a smoker?  (these questions are relevat to your swollen lymph node).  EWH

Also if it isn’t an std than what could it be? Could it possibly be nothing? Is there something else you recommend I test for?

Can a person with mycoplasma genitalium be symptomatic later if asymptomatic? I have a new girlfriend now and the last thing I would ever want is to have given her m genitalium and then later on down the line she becomes symptomatic and then believes I cheated on her. 

If I just finished penicillin vk would I be okay to test for m genitalium and not get any false results if I wait 30 days? I heard I’m supposed to wait a bit after taking an antibiotic to get tested for m genitalium. 

How would I go about getting a throat swab for it?

 If I was your patient would you get me tested for it??

It is unusual for asymptomatic infections to then go on to become symptomatic, particularly after a period of months as is your circumstance.  

Testing for M. genitalium can be done with a swab test and would not be impacted by the Pen VK that you have just finished.  There are other antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin that would warrant waiting to test.

If you were my patient I would recommend seeing the ENT first before worrying about M. genitalium.  I doubt that your new GF is at risk.

Hope this helps.  You have one f/u remaining.  EWH

I tested for hiv,gonorrhea,chlamydia,syphilis,trichomoniasis,hep a,b,c, is there anything else I should test for to rule out std infection causing my node?

Do you think most people have mycoplasma genitalium apart of their genital tract like you say most people have ureaplasma apart of their genital tract?

Or is m genitalium an std and not apart of regular genital flora?

I do not think you need further testing for any STI.

The import of Mg remains to be determined.  Particularly as a throat infection as I described above.

Clearly not everyone has Mg but who does and whether it causes disease is unknown.  The organism is rarely found in the throat.

Once again, please do not go down  the Mg rabbit hole.  See your ENT and get his/her opinion.  Go from there.  There is little reason to think that your lymph node isrealted to Mg.  EWH

My reply was this:  "I scanned your other thread. The answer is obvious from Dr. Hook's replies. Nothing would happen. As he advised, you should not have a throat culture for M. genitalium: "...do not go down the mg rabbit hole." Move on with your life:  all is well.

This thread is being closed and the new one deleted.

HHH, MD