HIV is caused by a virus known as a retrovirus. The combination of medications used to treat HIV is known as antiretroviral therapy (ART).
How is M genitalium transmitted?
Mycoplasma genitalium can affect both men and women. While both genders may not exhibit any visible symptoms, they can still spread the bacteria to their respective sex partners.
If you have M genitalium, you are likely to experience urethritis as the major symptom. Urethritis is a condition that causes very uncomfortable, painful urination that can sometimes be accompanied by penile discharge.
Urethritis is also a common symptom of STIs such as chlamydia. We currently don’t know if there is a connection between M genitalium and other serious symptoms such as swelling or pain in the testicles or epididymis.
Note: Anal intercourse can cause mycoplasma infection in both your anal and rectal areas. However, there will not be any visible symptoms – hence why regular STD testing is important.
Is Mycoplasma genitalium a serious sexually transmitted infection?
According to the CDC, the prevalence rate of M genitalium is higher than gonorrhea and slightly below chlamydia. Worldwide, Mycoplasma genitalium is generally considered a serious sexually transmitted infection that is more common than we think and can also cause very serious symptoms as well as complications.