Mycloplasma genitalium: A little-known STD is actually much more common than you think, reveals a study

A new study has found that a little-known sexually transmitted disease (STD) may actually be much more common than previously thought.

The International Journal of Epidemiology had published a study which found that an STD called Mycloplasma genitalium (MG) was seen in around 1 percent of sexually active participants between 16 and 44 years of age, reported The Guardian .

The report also said that Mycloplasma genitalium are bacteria that live in the urinary and genital tracts of human beings which can be trasmitted through sexual activity. Even though it is being reported as a new infection, it was actually first discovered in the early 1980s.

Its causes inflammation of the urethra in men which leads to symptoms like burning pain while urinating or discharge from the penis. In women, the bacteria has been linked with inflammation of the cervix, pelvic inflammatory disease, infection of the female reproductive organs which can lead to pain in lower abdomen and even bleeding during sex, reported Huffington Post .

The report also said that the antibiotics which are generally used to treat the usual STDs are not effective against MG. But doctors can provide other antibiotics to treat the disease.