Reproductive tract infections (RTI) are infections that affect the genital organs. When they are sexually transmitted, then they are called Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). Examples of STI are gonorrhoea, chalmydia, syphilis, herpes, warts, HIV etc.

RTI may result from overgrowth of organisms normally present in the vagina and are not transmitted sexually. This happens when one’s immunity is lowered, when you have viral infection, are on steroids or prolonged antibiotic therapy. The commonest is the fungal infection called candidiasis.

RTI may also happen when surgical procedures are performed on the reproductive tract, eg. During delivery, abortion, D & C.

RTI when left untreated or inappropriately treated can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID); ie inflammation and infection of the internal organs i.e. uterus/tubes and ovaries in case of women. PID can have serious consequences eg. Women may have (1) constant pain in lower abdomen (2) difficulty in conceiving (3) ectopic pregnancy i.e. pregnancy outside the womb (4) miscarriage and (5) preterm delivery.

It is important to note that many infected women and men may not have any symptoms suggesting infection. Common signs and symptoms are

1. Vaginal discharge and itching
2. Pain in lower abdomen
3. Pain during intercourse
4. Burning and pain while passing urine
5. Wart like growth in genital and anal region
6. Blisters/sore/ulcer in anogenital area

Though all individuals can get RTI and STI, there are certain individuals who are at specially High Risk.
Eg:

1. Pregnant women – The STI can affect the outcome of the pregnancy. Eg : miscarriage and preterm delivery. Candidiasis is very common in pregnancy. It does not have any adverse effects, but has unpleasant symptoms. It can be easily treated.
2. Young people – mainly became of the sexual practices and high risk behaviour.
3. Men having sex with men
4. Women having sex with women
5. Commercial sex workers
6. People with HIV

The most important step in preventing RTI and STI is:

1. Promoting safe sex – condom when used consistently and correctly has very high efficacy in preventing transmission of STIs. Condoms should be used whenever there is risk of transmission even if another form of contraception is already being used.
2. Early/prompt identification of the infection.
3. Complete effective treatment of the affected individual and
4. Most important is complete treatment of all the sexual partners of the affected individual.
5. Vaccination: Unfortunately as of today, effective vaccine is available only for Hepatitis B infection. Vaccine for HPV which causes warts is being developed.

Treatment is usually done on the basis of symptoms and signs. Laboratory diagnosis of these infections in some cases is very tedious and in some situations very expensive. Therefore a range of broad spectrum antibiotics are given so that all organisms that can cause the same group of symptoms are effectively targeted.

SO PRACTICE SAFE SEX !

If you think you have any of the symptoms of RTI then seek an appointment with d SANGEET AT THE EARLIEST SO THAT YOU DO NOT COMPROMISE YOUR FUTURE WELLBEING .