Genital Tract Infections - How To Track Them?

Genital tract infections are infections of the genital tract in both women and men, with it being more common in women. Genital tract infections can be of three types – infections spread through sexual contact, called exogenous infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs); infections spread without sexual contact, called endogenous infections; and infections caused due to medical procedures such as abortion, called iatrogenic infections. Some of the most common Genital Tract infections are - bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, yeast infections (candidiasis), gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes genitalis, etc.

The symptoms associated with genital tract infections can range from no symptoms to severe ones. Women are more susceptible to contracting GTIs and more likely to suffer from complications of the infection. The most common symptoms of GTIs are:

1. Abnormal discharge from vagina – Foul smelling discharge with unusual colour
2. Itching or burning sensation in and around the genital area
3. Pain or tingling and burning sensation while urinating
4. Blisters, sores, persistent rashes, warts or bumps in and around the genitals or anus
5. Pain and bleeding during or after intercourse
6. Lower abdominal pain
7. Excessive vaginal bleeding during menstruation

The consequences of untreated or undetected genital tract infections can be quite severe in women, especially in developing countries. It can lead to a number of harmful effects on the reproductive health of women, including chronic infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes, cervical cancer, pregnancy complications and more. Some of the most severe effects of untreated genital tract infections are:

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PID occurs when bacteria are spread from the lower genital tract due to unprotected sexual intercourse, or intercourse with multiple partners. PID can lead to scarring and damage to tissues resulting in infertility, chronic pelvic pain and pregnancy complications.

Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancies occur when the zygote is implanted outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. Genital tract infections can cause scarring and block tubal passage which leads to ectopic pregnancies.

Infertility
Long-term genital tract infections that remain untreated can lead to inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes, which block the descent of the egg. This leads to tubal infertility in women. Further, the untreated pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to damage of uterine tissue that again causes infertility.

Genital cancers
Certain genital tract infections such as those associated with human papillomavirus have been found to be linked to the development of cervical neoplasia and lead to cervical cancer.

Genital tract infections can become life-threatening if left untreated for too long, thus it is crucial to consult a doctor as soon as you notice any abnormal symptoms of GTIs.