Genital tract infections, also known as reproductive tract infections can lead to extreme pain, discomfort, and unwanted consequences in women. These infections are classified into two main categories:

• Lower Genital Tract Infections: This includes any infection of the lower reproductive tract including the vagina, vulva and cervix.
• Upper Genital Tract Infections: This includes any infection of the upper reproductive tract which includes the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries.

Types of Genital Tract Infection

Depending on the causes of the genital tract infection, they can be segregated into three types:

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases: As the name suggests, these diseases are contracted through unprotected sexual intercourse. The most common STDs include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, chancroid and HIV or human immunodeficiency virus.
• Endogenous Infections: These issues are caused by the overgrowth of certain organisms that are commonly found in the genital tract of healthy women. This includes conditions like vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis etc.
• Iatrogenic Infections: These infections are caused by medical procedures that have been performed improperly. The most common causes of these infections are poor delivery or childbirth and unsafe abortion.

Any reproductive tract infection in women is treatable, provided it is diagnosed early. Complications related to the infection are most prevalent in the upper genital tract which can lead to issues with conception, pregnancy, etc.