Reproductive tract infections

AHN-1
RTIs
• Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are defined as any infections of
the reproductive system.
• They include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other
infections of the reproductive system that are not caused by sexual
contact.
• These other infections may be the result of the overgrowth of the
bacteria and other organisms that normally live in the vagina.
• RTIs also include infections that result from inadequate infection
prevention practices by health care providers.
What are STIs
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
Syphilis
• Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by an infection
with bacteria known as Treponema pallidum.
• Like other STDs, syphilis can be spread by any type of sexual contact.
Syphilis can also be spread from an infected mother to the fetus
during pregnancy or to the baby at the time of birth
Signs and symptoms
• When syphilis has spread throughout the body, the person may
have:
• A fever of usually less than 101°F (38.3°C).
• A sore throat.
• A vague feeling of weakness or discomfort throughout the body.
• Weight loss.
• Patchy hair loss, especially in the eyebrows, eyelashes, and scalp hair.
• Swelling of the lymph nodes
Trichomoniasis
• Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a
small organism called Trichomonas vaginalis.
• Women are most often affected by this disease, although men can
become infected and pass the infection to their partners through
sexual contact.
S/S
• Many women do have signs or symptoms of infection. Symptoms in
women can include:
• Greenish-yellow, frothy vaginal discharge with a strong odor
• Painful urination
• Vaginal itching and irritation
• Discomfort during intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain (rare)
Risk factors for gonorrhea include the following

• Sexual exposure to an infected partner without barrier protection (eg,

failure to use a condom or condom failure)
• Multiple sex partners
• Male homosexuality
• Low socioeconomic status
• History of concurrent or past STDs
• Early age of onset of sexual activity
S/S
• Vaginal discharge:
• The most common presenting symptom of gonorrhea, vaginal
discharge from endocervicitis is usually described as thin, purulent,
and mildly odorous; however, many patients have minimal or no
symptoms from gonococcal cervicitis
• Dysuria
• Intermenstrual bleeding
• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
• Mild lower abdominal pain