RTI/ STI

What is Reproductive tract infection (RTI) ?

Reproductive tract infection (RTI) are infections that affect the reproductive tract, which is part of the Reproductive System. For females, reproductive tract infections can be in either the upper reproductive tract (fallopian tubes, ovary and uterus), and the lower reproductive tract (vagina, cervix and vulva); for males these infections are at the penis, testicles, urethra or the sperm tube. The three types of reproductive tract infections are endogenous infections, latrogenic infections and the more commonly known sexually transmitted infections. Each has its own specific causes and symptoms, caused by a bacterium, virus, fungus or other organism. Some infections are easily treatable and can be cured, some are more difficult, and some are non curable.

What is Endogenous infection ?

Endogenous infectionsare probably the most common RTIs worldwide. They result
from an overgrowth of organisms normally present in the vagina. Endogenous infections
include bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis. These infections can be easily treated and cured.

What is Iatrogenic infection ?

Iatrogenic infectionsoccur when the cause of infection (a bacterium or other micro-organism) is introduced into the reproductive tract through a medical procedure such as menstrual regulation, induced abortion and the insertion of an IUD or during childbirth. This can happen if surgical instruments used during the procedure have not been properly sterilized, or if an infection that was already present in the lower reproductive tract is pushed through the cervix into the upper reproductive tract.

What is Sexually transmitted infection ?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)are caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasitic microorganisms that are transmitted through sexual activity with an infected partner. About 30 different sexually transmitted infections have been identified, some of which are easily treatable, many of which are not. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is perhaps the most serious sexually transmitted infection as it eventually leads to death. STIs affect both men and women, and can also be transmitted from mothers to children during pregnancy and childbirth.

What are the signs and symptoms of RTI in a woman ?

1. Most women may experience no symptoms at all, but she should seek medical advice if she has:
2. Vaginal Discharge- clear, cloudy or foul smelling.
3. Urinary problems- burning and pain.
4. Itching in the genital area.
5. Lower abdominal pain.
6. Pain during intercourse.
7. Irregular/painful periods.
8. Ulcer/Wart/Swelling in genital area.

How are RTIs transmitted in a woman ?

1. Some RTI can be sexually transmitted .
2. Some of them may be carried by unsafe abortion procedure.
3. By IUCD insertion by untrained workers, without aseptic precaution.
4. RTI can be caused if personal hygiene is not maintained.
5. RTI can be caused if clean sanitary protection is not observed (e.g. using unwashed clothes and unsterilised cotton wool packed in vagina).
6. RTI can be caused by infection from other parts of the body (endogenous/UTI).

What behaviors influence transmission of RTI in a woman ?

1. Not using clean sanitary protection.
2. Not maintaining personal hygiene.
3. Getting unsafe abortion done by an unqualified practitioner.
4. IUCD insertion by untrained workers without aseptic precaution.
5. Improper/Incomplete treatment of UTI.

What are the complications of RTI in a woman ?

1. Chronic abdominal pain, ill health & Anaemia.
2. Infertility.
3. Ectopic pregnancy-tubal pregnancy.
4. Spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, premature births.
5. Blindness or serious infections in infants.

What to do if a woman thinks she has RTI ?

1. Don't be afraid or ashamed-seek medical advice immediately. The sooner you get yourself examined the better the chances of cure.
2. Consult a qualified doctor.
3. Complete the treatment.

What are the signs and symptoms of STI?

WOMAN:
Most women may experience no symptoms at all, but she should seek medical advice if she has:

1. Vaginal Discharge- clear, cloudy or foul smelling.
2. Urinary problems- burning and pain.
3. Itching in the genital area.
4. Ulcer/Wart/Swelling in genital area.
5. Lower abdominal pain.
6. Pain during intercourse.
7. Irregular/painful periods.

MAN:
Most men may experience no symptoms at all, but he should seek medical advice if he has:

1. History of unprotected sexual contact outside wedlock.
2. Any lesions on the penis.
3. Tenderness or lump in the groin
4. Uretheral discharge of pus.
5. Burning, pain while passing urine.
6. Itching in genital area.
7. Ulcers, erosion and swelling around the external genitalia.
8. Fever in acute phase.

How are STIs transmitted ?

WOMAN:

1. The main mode of transmission is through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner (heterosexual or homosexual).
2. Syphilis can be spread by an infected blood transfusion.
3. Syphilis and Gonorrhea can be passed from mother to baby, before birth or during delivery. The babies may be born sick or even dead.

MAN:

1. The main mode of transmission is through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner (heterosexual or homosexual).
2. Syphilis can be transmitted by infected blood transfusion.

What behaviors influence transmission of STI ?

WOMEN:

1. Unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple sexual partners.
2. Not informing partners if you have STI.
3. Having sex with 'casual partners', whose other contacts are not known.
4. Continuing to have unprotected sex while having symptoms of STI.
5. Not completing treatment or having sex with an infected partner during the course of treatment.
6. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

MEN:

1. Unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple sexual partners.
2. Recent change of partner.
3. Not informing partners if you have STI.
4. Having sex with 'casual partners', whose other contacts are not known, and whose status of STI is not known.
5. Continuing to have unprotected sex while having symptoms of STI.
6. Not completing the treatment or having sex with an infected partner during the course of treatment.

What are the complications of STI ?

WOMEN:

1. Chronic abdominal pain and ill health
2. Anaemia
3. Infertility
4. Ectopic pregnancy-tubal pregnancy
5. Spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, premature births
6. Blindness or serious infections in infants.
7. STI clients are more likely to get AIDS
8. Strained marital relations.

MEN:

1. Infection in any part of the genital tract
2. Blockage of urethra
3. Erosion of genitalia
4. Central nervous system may be affected causing headache
5. Chronic inflammation of lymph nodes
6. Enlargement of genitalia
7. in different stages can cause rash, malaise, fever, and hepatitis. In late cases the nervous and cardio-vascular system can be affected and can be ultimately fatal.

Who are vulnerable to STI ?

WOMEN:

1. Young girls and women with several sexual partners.
2. Commercial sex workers and their clients.

MEN:

1. People with lack of knowledge about protective methods especially condom and its usage.
2. Adolescents who are sexually active
3. Homosexuals with several partners.
4. Heterosexuals with several partners.
5. Clients of commercial sex workers.

What to do if you think you have STI ?

WOMEN:

1. Please consult a qualified doctor not a vaid or hakim.
2. Inform your partner(s) and tell them to get treated, so that you are not reinfected.
3. Complete the treatment.
4. Do not have unprotected sex whilst undergoing treatment.
5. Insist your partner on using a condom.

MEN:

• Don't be afraid or ashamed-seek medical advice immediately. The sooner you get yourself examined the better the chances of cure.
• Please consult a qualified doctor not a vaid or hakim.
• Inform your partner(s) and tell them to get treated, so that you are not reinfected.
• Complete the treatment.
• Do not have unprotected sex whilst undergoing treatment.
• Use a condom correctly and consistently.