Gynecological Infections

Gynecological infections are conditions caused by infectious microorganisms such as viruses, fungi, or bacteria that affect the female reproductive system. They can manifest in the lower reproductive tract (vulva, vagina, and cervix), such as vaginal infections, or in the upper reproductive tract (uterine cavity, endometrium, fallopian tubes, and ovaries), such as pelvic infections.

According to the origin of the infection, they are classified as:

• Endogenous Infections: caused by imbalances in the vaginal flora, the microorganisms usually present in the reproductive tract. Common examples include candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis.
• Exogenous Infections: bacteria are introduced into the body from the outside.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs or STDs): the infection occurs during sexual contact. Examples include genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and syphilis.

Gynecological infections are very common and are one of the main reasons for visiting a gynecology consultation. They generally appear in women of reproductive age and tend to recur frequently.

Symptoms

Each type of infection may have its own symptoms. However, there are a number of common signs in most gynecological infections:

• Redness and inflammation of the genital area.
• Itching and stinging in the vulva and vagina.
• Pain during urination or sexual intercourse.
• Irregular vaginal discharge: changes in color, consistency, and amount.
• Strong or unpleasant odor in the genital area.
• Sores or warts in the genital area, in some cases of sexually transmitted infections.
• Abdominal pain and fever in more severe cases.

Causes

As mentioned, there are three main causes of gynecological infections:

1. Alteration of Vaginal Microflora: certain factors can favor the virulence of microorganisms in the vagina or decrease local defenses:
• Lack of hygiene.
• Vaginal douches or spermicidal products.
• Increased moisture in the vulva from wearing pantyliners, excessive sweating, or wet clothing.
• Injuries or wounds in the tissues.
• Hormonal contraceptives.
• Antibiotics.
• Pregnancy.
• Diabetes.
2. Sexual Transmission: infections are spread from one person to another through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact. Additionally, some can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact involving the genitals, mouth, or anus.
3. Iatrogenic Causes: during gynecological surgical procedures, such as an induced abortion, childbirth, or the implantation of an IUD, an infection may occur if microorganisms from the vagina or cervix are introduced into the upper reproductive tract.

Risk Factors

The likelihood of developing a gynecological infection increases with these factors:

• Sexual relations with multiple unprotected partners.
• Prolonged use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, which can alter vaginal flora.
• Vaginal douching.
• Diabetes.
• Pregnancy.
• Poor genital hygiene.

Complications

Most gynecological infections tend to be mild and have a good prognosis. However, if not treated properly, they can have serious consequences. For example:

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, a condition that causes inflammation of the reproductive organs and can result in infertility, ectopic pregnancies, and recurrent miscarriages.
• Other infections, such as herpes, gonorrhea, or syphilis, can be transmitted from mother to baby, either during pregnancy through the umbilical cord or during delivery, potentially causing serious harm to the baby, including prenatal or neonatal death.
• Persistent high-risk HPV infections increase the risk of cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, or throat cancer. There are also incurable gynecological diseases that show frequent recurrences, such as herpes or HPV.

Prevention

Some measures can be taken to prevent gynecological infections:

• Maintain proper hygiene.
• After using the restroom, clean from front to back, i.e., from the vagina to the anus.
• Use unscented soap.
• Keep the genital area dry.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Use condoms during sexual relations.
• Get the HPV vaccine.

Which doctor treats gynecological infections?

Gynecological diseases are treated by specialists in gynecology and obstetrics, family medicine, and assisted reproduction units.