Infections of the female reproductive organs occur due to the ascending spread of pathogens from the lower genital tract. These infections can affect the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, leading to conditions such as vaginitis, cervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Types of Reproductive Organ Infections
1. Vaginitis
- Causes:
- Candida albicans → Fungal infection
- Trichomonas vaginalis → Protozoal infection
- Gardnerella vaginalis → Bacterial vaginosis
- Chlamydial infection
- Symptoms:
- Vaginal discharge (thin, frothy, or curdy)
- Itching, burning sensation
- Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
2. Cervicitis
- Causes:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Symptoms:
- Mucopurulent cervical discharge
- Postcoital bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain
3. Endometritis
- Causes:
- Postpartum infections
- Intrauterine procedures (D&C, IUD insertion)
- Symptoms:
- Fever, lower abdominal pain
- Foul-smelling lochia
4. Salpingitis (Fallopian Tube Infection)
- Causes:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis
- Post-abortion, postpartum infections
- Symptoms:
- Bilateral lower abdominal pain
- Fever, nausea, vomiting
- Painful pelvic examination
5. Tubo-Ovarian Abscess
- Causes:
- Untreated pelvic infections
- Symptoms:
- Severe pelvic pain, fever
- Tender adnexal mass
Diagnosis of Infections
- Vaginal swab culture & microscopy
- Cervical smear for Gram staining
- Complete blood count (CBC) – Leukocytosis
- Ultrasound – To detect abscesses
- PCR & NAAT – For chlamydia, gonorrhea detection
Complications
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Infertility due to tubal scarring
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Septicemia (Severe bloodstream infection)
Treatment & Management
- Antibiotics (Based on Causative Organism)
- Bacterial Infections:
- Ceftriaxone, Azithromycin, Metronidazole
- Fungal Infections:
- Fluconazole, Clotrimazole
- Protozoal Infections:
- Metronidazole for Trichomonas vaginalis
- Surgical Management (For abscess drainage)
- Preventive Measures
- Safe sexual practices (condom use)
- Regular STI screening
- Good personal hygiene
Keynote Symptoms of Reproductive Organ Infections
- Pelvic pain and tenderness
- Abnormal vaginal discharge (foul-smelling, purulent, or bloody)
- Burning sensation during urination (Dysuria)
- Fever and general malaise
- Painful intercourse (Dyspareunia)
1. Mercurius Solubilis
Indications:
- Gonorrheal infections with thick, greenish-yellow discharge
- Ulcerative lesions in the genital area
Keynote Symptoms:
- Excessive salivation with bad breath.
- Metallic taste in the mouth.
- Symptoms worsen at night.
- Offensive, burning vaginal discharge.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
2. Medorrhinum
Indications:
- Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) with recurrent infections
- Burning urination with offensive vaginal discharge
Keynote Symptoms:
- Intense itching and burning in the genital area.
- Fishy-smelling discharge.
- Pain extending to the thighs.
- Worse at night and from damp weather.
- Better by lying on the abdomen.
3. Kreosotum
Indications:
- Profuse, acrid vaginal discharge causing irritation
- Chronic cervicitis with ulceration
Keynote Symptoms:
- Burning pain in the vagina.
- Offensive, dark, and acrid discharge.
- Severe irritation and itching in the genital area.
- Worse before menses.
- Better with cold applications.
4. Thuja Occidentalis
Indications:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with warts or ulcerations
- Chronic vaginal infections with foul-smelling discharge
Keynote Symptoms:
- Genital warts with cauliflower-like growths.
- Offensive, fishy vaginal discharge.
- Cutting pain in the urethra after urination.
- Worse from damp and cold weather.
- Profuse sweating with offensive odor.
5. Hydrastis Canadensis
Indications:
- Chronic gonorrhea with thick yellowish discharge
- Vaginitis with excessive leucorrhea
Keynote Symptoms:
- Thick, tenacious yellow discharge.
- Mucous membrane inflammation.
- Constant dull pain in the lower abdomen.
- Weakness and prostration.
- Worse from cold and damp weather.
