Signs Associated With a Genital Tract Infection

Genital tract infections are commonly caused by sexually transmitted diseases, and many can be symptomless. There are 15.3 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections in the U.S. each year, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Common Infections

• More commonly seen infections of the genital tract include chlamydia, gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), syphilis and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Infection or Disease?

• When an infection causes symptoms the condition is referred to as a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, according to Planned Parenthood. However, many infections cause no symptoms, at least initially.

Symptoms of More Common STIs

• Symptoms of chlamydia and gonorrhea, if there are any, include painful or frequent urination, vaginal or penile discharge, lower abdominal pain and painful intercourse. Not all, or any, symptoms are required for the infection to be present.

HPV

• With HPV, there are often no symptoms at all, though sometimes genital warts may appear from the infection in women. The warts may be flat or cauliflower-shaped and may itch.

PID

• Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is an infection of the upper genital tract and is typically caused by untreated sexually transmitted diseases. It may be symptomless but can involve a discharge, fever, frequent urination, pain or bleeding.

Syphilis

• Syphilis is a bacterial infection affecting the genitals, skin, mucous membranes and eventually the brain and heart. Initial symptoms include a sore at the point of transmission and enlarged lymph nodes. Later, a rash appears, and fever and a general feeling of sickness are signs of the infection.