reproductive tract infection


reproductive tract infection

Abbreviation: RTI
Any infection of the reproductive organs. The most common causes are sexually transmitted diseases, but infections may also result from bacterial overgrowth or occasionally when instruments used in medical procedures introduce microorganisms. In women RTIs can cause pelvic pain, subfertility, infertility, or damage to the developing fetus. RTIs in men include epididymitis, prostatitis, and urethritis. See also: infection