Provided is a method for treating and reducing the recurrence of genital tract infections such as gonococcal infections. The method comprises local application of IL-12 incorporated in polymeric microspheres. The invention relates to compositions comprising IL-12 and methods for using such compositions for treatment of genital tract infections. Infections that can be treated by the present method include those that are caused by N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis or both.