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Genital TB: The Unseen Infertility Culprit
26 Mar
Summary
- Genital TB often presents with mild or no symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis.
- Infertility in women and men can be caused by TB affecting reproductive organs.
- A six-month course of anti-tubercular therapy is the standard treatment.
Genital tuberculosis is an often-overlooked cause of infertility in both women and men. The TB bacteria, which normally spreads through the air, can infect reproductive organs, leading to serious complications. In women, it can cause fallopian tube blockage and uterine lining damage, while in men, it may affect sperm production or cause blockages.
Many individuals remain unaware they have genital TB, as symptoms are frequently mild or absent, with diagnosis often occurring only when couples struggle with conception. Early signs like irregular periods, pelvic pain, or unexplained infertility should prompt medical attention.
Treatment involves a six-month regimen of anti-tubercular therapy (ATT), similar to pulmonary TB. While this cures the infection, it may not reverse structural damage to reproductive organs. For those with blocked fallopian tubes but a healthy uterine lining, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can be a viable option for achieving pregnancy.
Cases like Kavita Seth from Mumbai highlight the challenges. Initially unable to conceive, her routine tests revealed blocked fallopian tubes due to genital TB. After treatment and successful IVF, she had a child, illustrating that despite lasting damage, successful conception is possible.
