The tubercle bacillus is the pathogen that causes tuberculosis (TB). The BCG vaccine is the most common way that tubercle bacillus is given to Indians. Immunity to tuberculosis can be achieved with this vaccine, which causes a person’s immune system to produce antibodies. Some people continue to become infected with TB even after treatment.
The most prevalent kind of tuberculosis is pulmonary tuberculosis, or TB of the lungs. The transmission of TB bacillus from the lungs to other regions of the body via blood is the most common cause of extra-pulmonary TB. Genital tuberculosis (TB) occurs when the bacillus accumulates in and around the genital canal. A common cause of reproductive problems in both sexes is genital TB. One to two percent of female gynaecological patients in India have this condition.
Do you know how tuberculosis (TB) can induce infertility?
Genital tuberculosis is caused by tubercle bacillus infection of the genital system. Through blood, TB can spread from the original location to the genitals and create genital TB. Pregnancy-related organs including the uterus and ovaries are also affected by this illness. When the fallopian tubes are infected with TB, an infected egg cannot enter the tube and instead reaches the end of the uterus. As a result, the chances of getting pregnant are reduced. The fertilised egg may not be able to attach to the uterine wall if the bacteria destroy the endometrium’s lining. Bacterial infection of the ovaries can reduce ovum quality and prevent fertilisation. If you have tuberculosis infection in your cervix, the vagina, or the vulva, your chances of getting pregnant are slim.
It has been shown that the fallopian tubes are damaged in nearly all instances, followed by the endometrium (uterine lining) in 50%, the ovaries (20%), the cervical (5%) and vagina and vulva in fewer than 1 percent of women with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).
Epididymo-orchitis can occur in both sexes, as germs can spread to the testicles. Infertility may result if this condition prevents sperm from being added to the ova.
T.B. symptoms in the female reproductive system
A woman of childbearing age who has tried unsuccessfully to conceive is more likely to be diagnosed with genital TB than someone of childbearing age who has never tried. However, even if the infection is quiet and does not present any symptoms or indications, some of the following symptoms may be found:
Systemic
• Loss of weight
• Fatigue
• Slightly elevated temperature
• Infertility
• Primary
• Secondary
Disruptions in menstruation
• This condition is known as amenorrhea (no menstrual bleeding)
• It is known as menorrhagia (abnormally heavy bleeding)
• It is known as metrorrhagia (abnormal bleeding)
• A condition known as oligomenorrhea (infrequent menstrual periods)
Other signs and symptoms can be found here.
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Bleeding after sex encounter
• Sexual intercourse that is difficult or uncomfortable
• Discharge from the uterus
Ailments affecting men
Testicles swollen, irritated, and painful.
Diagnosis of Genital TB
Genital TB is notoriously difficult to detect because of its ability to remain undetected in the genital canal. When an infertile woman discloses a family or personal history of tuberculosis, a TB diagnosis is warranted. In order to detect genital tuberculosis, the doctor may order the following tests:
To confirm the presence of genital tuberculosis,
This is a full blood count
• Radiographs of the chest
• Tuberculin sensitivity test
• A sample of menstrual blood
• To perform a biopsy, an endometrial curettage is required.
• A biopsy of the tissue under study
• Test for TB using Mycobacterium tb
• Culture of the peritoneal fluid
• Hysterosalpingography
• Ultrasonography
• Cytology of the cervix
• Endoscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Hysteroscopy
• Cystoscopy
• Other serological tests
TB infertility tests include the following:
A site-specific sample was used in this study:
• Gene Xpert
• histopathology analysis
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Mycosure TB PCR test
• It is important to understand the TB culture.
Completing the blood count and the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Interferon-g production assay (IGRA)
X-ray of the chest
Hysterosalpingography
The treatment of genital TB to combat infertility
Rapid therapy is needed to eradicate the germs and repair damaged reproductive organs to combat infertility after a confirmed diagnosis.
Bacterial meningoencephalitis as with pulmonary tuberculosis, genital TB can be treated with a full course of anti-tuberculosis medication. Tuberculosis therapy now adheres to the following guidelines:
INH, RIF, and PZA for two months, then INH and RIF for four months, in patients with a fully susceptible organism who adhere to treatment, is a six-month regimen.
When PZA is ineffective, a nine-month course of INH and RIF is tolerated.
The patient’s religious devotion to the prescribed medication regimen.
Lymphocyte Immune therapy (LIT): This is a 6- to 8-month course of antimicrobial therapy.
Restorative surgery: Bacteria can harm reproductive organs, necessitating repair surgery. To be able to carry a child, the woman’s reproductive organs must be repaired by restorative surgery.
Even after finishing the whole course of therapy for genital TB, the odds of conceiving in women with the disease are extremely low. IVF therapy, in particular, can help these individuals conceive, so there is hope for them.
People also search
Can I get pregnant after genital TB?
Dr. Amita Jain, a gynaecologist, states that the spontaneous conception rate among patients treated with ATT for genital TB ranges from 31 to 59 percent, with higher rates for those detected and treated earlier.
Can TB stop you getting pregnant?
“If tuberculosis is not treated early on, it can cause significant damage to the fallopian tubes, which can then lead to other health problems and even infertility,” warned Goswami.
Can I get pregnant after TB treatment?
Dr Padmini Prasad, head of the Institute of Sexual Medicine, says that after six to nine months of anti-TB medication, a woman’s chances of conceiving are as excellent as those of any other infertile individual.
Can genital tuberculosis be cured?
Rapid therapy is needed to eradicate the germs and repair damaged reproductive organs to combat infertility after a confirmed diagnosis. Bacterial meningoencephalitis As with pulmonary tuberculosis, genital TB can be treated with a full course of anti-tuberculosis medication.
