Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world, affecting over 10 million people every year. India accounts for more than 30 per cent of global TB cases, with an estimated 30 lakh new cases in 2021 alone. Shockingly, 38 per cent of TB-related deaths worldwide occur in India. While TB is often associated with lung infections, it can also silently harm a woman’s reproductive health, leading to infertility.
What Is Genital TB?
Genital Tuberculosis (TB) is a form of TB that affects the reproductive organs in women, such as the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. It usually spreads from an initial TB infection in the lungs or other parts of the body. Unlike lung TB, genital TB often shows no clear symptoms, which is why it’s known as a ’silent invader’.
How Does Genital TB Affect Fertility?
Genital TB is a major cause of infertility, affecting 5-10 per cent of women who can’t conceive. In India, some studies suggest it’s responsible for up to 19 per cent of infertility cases. It mainly damages the fallopian tubes, causing blockages or scarring that prevent the eggs from meeting sperm. The infection can also harm the uterus and ovaries, making it difficult to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term.
A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that over 50 per cent of women seeking IVF treatment in India had genital TB. Alarmingly, only 2 per cent of women with this condition manage to have live births.
Symptoms To Watch Out For
Genital TB often doesn’t show any symptoms in its early stages, but some signs to look out for include:
• Irregular or missed periods
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Unusual discharge or sores
• Low energy or mild fever
Why Is Diagnosis So Hard?
Detecting genital TB is tricky because it’s usually asymptomatic and standard tests often miss it. This is because the amount of bacteria in samples is much lower when compared to lung TB. Doctors use several methods to diagnose it:
1. Endometrial Biopsy: Checking a sample from the uterus lining for TB bacteria
2. PCR Testing: A highly sensitive test that looks for TB DNA
3. Laparoscopy: A small camera used to inspect the reproductive organs
4. Imaging Tests: Scans like ultrasound or X-rays to spot problems in the reproductive system
Treatment Options
The good news is that genital TB can be treated. Doctors usually prescribe a combination of anti-TB medicines for 6-9 months. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair or remove damaged organs. Unfortunately, even after treatment, many women face challenges like ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages, and the chances of conceiving naturally remain low.
How To Protect Yourself
• Early Treatment For Lung TB: If you’ve had TB in the past, make sure it was fully treated to prevent it from spreading.
• Regular Health Check-ups: If you’re struggling with infertility, ask your doctor about genital TB.
• Support For Better Tests: We need better diagnostic tools to catch this condition early and accurately.
Genital TB is a hidden but significant cause of infertility in women, especially in India. Raising awareness, getting diagnosed early, and starting treatment promptly can make a big difference. If you or someone you know is facing unexplained infertility, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about Genital TB—because taking action early can help protect your future.