Female Genital Tuberculosis (FGTB) is a bacterial infection of the female reproductive system caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can lead to infertility. The fallopian tubes are affected in 90% of women with FGTB, while the uterine endometrium is affected in 70% and ovaries in about 25%. Timely intervention is crucial in the case of FGTB, and it can improve treatment outcomes and help women to conceive. TB is the world’s deadliest infectious disease, and India contributes to over 30% of the global TB burden. Practicing safe sex methods and getting immunized as per a doctor’s advice, along with treating pulmonary TB effectively, can prevent the spread of genital TB to the reproductive system. Women with genital TB can conceive through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF with proper medication. Consult with a fertility specialist to clear all doubts regarding pregnancy.
Female Genital Tuberculosis: An Overview
Female Genital Tuberculosis (FGTB) is a bacterial infection of the female reproductive system caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While TB is commonly known to affect the lungs, it can also cause damage to a woman’s reproductive organs, leading to infertility.
In FGTB, the fallopian tubes are affected in 90% of women, while the uterine endometrium is affected in 70% and ovaries in about 25%. It causes menstrual dysfunction and infertility through the damage of genital organs. Women with FGTB often develop no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages, and infertility is the only presenting symptom.
According to health experts, timely intervention is crucial in the case of FGTB. It can improve treatment outcomes and help women to conceive. Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha, a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Mumbai, warns that if the fallopian tube is infected, the egg will fail to pass through it and reach the uterus, making conception impossible.
TB is the world’s deadliest infectious disease, and India contributes to over 30% of the global TB burden. In 2021, India had an estimated 30 lakh new TB cases, and 38% of TB deaths globally took place in India.
Dr. Sulbha Arora, Clinical Director at Nova IVF Fertility in Mumbai, explains that TB most commonly affects the lungs but may also lead to infection in the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility among females. It can have severe consequences for women, especially during their reproductive years and pregnancy.
The diagnosis of FGTB includes doing a laparohysteroscopy and dye test. Women known to have genital TB are treated with ATT (anti-tubercular treatment), which is the first line of treatment for women who are confirmed to have genital TB.
Preventing Female Genital Tuberculosis
Doctors recommend treating pulmonary TB effectively as a way to prevent the spread of genital TB to the reproductive system. Practicing safe sex methods and getting immunized as per a doctor’s advice can also help. In addition, women with genital TB can conceive through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF with proper medication. Consult with a fertility specialist to clear all doubts regarding pregnancy.
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio
