Gaudium IVF Clinic in Delhi - Genital Tuberculosis and Infertility : Tuberculosis is a disease that most of the people associate with the lungs, but surprisingly it can affect other organs of the body too, including the reproductive tract.

1. Gaudium IVF Centre in Delhi
Genital Tuberculosis and
Infertility

2. Genital Tuberculosis and Infertility
Tuberculosis is a disease that most of the people associate with the lungs, but
surprisingly it can affect other organs of the body too, including the reproductive tract.
Caused by the tubercle bacillus, this is an infectious disease that can spread easily
through physical contact, making it all the more dangerous.
Genital TB, as the name suggests, has a direct influence on the genital tract and can
compromise the fertility of the patient. It is one of the major causes of female infertility
and is common in the reproductive age group (women who are between 15 to 40 years
of age).
The worst part of the condition is that it usually remains silent, without showing any
symptoms at all; most of the time, it is detected only when the patient comes across
infertility issues and the doctor tries to diagnose the exact cause of the same.

3. How does genital TB cause infertility?
Primarily, TB begins as a pulmonary disease, an infection of the lungs as the bacillus enters the
body on inhalation. Most people have the ability to ward off the infection and it remains silent
without causing any harm
Genital TB has a far-reaching impact on a woman’s fertility because it damages the vital
reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. Commonly, the fallopian
tubes are targeted by the infection (salpingitis), while another reason of female infertility
caused by genital TB is that the endometrial lining of the uterus is damaged (endomteritis).
In the first condition, the fertilized egg is unable to make its way down the tubes into the
uterus; while the latter involves erosion of the endometrium, which results in failure of the
implantation of the embryo in the uterus.

4. Symptoms and Diagnosis of Genital TB
The challenge of this widespread condition is that its symptoms are not well-defined and
most of the times, it remains silent till it is too late. At the same time, a woman who has
previously suffered from pulmonary TB (and otherwise too) needs to be vigilant of
certain symptoms that can indicate the presence of the genital TB infection:
• Irregular menstrual cycle with periods being too scanty or excessively heavy
• Pain in the pelvic region
• Vaginal discharge stained with blood
• Pain and bleeding during/after intercourse
• Infertility

5. Endometrial Biopsy: The tissue sample of the endometrium is obtained using uterine curettage and
taken for biopsy to identify the existence of infection caused by the TB bacillus. A histological
diagnosis is seen as a reliable method to cinch the disease.
Culture Test: A culture test is performed to detect the presence of the bacillus, which is confirmed
by their growth in the lab. The test is again done on the sample of endometrial tissue obtained by
curettage.
Laparoscopy: A detailed laparoscopy may be recommended to find out the extent of damage to the
genital tract and also to establish whether it has been caused by genital TB.
Some other tests used to identify the condition include culture of menstrual blood,
ultrasonography, mycobacterium tuberculosis culture, cervical cytology, endoscopy and peritoneal
biopsy. When infection of fallopian tubes is suspected, diagnosis becomes difficult because it is
practically impossible to take tissue samples of the fallopian tube.
Diagnostic Tests Used for the Genital TB

6. Tubal obstruction and scarring of the ovaries and uterus are some complications caused by
genital TB. If the woman is not given timely treatment for the condition, she may
unfortunately lose her ability to conceive.
A six to eight month course of anti-TB medication is prescribed to curb the infection, while
restorative surgery is regarded as the more aggressive treatment option for genital TB The
woman will have to rely on assisted reproductive techniques such as ICSI or IVF Treatment
if the damage is beyond repair. For women who have lost hope completely as the genital
organs have been damaged extensively by the infection, the options of surrogacy and
adoption have to be considered
As it has always been said, prevention is better than cure in case of genital TB too. Women
should look to safeguard their fertility by protecting themselves from the pulmonary
infection to begin with.
Management and Treatment of Genital TB

7. Gaudium is a leading IVF Clinic in Delhi, India and is trusted for providing world class
facilities and advanced treatment for its patients. To get assistance for a variety of
reproductive and gynecological problems, along with the expert advice from the renowned
infertility specialist Dr. Manika Khanna, get in touch today.
Gaudium IVF Centre in Delhi

8.  Address: A-41, Chander Nagar, Janakpuri West (Near Janakpuri West Metro
Station) New Delhi – 110 058 (India)
 Phone: +91-11-69418485, +91-11-43528485, +91-11-84854359, +91-8527858585
+91-9899953963, +91-9810739199
 Email: info@gaudiumivfcentre.com
 Website: https://www.gaudiumivfcentre.com/
 Founder and CEO: Dr. Manika Khanna (M.B.B.S., M.D., D.A.G.E. Germany)
 Centre Incharge: Dr. Ambika Vaid (M.B.B.S., M.D. Gynaecology), Dr. Deepali
Kaushik (B.A.M.S Gynaecology)
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