World Tuberculosis Day - 24th March | Effects of TB on Women's Fertility

Some of you might be knowing that Tuberculosis (TB) bacterium primarily affects the lungs. But what you may not be aware is, it can spread and cause secondary infections to the uterus and even to the Fallopian tubes. As a result, this can reduce the chances of conceiving!

March 24^th is ear marked as Tuberculosis Day to spread awareness about the disease and the preventive measures to be taken in order to eradicate this infectious disease. TB kills about 4500 people every day across the world.  TB is usually caused by ‘Mycobacterium Tuberculosis’.  When the bacteria infect the uterus, it causes Uterine Tuberculosis (also called Pelvic TB) which affects women during pregnancy and is diagnosed during an infertility check-up.

As per some of infertility experts in Chennai and India, Women are more often affected than men and 20% of females are unable to bear a child due to the Uterine Infection. In extreme cases, the lining on the Uterus becomes so thin that the uterus will not be able to hold the embryo, leading to miscarriage.  Usually the infection is carried by blood to other parts of the body. If not treated at initial stages, TB can severely damage the fallopian tubes which can ultimately lead to infertility in women.

Symptoms of TB in Uterus:

1. Irregular Menstruation
2. Pelvic Pain
3. Continuous Discharge with or without blood and foul smell.
4. Bleeding after intercourse.

According to the study conducted by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 50% of the female patients in India opting for IVFProcedure have been reported to have genital Tuberculosis. From 2011 to 2015, TB among Indian women has increased from 19% to 30%. In most of the cases, fallopian tubes were affected where as in many women, endometrium and ovaries were infected.

Tests to detect TB:

1. AFB Smear
2. Culture and PCR for TB

Medication can be used to help women conceive through ART, either IVF or IUI by repairing the after math of the disease in the body.  As per WHO’s (World Health Organization) “Global Tuberculosis Report 2018”, India has accounted for the deaths of 27% of the 1 Crore people, who developed TB in 2017. In order to combat the disease, more awareness about the disease and the socio economic consequences of the infection has to be spread, which is the sole motive of World TB Day.

Visit us at the following Locations in Chennai:

Metromale Clinic - OMR (Sexologist, Fertility, Sexual Health and IVF Center), 
5/395, Old Mahabalipuram Rd, Nedunchezian Salai, Indira Nagar, Thoraipakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600057

07397 574 666

Metromale Clinic - T Nagar (Sexologist, Fertility, Sexual Health and IVF Center),
No.1, Crescent Park Street, T. Nagar, Parthasarathi Puram, T Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017

Please visit https://www.metromaleclinic.com for appointment.

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