Tuberculosis is commonly associated with the lungs, but the infection can also affect other parts of your body, including the reproductive organs. When TB affects the female reproductive tract, it is known as genital tuberculosis. For some women, the condition comes to light during fertility investigations, especially when they have been trying to conceive without success. Because genital tuberculosis can resemble other gynaecological conditions, it might also go undetected for a long time. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and diagnosis can help you recognise when to seek treatment.
What is Genital Tuberculosis?
Genital tuberculosis is a form of extrapulmonary TB, meaning the infection affects parts of your body outside the lungs. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis. In women, the infection commonly affects the fallopian tubes and might also involve the lining of the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. TB bacteria usually reach organs after spreading from another infected area through the bloodstream.
What causes Genital Tuberculosis?
Genital tuberculosis develops when TB bacteria affect protective organs. The infection often spreads from another part of the body, like the lungs, although a woman might not have a history of active pulmonary TB. A previous history of tuberculosis, contact with someone who has infectious TB, or living in a region where TB is common might be relevant when assessing the possibility of infection. A weak immune system can also increase the risk of active TB. However, these factors do not automatically mean someone has genital TB. Proper medical evaluation is very important.
What are Genital Tuberculosis Symptoms?
Genital tuberculosis symptoms vary depending on which organs are affected.
- Menstrual changes
Your periods might become irregular or lighter than usual.
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
Persistent discomfort might occur in some women.
- Painful menstrual cycle
Inflammation or scarring might contribute to menstrual discomfort.
- Unusual vaginal discharge
This can occur, but it is not specific to genital TB.
How is Genital Tuberculosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing genital tuberculosis can be challenging because the bacteria might be present in small amounts in the affected tissue.
- Pelvic ultrasound
This helps examine your uterus, ovaries, and surrounding structures. It might identify abnormalities but cannot confirm genital TB on its own.
- Endometrial biopsy
A small sample of tissue from the uterine lining might be collected for laboratory examination.
- Molecular testing
Tests like GeneXpert or other nucleic acid amplification tests can be used to detect TB genetic material in appropriate samples.
- TB culture
A laboratory might attempt to grow the bacteria and, where possible, determine which medicines are likely to work.
What is Genital Tuberculosis Treatment?
Genital tuberculosis is treated with a combination of tuberculosis medicines. Treatment aims to eliminate the infection, prevent further damage, and reduce the risk of complications. For drug-sensitive TB, treatment involves a prescribed combination of medicines taken over several months. Treatment usually involves regular medical follow-ups to monitor response to medicines and check for possible side effects. Even though treatment can control the infection, it might not reverse the damage that has already occurred in the fallopian tubes or uterus.
So genital tuberculosis is an infection of the reproductive organs that might cause menstrual changes, pelvic discomfort, or difficulty getting pregnant. Because symptoms can be mild or absent, you might discover the condition only during fertility investigations. If you experience persistent symptoms or unexplained difficulty conceiving, consult a qualified gynaecologist or TB specialist.
Also Read: IUI vs. IVF: Which Fertility Treatment Is Right for You?