Dr. Manini Patel, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Jaipur, echoes this concern and shares, “We do consider genital TB as a possible cause of infertility and have clinical evidence that women, especially those from high-burden regions or those with a history of TB exposure, are more vulnerable.”

“It is a fact,” she says, “that many women struggle to conceive, and they are not aware that a hidden or undiagnosed infection such as genital TB could be affecting their reproductive tract. Hence, treatment needs a proactive diagnostic approach to give a proper fertility treatment option at the earliest.”

Though silent, Dr. Patel says that genital TB can be a devastating contributor to women’s infertility. It is a form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that primarily affects the fallopian tubes, endometrium (lining of the uterus), and ovaries and sometimes the cervix and vagina.

“We take this as secondary to a primary infection elsewhere in the body. The lungs are most common in this context.”

“The Mycobacterium tuberculosis organism is the main cause,” she explains, and it spreads through the bloodstream or lymphatics to the genital organs.

Dr. Patel also points out, “In early stages, genital TB is asymptomatic. Gradually, symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, and abnormal vaginal discharge may appear. Unexplained infertility can also be considered a symptom.”

And it doesn’t stop there. With advancement, it can cause complete tubal blockage and damage ovary functions. It is not only conception problems; even if women conceive, with genital TB, they are at the risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and poor foetal outcomes.

Her advice? “We strongly advise early detection through endometrial biopsy, PCR testing, hysteroscopy, or laparoscopy. For prolonged and unexplained infertility, these tests are crucial. We do stress that anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) can treat the infection; however, if diagnosis is delayed, the reproductive damage is often irreversible.”

For Infertility related treatment and consultation, You can book an appointment with Dr. Manini Patel..

Tag