Infertility has become a growing concern worldwide, with numerous underlying causes—some of which are often overlooked. One such cause is , a lesser-known form of that affects the reproductive organs and can severely impact fertility.
Dr. Chinmayie, MBBS, MS (OBG), FRM, and Senior Consultant Fertility Specialist at Oasis Fertility, explains, “Genital TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can spread through the bloodstream and affect the In women, it impacts the and, while in men, it can damage the and .”
Although more common in developing countries, GTB is often misdiagnosed due to its lack of typical tuberculosis symptoms, such as. Many cases are only discovered when individuals struggle with unexplained infertility.
→ Fallopian tube blockages leading to tubal infertility
→ Scarring of the uterus, reducing embryo implantation success
→ Pelvic pain, irregular menstrual cycles, and abnormal vaginal discharge
→ Prostate and epididymis damage, affecting sperm production
→ Low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or dysfunction
→ Possible erectile dysfunction, often mistaken for other conditions
Diagnosing GTB requires specialized tests, including:
Detects uterine abnormalities and tubal blockages
Confirms Mycobacterium tuberculosis presence
Evaluates sperm health in men
Identify tuberculosis infection in reproductive organs
The good news is that GTB is treatable with antibiotics, often restoring fertility if diagnosed early. In severe cases, fallopian tube surgery or assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF, can help overcome damage caused by the infection.
If left untreated, GTB can lead to Raising awareness about genital tuberculosis is crucial to ensuring proper screening for individuals facing unexplained infertility.
Genital tuberculosis is a hidden cause of infertility that often goes undiagnosed. By increasing awareness, promoting early diagnosis, and seeking appropriate treatments, many individuals affected by GTB can regain their fertility and fulfill their dream of parenthood.
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