What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that usually attacks the lungs but can also spread through other parts of the body through blood. It is caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosi. Though it was one of the leading cause of death during around 20th century, it can now be treated using antibiotics which can take up to 6-9 months.
What is Pelvic Tuberculosis?
Pelvic Tuberculosis is when tuberculosis reaches and infects the genital tracts. Once infected, it directly attacks the fallopian tubes and inflates it which prevents the eggs from the ovaries to reach the uterus for fertilization. This case of inflation of the fallopian tubes by Tuberculosis is termed as Tuberculous Salpingitis.
Why is it Dangerous?
Pelvic tuberculosis is the most predominant cause of infertility in women especially in the developing countries where Tuberculosis is common (India in particular). It is a silent disease and the affected individual is often deemed as healthy throughout her life unless it’s caught on when she fails to conceive a child periodically.
What are its Symptoms?
• Though it is a silent disease, some of the symptoms associated with it are –
• Irregular and painful menstruation periods.
• Chronic lower abdominal and back pain.
• Painful and in some cases, blood discharge during intercourse.
• Infertility.
How can it be treated?
Pelvic Tuberculosis is normally treated by removing the infection from the affected region using antibiotics and medications and in some extreme cases, performing surgeries on the affected region. However, the best treatment for Pelvic Tuberculosis is done through an antibacterial treatment where you have to follow a period of taking antibiotics to completely remove the infection from your body.
While Pelvic Tuberculosis is a silent disease, it is best to get checked for it if you experience one or more of its symptoms in your daily life, especially if you have been previously infected with Tuberculosis. Pelvic Tuberculosis is normally diagnosed using Microscopic and bacteriologic examinations. Also, if the uterine wall has been unaffected, then the couple can opt for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for conceiving a healthy baby.
