Genital tuberculosis – A reason for infertility in women It is very likely that each of us has had a family member or acquaintance affected by tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a major health problem worldwide, affecting approximately 9.4 million people each year. More than 95% of TB cases and deaths occur in developing countries, with India and China together accounting for 40% of the global TB burden. TB infection is caused by bacteria and is not always limited to the lungs, but can also spread to other parts of the body such as bones, joints, urinary and genital tracts, etc. If it reaches a woman's genital areas, it could lead to infertility. Genital tuberculosis mainly affects women of childbearing age, but it is also reported in postmenopausal women. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay When TB infection affects the fallopian tubes, it can prevent the fertilized egg from entering the uterus from the tubes. If bacteria affects the lining of the endometrium (uterus), it will become difficult for the fertilized egg to implant. An infection of the ovaries would affect the quality/release of the egg. An infection of the cervix, vagina or vulva could also reduce the chances of pregnancy. Female genital tuberculosis usually has no symptoms and is therefore diagnosed when the woman has infertility and all other causes have been ruled out. If a woman has previously suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis, she may have irregular menstrual cycles, pain or heaviness and/or cysts in the pelvic area, etc. There are a few tests available that help diagnose this condition. A nutritional diet combined with anti-tuberculosis treatment can help speed healing and strengthen the immune system. Leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, whole grains, brightly colored vegetables like carrots, peppers, and fruits like tomatoes, blueberries, and cherries help further fight TB. Usually, treatment involves administering certain medications (mainly rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol) daily for at least 6 months. Post-tuberculosis treatment (ATT), the Test-Tube Baby technique makes it possible to conceive if the patient's uterus is still healthy. However, if the uterus has been affected by tuberculosis, adoption and surrogacy are the only options left. ATT has an excellent recovery/cure rate, so patients should not lose hope after being diagnosed with the disease. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a personalized essay