We often assume that TB is a disease solely affecting the lungs; however, did you know that it can also target a woman's reproductive system?

According to Dr. Puneet Rana Arora—Director of the Gurugram-based CIFAR and a reproductive health expert—TB can pose a serious threat to women, a condition known as 'Genital TB.' This condition particularly targets women with compromised immunity.

How ​​does it affect a woman's body?
When a TB infection reaches a woman's reproductive organs, it causes severe damage to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The most dangerous consequence of this is infertility.

Essentially, TB causes inflammation or blockages within the fallopian tubes. Due to this obstruction, the woman's egg and the male's sperm are unable to meet. This leads to the emergence of several other serious complications, such as:

Irregular menstrual cycles or the complete cessation of periods.
Extreme difficulty in conceiving.
Recurrent miscarriages following conception.

What is the difference in the impact of TB on men versus women?
Dr. Arora explains that in men, a TB infection is typically confined to the lungs. However, in some cases, it can also affect male reproductive organs—such as the testes and the prostate. This can lead to a decline in a man's sperm count and quality; yet, a significant relief is that the risk of TB-induced infertility is considerably lower in men compared to women.

Why is there a delay in diagnosing the disease?
The greatest challenge regarding 'Genital TB' in women is its insidious nature—it strikes silently and covertly. Its symptoms are very common and mild, such as:

Persistent mild abdominal pain
Unexplained weakness
Changes in the menstrual cycle
Women often overlook these symptoms, dismissing them as trivial matters; this is precisely why this serious disease is often diagnosed at a very late stage.

Timely Treatment is the Key to Recovery
There is no need to panic about TB; rather, one needs to remain vigilant. If diagnosed at the right time and treated correctly, TB can be completely cured. Women should pay particular attention to this: if they experience prolonged difficulty in conceiving or notice persistent irregularities in their menstrual cycles, they must consult a doctor without delay.

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