My Husband Has TB. Can I Get Pregnant?

How does Genital Tuberculosis affect IVF success?

Genital tuberculosis is a condition that affects the reproductive organs. Women suffering from GTB experience infertility and are unable to conceive naturally. IVF, or in vitro fertilisation, gives a ray of hope to such women. But the success of IVF in women with GTB depends on different factors, such as the extent of damage, the health of the uterine lining, and overall health. A woman must understand how GTB can affect fertility. IVF can help such women to enjoy motherhood. Proper diagnosis, medications, and personalised care can help such women achieve IVF success after TB treatment. They can conceive after treatment for TB in the uterus.

What is Genital Tuberculosis?

Genital Tuberculosis is the infection of the reproductive organs. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It occurs commonly in women suffering from lung TB because the same bacteria cause both. The infection may spread through the blood or lymphatic system to the reproductive system.

Genital TB affects the reproductive organs of a woman, causing inflammation, scarring, and obstruction. GTB does not produce any symptoms for a long time, but some women may experience foul vaginal discharge, irregular periods, pelvic pain, and unexplained infertility. It mainly occurs during the reproductive age. Doctors can detect TB during routine testing before IVF and suggest a complete treatment.

Diagnosis of Genital Tuberculosis

It is difficult to diagnose TB because many women may not show any symptoms. The disease advances silently until she becomes unable to conceive. GTB screening is performed before beginning IVF treatment. Diagnostic tests for GTB include:

• Laparoscopy is done to directly see the pelvic organs for signs of damage due to TB.
• An Endometrial Biopsy is recommended to test the presence of TB bacteria.
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is used to detect any blockage or cyst formation in the uterine cavity or fallopian tubes.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is done to detect TB DNA in endometrial tissue.

Early detection of TB can help prevent complications and get the right treatment to improve fertility treatment results.

Some women ask the question, “My husband has TB, can I get pregnant?” The answer to this question depends on the stage of infection, the extent of damage to the reproductive organs, and the individual's age. But advanced treatments have given hope to couples to achieve a successful pregnancy. If TB is diagnosed early and treated properly, then it may not affect fertility. But untreated and active TB in men can produce poor-quality sperm, making it difficult to conceive.

Treatment of Genital TB

After diagnosis, the doctor recommends anti-tuberculosis therapy (ATT). It includes medicines that help eliminate infections in 6-9 months. The doctors monitor the patients for liver function and overall health during the treatment. In some people, drug resistance may occur, where doctors choose other medications. For quick recovery, people must eat a healthy diet that includes vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Most women have questions about whether fertility can be restored after treatment. Some women may experience permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, but others can conceive after TB treatment using advanced fertility methods such as IVF. It is essential to visit a doctor regularly to ensure complete clearance of the infection and to evaluate the health of the reproductive organs before starting IVF.

IVF and GTB: What couples need to know?

IVF is hope for women whose genital organs are affected due to TB infection. Couples must know certain things before starting the treatment:

• Assessing the endometrial lining is important because embryo implantation occurs on a healthy and thick endometrium. A doctor can recommend suitable treatment to increase endometrial thickness, if necessary, before undergoing IVF treatment.
• If tubes get damaged, IVF can help because it does not include fertilisation inside the woman’s body. Sperm and egg can be fertilised outside the body in a lab.
• If the ovaries are affected, the quality and number of eggs decrease. In such a case, a couple can opt for donor eggs.

The success rate depends on how soon a woman recovers from TB infection. After completing the full TB treatment and undergoing proper evaluation, the chances increase.

Tips to improve IVF success after TB treatment

The success of IVF treatment depends on a woman's overall health. A doctor prepares the body of a woman to improve IVF success. A few tips are given here:

• You must complete the entire TB treatment to obtain a negative PCR report.
• The doctor will assess endometrial thickness and uterine receptivity
• The doctor also recommends other hormonal tests.
• Stay connected with your fertility specialists for a regular follow-up
• Continue taking recommended supplements and medication.
• Reduce stress by practising yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
• Live a balanced life without taking alcohol, smoking, and eating a healthy diet.

Emotional and Psychological support

Women become emotionally weak when they get diagnosed with TB and infertility. They have a feeling of guilt and anxiety. You must remember that you are not alone. Several women face similar challenges, and they overcome them using the right medical treatment and support.

You can discuss with your loved one and talk to a counsellor to get psychological support during this tough time. A positive attitude not only helps improve hormone levels but also yields good results from IVF treatment. You can join patient groups to make your journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Conclusion

Genital tuberculosis is an often unknown cause of infertility in women. However, this does not mean that a woman cannot enjoy motherhood. Early diagnosis, comprehensive medical treatment, and fertility therapies can help women achieve motherhood. If you are unable to conceive without an identifiable cause, it is important to consult a fertility specialist for proper diagnosis. TB screening is crucial in women with unexplained infertility. Early intervention and medical treatment can help eliminate this infection.