TB Infection Treatment​

GENITAL TUBERCULOSIS- CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND REMEDY

Tuberculosis is a world wide concern especially in the developing countries found significantly among women. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis is responsible for genital tuberculosis

What Is Tuberculosis?

In Ayurveda tuberculosis is correlated with rajyakshma. There is dhatukshaya in rajyakshma. It means there is loss of tissues that can affect any organ.

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that commonly affects the lungs but female genital tuberculosis is the most common form of extra pulmonary tuberculosis with approximately 27% cases worldwide.

Genital TB is a chronic disease with low grade symptoms in females. The most commonly affected part of female reproductive system is fallopian tube. Along with the involvement of the endometrium the affected fallopian tube causes infertility in women. Female genital tuberculosis may result in dyspareunia, irregular menstrual cycle, pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

There is no direct reference of genital tuberculosis in the ancient ayurvedic text however according to Acharya Harita there are 6 types of infertility-
1) Anapatya
2) Garbhasravi
3) Mritavasta
4) Dhatukshaya
5) Infertility due to garbhasamkocha

The dhatukshaya is a condition when a woman is not able to conceive due to the loss of strength. This condition can be considered as a tuberculosis of the female reproductive system. There is unavoidable dhatwagninasana (metabolic dysfunction). In it there is loss of blood, tissue fluid, muscles, adipose tissues and shukra dhatu. These all lead to ojokshaya (deterioration of immunity).

Causes of Infection in Fallopian Tubes

Fallopian tube infection also called tubal infection is caused by bacterial infection that may be due to –

Streptococcus
Staphylococcus
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Mycoplasma
Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea.

Infection in the fallopian tubes results in tubal blockage and accumulation of fluid or pus in the ovaries. This causes infertility in women and makes pregnancy difficult.

Fallopian Tube Infection Signs and Symptoms

The most prominent symptoms of fallopian tube infection are :

-Fever with sharp headache and general fatigue.
-The patient may suffer from persistant urination.
-Pain during sexual intercourse.
-Vaginal discharge usually a fluid with a peculiar color and odor.
-Pain during menstrual cycle.
-Soreness in the lower back

Female Genital Tuberculosis

Genital tuberculosis in females is a common problem these days particularly in areas where pulmonary TB or any other extra genital TB is common. India is said to have the highest incidence of TB in the world. Female genital TB occurs usually in a young woman. According to the studies 80-90% of cases are diagnosed in patients between the age of 20-40 years while working on infertility treatment. There is high involvement of endometrium in genital TB.

Diagnosis of Female Genital Tuberculosis

Female genital tuberculosis diagnosis is generally difficult and delayed as the symptoms appear only after there is a significant damage of the organs. Depending upon the site of infection diagnosis can be made through pelvic ultrasound scan, endometrial curettage, menstrual blood analysis, cervical examination and laparoscopic or endoscopic examination of the genital organs.

There are certain tests available for the diagnosis of genital tuberculosis which includes–

Culture methods
Acid-fast bacilli staining
Immunological tests
Molecular tests
Imaging methods
Endoscopy

Fallopian Tube Blockage Due to Tuberculosis

Fallopian tube is a pathway for the sperm and egg. Any blockage in this causes infertility in a woman. Fallopian tube infection causes the blockage in the tubes.

The treatment of fallopian tube infection depends upon its severity. If there is accumulation of pus or the infection has caused adhesions, the doctor recommends laparoscopic surgery and fallopian tube infection surgery respectively to remove the damaged part.

How a Hidden Tb Infection Caused One Woman’s Infertility

Genital tuberculosis is generally hidden and is diagnosed in a very later stage when the damage is already done. While working on infertility it has been found in many cases that infertility problem could be because of tuberculosis. It is emerging as a major health issue that is affecting the women fertility. Tubal obstruction caused by genital TB is irreversible. If diagnosed at early stage the infection can be prevented and any damage to the uterus and fallopian tube may be healed.

There was a case of a woman in early 30s at Aasha Ayurveda, with the blocked fallopian tube and wanted to get pregnant. She went through all the possible tests and assisted reproductive techniques for many years. Later the woman was diagnosed with TB infection. This type of tuberculosis is difficult to diagnose as either the symptoms are diverse or there is no symptom at all. So we can see how tough it becomes for a woman to get pregnant with a hidden tuberculosis.

Ayurvedic Treatment and Ayurvedic Medicines for Tuberculosis

Ayurvedic treatment for tuberculosis includes use of herbs such as giloy, shatavari, arjun, ashwagandha, bala, dashmoola, vasa, amalaki, haritki etc. herbal formulations such as chyavanprash, sitopladi churan, vardhaman pippali rasayana, drakshadi avaleha, talashadi churan, chagalayadi ghrita, phala ghrita etc and chandanadi oil etc for external application.

One must avoid caffeine, white bread, preserved foods, refined flours and cold, sweet and salty foods.

Panchakarma in Ayurveda is a detoxification therapy that strengthens the body’s metabolic function. It is said to enhance the effect of drugs and makes the recovery from the disease more smoothly.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Tb Infection in Fallopian Tubes

TB infection in fallopian tubes causes tubal blockage that results in infertility in women. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on reproductive system as a whole than the tubes or ovaries. Artavaha srotasa covers the entire female reproductive tract. Vata dosha is responsible for any movements in the body channels. Any pathological obstruction in it causes the channels to become narrow. Such blockages hinder the meeting of sperm and egg.

IVF is one of the option but not all can afford it. Uttara basti is a part of panchakarma treatment. It is one of the most effective and painless procedure to treat blockage of fallopian tubes due to certain infections. Medicated liquid ayurvedic medicine is administered through the urethral or the vaginal route.

Can I Get Pregnant If I Have Tuberculosis?

If the diagnosis is done early it is always advised not to get pregnant while the treatment for TB goes on. A woman can get pregnant if the fallopian tubes are not damaged to the extent. However there are certain complications in the treatment with the advancement in pregnancy.

Effect of Tuberculosis in Pregnancy?

The effect of tuberculosis on pregnancy may be influenced by factors such as severity of the disease, the extrapulmonary spread, the advancement of pregnancy at time of diagnosis, any co infection and the treatment administered.

Genital tuberculosis (GTB) is the most important factor in female infertility especially in the developing countries. Tuberculosis during pregnancy can be very challenging. The complications may include spontaneous abortion, preterm labour, low birth weight and increases neonatal mortality.

Tb in the Uterus Can Damage Fertility?

TB in the uterus is part of genital tuberculosis that damages fertility. Genital TB affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina. It may spread through blood or lymph. Thus sexual contacts spread genital tuberculosis.

Any Natural Pregnancy after Tb Treatment

Natural pregnancy depends upon the damage done by tuberculosis infection. There are cases when the infection does not harm any organ and hence woman conceives.

With early diagnosis the genital tuberculosis can be treated smoothly with not much complications. When left untreated it can result in serious chronic complications which may include accumulation of pus, infertility and ectopic pregnancy.