Q: I am a 30 years old female and have been planning a baby for the last one year but did not succeed. My husband’s and my fertility tests have yielded normal results. Recently, I got an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), which tested positive for latent Tuberculosis. My gynecologist asked me get a chest X-ray, a transvaginal scan and other ultrasounds done, which were all normal. She asked me to go for an endometrial biopsy, which I was not willing to undergo. I have also got my fallopian tube imaging done and it is all clear and normal. Now, I have been put on anti-TB medication for six months. I have finished one month of these medicines and also got a liver test done to see if the medicines were not adversely affecting the liver and the test results were fine and within reference range. My concern is that can latent TB be a cause of infertility and will this treatment help?

A:I do not think that any treatment is required for latent tuberculosis, as it does not cause infertility. A lot of women who have borne children and many men in our country test positive for latent tuberculosis but require no treatment as the disease is not active. If your tubes are okay and all other tests are normal, I would not have recommended any medicines more so because these medicines have long term effects on hemopoetic and hepatic system. Moreover, one cannot safeguard you from having overt tuberculosis at any point of time.