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Can TB of the endometrium affect conception?

Dr Pradeep Seth
Professor of Virology and Head, Department of Microbiology,
and In-charge HIV/AIDS Reference Centre (NACO),
A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi

Q: I have been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) of the endometrium. Is it curable? How can it affect conception? What is the success rate of its treatment?

A:Tuberculosis is a treatable condition. The treatment is extremely effective in curing a patient completely. TB of endometrium leads to infertility, therefore it should be treated immediately. After successful treatment you could conceive without any problem. However, I would like to know the basis of diagnosis of tuberculosis of endometrium in your case. This is important because I find that in many patients, the diagnosis of tuberculosis of female reproductive system is based on non-specific tests like increased levels of certain cytokines in blood. This should never be done. Classically diagnosis of tuberculosis should always be based on identification of tuberculous bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) or its genome in the patients sample. This is because the treatment of tuberculosis is long term and in some cases it may have toxic effects.