Abstract

Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is an important cause of morbidity and infertility worldwide. Mycobacterium tuberculosis most commonly spreads to the genital tract from a focus elsewhere in the body and affects the bilateral fallopian tubes and/or endometrium. Many patients with FGTB have indolent disease and are only diagnosed after evaluation for infertility. Women may present with menstrual irregularities, lower abdominal or pelvic pain, or abnormal vaginal discharge. Given the low sensitivity of diagnostic tests, various composite reference standards are used to diagnose FGTB, including some combination of endoscopic findings, microbiological or molecular testing, and histopathological evidence in gynecological specimens. Early treatment with a standard regimen of a 2-month intensive phase with isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, followed by a 4-month continuation phase with isoniazid and rifampin, is recommended to prevent irreversible organ damage. However, even with treatment, FGTB can lead to infertility or pregnancy-related complications, and stigma is pervasive.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.