With rising cases of infertility, male infertility is a significant factor in approximately half of all cases. While the cause of infertility is often linked to factors, such as lifestyle, diet, and stress, there is another potential underlying cause that is frequently overlooked; Tuberculosis (TB). It is essential to comprehend the connection between TB and male infertility to determine the reason behind infertility problems and administer the proper treatment.
To understand the impact of infertility due to TB, we spoke to Dr Raghuveer Karne, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DNB (Genitourinary Surgery), Consultant Andrologist, Oasis Fertility - Hyderabad, who explained the role of semen analysis and treatments to restore fertility.
Role Of Semen Analysis
"Semen analysis is a crucial diagnostic method for identifying the causes of male infertility in this context. In addition to morphology (size and shape of the sperm), motility (the ability of the sperm to move), and sperm count, it provides a comprehensive evaluation of sperm quality," said Dr Karne.
A semen analysis can reveal abnormal sperm parameters in men with unexplained infertility. This can result in further investigation of underlying causes, such as infection, hormonal abnormalities, or anatomical abnormalities.
Diagnosing Tuberculosis-Related Infertility
Further testing might be required in situations where TB is suspected. Ultrasound imaging, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing, and semen culture can be used to find indications of inflammation or infection in the reproductive organs. If TB is confirmed, the infection must be treated with the right antibiotics.
Also Read: Understanding Infertility: Expert Shares 5 Common Causes And Solutions
Symptoms and Challenges in Diagnosing TB-Related Infertility
The signs of male infertility caused by TB may be mild or nonexistent. "In some cases, men sometimes don’t show any overt symptoms of infection, which makes the diagnosis challenging. While some of them exhibit symptoms like fever, scrotal pain or swelling, these may not be clear-cut signs of TB," explained Dr Karne. Therefore, TB is not regarded as the main cause of male infertility until other potential causes have been ruled out.
The fact that TB can remain dormant in the body for years without symptoms poses detection as one of the most serious issues. Hence, medical practitioners are required to be watchful and attribute it as a cause of unexplained male infertility, especially in those areas where the condition is more common.
Is TB-Related Infertility Treatable?
Fortunately, infertility caused by TB is curable. Once diagnosed, the primary treatment involves a course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. Early detection of the infection can often reverse the damage to the reproductive organs, restoring fertility in men. However, this bacterial infection can result in infertility if it is left untreated or overlooked.
The Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences states that early detection and treatment using antitubercular medications can enhance semen analysis or even reverse azoospermia. However, in instances of advanced disease or complications, multiple blockages may occur in the vas deferens or epididymis, making surgical intervention challenging.
Also Read: TB And IVF: Expert Explains How Timely Diagnosis Can Help Women Overcome Infertility
Advanced Treatment Options for Severe Cases
"In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or sperm retrieval procedures are some of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) that might be necessary for men with severe damage to reproductive organs to become fathers," added Dr Karne. These procedures can assist couples in overcoming the infertility caused by TB-induced damage and provide them with an opportunity to have a child. The semen analysis is crucial in determining the aetiology of male infertility, and one of the potential causes should be TB, especially in unexplained infertility.
Bottomline
Dr Karne concluded, "Although TB is not the most frequent cause of infertility, its effect on sperm quality and reproductive health can be significant. Early diagnosis and treatment of TB are important for reversing infertility and reestablishing fertility. For the male suffering from unexplained infertility, it is imperative to cooperate with a health care provider to evaluate all possible causes, such as infection in the form of TB, and formulate a proper treatment plan to provide successful results."
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]