Tuberculosis (TB) of the Uterus
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that, in a woman, spreads from the lungs to the uterus or fallopian tube.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects the lungs though it can spread to other parts of the body. When tuberculosis affects other parts of the body, the condition is called extra pulmonary TB. When it affects women, tuberculosis can spread to their uterus among other parts of the body. When the bacterium that causes TB infects the lining of the uterus, it is called TB of the uterus. This infection may spread from the fallopian tubes to the lining of the uterus and cause genital tuberculosis, which is also referred to as Pelvic TB.
Contrary to what is believed, TB does not spread by sharing of utensils or clothes or through touch. It spreads when an infected person coughs, spits or sneezes and you come in contact with the bacteria. If the bacterium enters a woman’s lungs, it may affect the woman’s genitals overtime if left untreated. The infection usually starts in the fallopian tubes and later spreads to the uterus.
Symptoms of TB of the Uterus
TB of the uterus is widespread in different parts of India. Most of the cases of TB of the uterus were reported to have arrived at the stage they were in because of negligence in the infection’s infancy. It may be difficult to diagnose the disease when the infection has only begun spreading. The symptoms surface only after almost 10-20 years. Here are some of the symptoms of TB of the uterus that must be given immediate attention.
- Menstrual disturbances.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Pelvic pain.
- Unexplained fever over a prolonged period.
- Vaginal discharge.
- Infertility.
The lack of symptoms may make it difficult to diagnose TB of the uterus. In such a case, going through a number of tests should help. Of all the aforementioned symptoms, tuberculosis and infertility is closely related.
Treatment of TB of the Uterus
With the advancement of science and technology, treatment for TB of the Uterus is possible. One of the most effective TB medications is the anti-tubercular therapy. The duration of treatment for TB of the uterus varies from six to nine months. The duration of the treatment also depends on the stage at which the infection was diagnosed.
Although, the treatment is capable of treating fever, pain or vaginal discharge, it cannot repair the fallopian tubes once they have been affected. Therefore, make sure that you consult a doctor before consuming anti-TB medicines. Always look out for the symptoms of TB to avail timely treatment.
Read more articles on Understand Tuberculosis.
Source: Onlymyhealth editorial team Mar 17, 2012
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