Empowering Health, Defending Wellness

Address:

Yashoda Medicity, Indirapuram & Yashoda Hospital, Kaushambi

Tag: HIVAIDS

Dr. Chhavi GuptaBlogHIVAIDS
TB admin

Do you Know Tuberculosis can cause infertility in females and males?

Dr. Chhavi Gupta
DM (Infectious disease), AIIMS, New Delhi
Senior Consultant, Yashoda Superpseciality Hospital, Kaushambi

 The association between infection and infertility has been long known. The infections that manifest symptomatically are identified easily and timely and can be managed. However, infections that lead to asymptomatic infections or remain dormant are more damaging as lack of symptoms prevents a patient from seeking timely medical intervention and consequently chronic damage to reproductive organs.

It is always believed by the common man that TB can affect only the lungs, but TB can affect any body part beyond the lung known as extrapulmonary TB (EPTB). TB affecting reproductive organs, also known as Genitourinary TB is responsible for 27.1 per cent cases of EPTB. The exact incidence of female genitourinary TB is not known because of vague symptomatology or asymptomatic cases, lack of sensitive diagnostic tests, and cases are not underreported.  Genital TB mostly spreads from the lungs or other organs via blood or sometimes directly spreads from adjacent organs like abdominal TB or may be sexually transmitted from active genitourinary TB in the partner.

Female Genitourinary TB and Infertility

TB causes both functional and physiological damage to the reproductive system. Genital TB in females affect most commonly fallopian tubes (90% of cases) leading to tubal blockage, and the uterus in 70% of cases resulting in decreased endometrial receptivity for implantation of a fertilized egg; ovaries are affected in 20-25 % of cases resulting in poor egg formation. Apart from affecting organs, Genital Tb also causes disturbance in the immune system, which may interfere with the implantation of fertilized eggs in the uterus. Thus, genital TB in females not only affect conception but also the ability to carry pregnancy. Further, it is important to note that not only genital TB causes infertility but TB affecting any other organ in the body causes malnutrition, immune disturbances, and impaired hormone production which can lead to poor egg formation or secondary amenorrhoea resulting in infertility.

Infertility treatment and risk of TB

As we learned TB is one of the main reasons for infertility but vice versa is there. Reactivation of TB can occur after surgical manipulation, high steroid levels, immune system perturbations, and increased vascularity during ovarian stimulation are thought to be the triggering factors for TB reactivation.

Male Genitourinary TB and Infertility

Genital TB in males predominantly causes structural damage to the male reproductive system. About 10% of patients with male genital TB may present with infertility, and around 4.0–9.1% of such men may have poor semen quality. Sometimes, scarring and fibrosis may persist even after successful treatment of TB. Similar to females, males may also remain asymptomatic or they may present as an unexplained, gradually progressing decline in semen quality or sometimes TB is picked incidentally during diagnostic workup. Sometimes, TB of any other part of the body apart from genital TB can affect the overall health of males leading to malnutrition and oligospermia.

Genital TB is a paucibacillary disease, i.e. number of tuberculosis bacteria that can be detected is very scanty, hence the diagnosis is very difficult. The diagnostic work requires complete investigations like blood test, radiology test, endometrial biopsies or aspirate followed by pathological or microbiological conformation. Sometimes in absence of appropriate diagnostic test, patients end up in taking tuberculosis treatment based on suspicious or misleading diagnostic test, this may be equally harmful as unnecessary tuberculosis treatment may promote drug resistant tuberculosis.

Genital TB is a complex and chronic infection that can affect reproductive system of both males or females resulting in infertility. Early detection and treatment can prevent irreversible damage but being paucibacillary disease, diagnosis remains difficult. With recent advancement in diagnostic test, detailed history and meticulous examination and diagnostic work up is key to success. Couple must seek specialist opinion before starting tuberculosis treatment for infertility.

HIV admin

Understanding the Importance of the HPV Vaccine: Protecting Against Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. A significant cause of this cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. The HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in the fight against cervical cancer, offering a preventative measure that can save lives. This blog post delves into the importance of the HPV vaccine, its administration, and its role in cancer prevention.

What is HPV?

HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, with more than 40 types transmitted through direct sexual contact. While many HPV infections go away on their own and do not cause any health problems, some can persist and lead to genital warts or, more seriously, cervical cancer. Other cancers caused by HPV include cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx (throat, tongue, and tonsils).

The Link Between HPV and Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is almost always caused by HPV. In particular, two types of HPV (types 16 and 18) are responsible for approximately 70% of all cervical cancer cases. The virus infects the cells of the cervix, leading to changes that, over time, can develop into cancer if not detected and treated early.

The HPV Vaccine: An Effective Preventative Measure

The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer and genital warts. It is highly effective and has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of these conditions.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for:

  • Girls and boys aged 9-14 years: This age group benefits the most because they should receive the vaccine before becoming sexually active.
  • Females and males aged 15-26 years: Those who were not vaccinated earlier should still get the vaccine for protection.
  • Immunocompromised individuals: Such as people living with HIV/AIDS, who may require 2 or 3 doses depending on their age and health condition.

Vaccine Administration

The HPV vaccine is typically administered in two or three doses over six months, depending on the age and health status of the individual:

  • Younger age groups (9-14 years): 2 doses
  • Individuals aged 15-26 years or immunocompromised individuals: 2 or 3 doses

Benefits of the HPV Vaccine

  • Prevents Cervical Cancer: By protecting against the high-risk types of HPV, the vaccine can prevent the majority of cervical cancer cases.
  • Reduces the Risk of Other Cancers: The vaccine also lowers the risk of other cancers associated with HPV.
  • Decreases the Incidence of Genital Warts: The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause genital warts.
  • Contributes to Herd Immunity: Widespread vaccination can lead to a significant reduction in the overall prevalence of HPV in the population, providing indirect protection to those who are not vaccinated.

Safety and Side Effects

The HPV vaccine has been thoroughly tested and is considered safe. The most common side effects are mild and include pain at the injection site, headache, and fever. Severe side effects are rare.

Conclusion

The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in the fight against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. By vaccinating boys and girls at an early age, we can significantly reduce the incidence of these serious health conditions. It’s crucial for parents to understand the importance of the HPV vaccine and to ensure their children receive it on time.

For expert advice and vaccination, consult Dr. Chhavi Gupta, an infectious diseases specialist from AIIMS, New Delhi.

📞 Call Now: 8851 346 424