Uterine TB: Hidden threat to Afghan women

KABUL (Pajhwok) – For many, tuberculosis (TB) is considered solely a lung disease. However, a gynaecologist warns this illness can also affect the uterus and may be a hidden cause of infertility, recurrent miscarriages and menstrual disorders in women.

Dr Najm-ul-Sama Shafajo, head of the Afghan Gynaecologists Association, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “TB can affect all parts of the body, including the uterus… It can directly infect the uterus.”

According to her, symptoms may be mild or unclear, but the most common signs include menstrual irregularities, cessation of menstruation, abnormal bleeding, infertility, miscarriages and anaemia.

She added: “If a woman has uterine TB, it can block her fallopian tubes. If the bacteria reach the ovaries, they can damage the ovarian tissue or reduce egg production.”

She continued: “We see women who are very young – for example, 19 or 20 years old – with a zero egg count. We are shocked to see such results in someone so young. When we conduct tests, we find they have uterine TB or genital TB.”

The bacteria are often transmitted through the consumption of dairy products.

Dr Shafajo added the only effective way to combat the disease was by strengthening the immune system, stating: “When the immune system is strong, no microbe – including uterine TB – can infect you.”

She explained the patient’s history-taking process often revealed the woman had been unable to conceive or had experienced multiple miscarriages.

Despite undergoing extensive treatment, she remains unable to become pregnant – with uterine TB frequently being the root cause.

Dr Shafajo emphasised the diagnosis and treatment of the disease were available in Afghanistan, eliminating the need for patients to seek care abroad.

Regarding diagnostic procedures, she said samples such as blood or sputum were cultured, and the uterine tubes examined. The results are then evaluated accordingly.

She said: “Typically, among the women who visit us – often due to infertility or recurrent miscarriages – we conduct tests. Out of 10-12 patients tested daily, 4-5 test positive for uterine TB.”

According to Dr Shafajo, women diagnosed with this disease can conceive and bear children following appropriate treatment.

For prevention, she advised boosting the immune system to reduce the risk of contracting such illnesses.

She stressed the importance of childhood vaccinations, including the TB vaccine, and maintaining proper hygiene when consuming dairy products, especially milk.

Treatment duration varies, depending on the severity of the infection and may take three to six months. In some cases, up to 12 months or even two years may be needed.

Patients often experience weight loss during treatment but typically regain it after recovery.

Dr Shafajo advised patients to stay well-hydrated and consume plenty of vegetables and fruits during their treatment.

Patients share experiences

Frozan Stanakzai, a 35-year-old resident of Kabul, told Pajhwok she had been trying to conceive for three years and was recently diagnosed with uterine TB.

Having suffered from severe menstrual pain and irregular periods, she was unable to become pregnant despite extensive treatment over the past three years. Her condition remained undiagnosed until recently.

Meanwhile, MohammadullahHamidi, who brought his wife to Kabul from Faryab province for treatment, said that although they have been married for two years, they still have no children.

He noted they had spent a considerable amount of money on treatment, but her wife’s uterine TB was diagnosed after a long time.

He expressed hope his spouse would recover and would be able to conceive.

sa/mud