Can Anti-TB Drugs Be Used To Treat Bilateral Tubal Blockage?

Posted on Mon, 17 Aug 2015

Question: CAN I USE ANTI TB DRUGS FOR TREATMENT OF BILATERAL TUBAL BLOCKAGE?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Anti TB drugs will help only if you are confirmed to have active genital TB

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. TB is one of the causes of blocked fallopian tubes.

2. The causes of bilateral tubal blockage includes the following
(i) Genital tuberculosis
(ii) Pelvic inflammatory disease PID
(iii) Chlamydia infection
(iv) Uterine abnormalities like fibroids and tubo ovarian masses
(v) Endometriosis
(vi) Previous ectopic pregnancy or history of pelvic surgery cesarean section

3. Anti TB medicines are given only for treatment of active TB infection. If your doctor confirms active TB infection then only you should take anti TB drugs. Taking anti TB drugs in the absence of any active TB infection will not help.

4. Please discuss with your doctor the probable cause of bilateral tubal blockage and then take required treatment.

5. Combination of placentrex injection with antimicrobial therapy is a better option for treating pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (16 hours later)

I had TB 3 years ago. But after detection of it I was treated with anti tb drugs. On the course of treatment of about 7 months I got pregnant and presently have one baby boy. Can the previous tb be the factor of present tubal blockage. Recently my doctor done pcr test but it was normal. I had already taken injection placentrex 10 doses on alternate days. But no positive results received. Pls suggest.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The tube blockages are due to scarring after healing of TB

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. If your PCR test for TB is negative then an active infection is unlikely.

2. The earlier TB infection might cause blockage of fallopian tube due to healing. When TB infection heals, there is healing process which forms scar tissue. This causes the walls of the tube to stick to each other and cause tubal blockage.

3. There is no need to take TB medicine again as the earlier infection is cured and your PCR test is normal. Taking placentrix might help to clear the blockage. It might take some time to clear get a pregnancy. You might discuss the possibility of any other treatment options including technique like test tube baby and assisted reproductive technique.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar