A hidden case of genital tuberculosis, undetected despite multiple fertility treatments, was identified as the root cause of infertility at Nova IVF Fertility, Madurai. The couple successfully conceived through IVF and delivered healthy twins after four years of infertility struggle.
A Madurai couple, Surya (38) and Anjali (36) (names changed to protect privacy), who had been married for six years, had been trying to conceive for four years without success. The woman had undergone surgeries, before marriage pertaining to appendix and ovarian cyst. Prior to this, the couple unfortunately went through 2 miscarriages, and 5 failures in IUI treatment. The couple visited Nova IVF Fertility in Madurai; a detailed check-up was done. The scan showed that the woman had a bulky uterus, pelvic infection, and polycystic ovaries (PCOS) in both sides. The husband’s reports were normal, but the repeated failures indicated that something more needed to be investigated.
The couple was advised to undergo IVF-ICSI treatment using their own eggs and sperm. A frozen embryo transfer was performed, but the first attempt was not successful. Instead of repeating the same treatment again, fertility specialists at Nova IVF Fertility, Madurai, decided to change the mode of treatment this time. The patient underwent a hysteroscopy procedure used to examine the inside of the cervix and uterus. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis was done, and the endometrial tissue was sent for the TB-PCR test; the reports showed that she had genital tuberculosis, which was affecting her uterus and thereby preventing pregnancy. She was then referred to a TB specialist and completed 9 months of anti-tuberculosis treatment, which helped clear the infection and improve her chances of pregnancy.
Dr. Scindiya M, Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Madurai, said, “In cases where fertility treatments fail repeatedly, it is important to find the exact cause instead of repeating the same steps. In this case, we identified that tuberculosis in the endometrium was the hidden reason. Once treated properly, the chances of pregnancy have improved. Genital TB is treatable, and with the right care, patients can still become parents. At Nova IVF Fertility, we put more efforts to ensure the couples have a biological child wherever medically possible”
After completing treatment, the couple proceeded with a second embryo transfer using the remaining embryos. This time, the result was positive, and pregnancy was confirmed. The pregnancy progressed smoothly, and the couple delivered healthy twin babies – one boy and one girl, without any complications.
“Genital tuberculosis is often silent and may not show clear symptoms. In this case, the woman had pelvic infection, irregular periods, sometimes she had heavy bleeding during periods, at times, her periods were scanty. Period health is like a report card of your overall fertility, we would recommend women trying to conceive, and if there are irregularities, please consult a fertility specialist, to identify the root cause. With early diagnosis and the right medical care, even complex infertility cases can have successful outcomes,” was emphasized by Dr. Scindiya M, Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Madurai.
Tuberculosis statistics in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has made strong progress in detection and treatment of Tuberculosis. Studies show that TB prevalence in Tamil Nadu ranges roughly between 150 to 300 cases per 100,000 population, indicating that while cases are reducing, TB still affects a significant number of people.