Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB)

Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is infection of the reproductive tract — most often the fallopian tubes, and also the endometrium, ovaries or cervix — by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, usually spreading from a primary infection elsewhere in the body (commonly the lungs) via the bloodstream. It is an important, India-specific cause of tubal damage and infertility because India carries a high burden of tuberculosis overall, as tracked by the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). FGTB is often silent, with no obvious symptoms, and may only be suspected because of infertility, an abnormal HSG showing tubal blockage or a beaded/rigid tube pattern, or endometrial findings on hysteroscopy or biopsy. Diagnosis is genuinely difficult: no single test is fully reliable. Tests used include endometrial biopsy for histopathology, TB PCR and culture, and imaging, but each test can be falsely negative (TB is patchy and hard to sample) or falsely positive (PCR can detect non-viable DNA or cross-react), so results need to be interpreted carefully by a specialist alongside the full clinical picture, in line with ICMR/NTEP guidance. Importantly, not every case of tubal blockage is due to tuberculosis, and anti-tubercular treatment should never be started for infertility alone without a confirmed or strongly supported diagnosis, given the length and side-effect burden of the treatment. Where FGTB has caused significant tubal or endometrial damage, IVF is often needed because the tubes and lining may not recover fully even after the infection is treated.

Also known as: genital TB, FGTB, TB in uterus

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.