Endometrial Tuberculosis Symptoms
Endometrial tuberculosis, also referred to as uterine or genital tuberculosis, is a medical condition in women. This infection is caused by the abnormal presence of a specific type of bacterium, called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, within a woman's endometrial tissues, which line the interior wall of the uterus.
Endometrial tuberculosis, also referred to as uterine or genital tuberculosis, is a medical condition in women. This infection is caused by the abnormal presence of a specific type of bacterium, called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, within a woman's endometrial tissues, which line the interior wall of the uterus. Approximately eight to 10 million people are affected by genital tuberculosis, according to Dr. M. J. Jassawalla in a 2006 article published in "The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India." Women who develop endometrial tuberculosis symptoms should consult a physician for further evaluation and care.
Pelvic Pain
Approximately 25 percent of patients with endometrial tuberculosis experience pelvic pain as a symptom of this infection, explain Drs. Botha and Van der Merwe in a 2008 article published in the journal "South African Family Practice." Sensations of pelvic pain can arise intermittently and may be mild to severe. Chronic or severe pelvic pain should be discussed with a medical professional immediately as this symptom of endometrial tuberculosis can also be a sign of uterine or cervical cancer.
Irregular Vaginal Bleeding
Unusual or irregular vaginal bleeding can occur in women as a symptom of endometrial tuberculosis. In a 2007 article published in the journal "Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology," Dr. Kemal Güngördük and colleagues reported that abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs in nearly 20 percent of women with this infection. Affected women can experience light to moderate vaginal bleeding in between their normal menstrual cycles, a symptom often referred to as spotting. Endometrial tuberculosis may also cause certain women to experience unusually long or heavy menstrual periods each month. Alternatively, women may frequently miss their normal menstrual period as a symptom of this infection. This lack of a menstrual period, called amenorrhea, occurs in approximately 5 percent of women affected by endometiral tuberculosis.
Vaginal Discharge
Excessive or unusual vaginal discharge can emerge as a symptom of endometrial tuberculosis, warn Drs. Botha and Van der Merwe. Women with this infection can notice that their vaginal discharge is discolored or more profuse than normal. Changes in the appearance or consistency of vaginal discharge can also be signs of a vaginal infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted disease. Affected women should seek further medical care to ensure receipt of appropriate treatment.
Infertility
Over 40 percent of women with genital tuberculosis develop infertility as a symptom of infection, report Dr. Güngördük and colleagues. Infertility is a condition in which a woman is unable to become pregnant. Infertility can be emotionally challenging for women who develop this symptom. Affected women should receive further evaluation and care from a physician.