New Delhi: Women across age groups are mostly not aware of female genital TB (FGTB), as there are no symptoms; it is a silent disease sparing no age group but the majority of patients that are affected are of reproductive age. As per doctors, FGTB causes significant morbidity also a major reason for infertility. Experts inform that it is still an underestimated disease, which needs awareness and prompt attention and a high degree of evaluation by doctors for correct diagnosis and treatment. On the occasion of World TB Day, ETHealthworld spoke with doyens of fertility with diverse experience to gain a clear understanding of not only the severity of FGTB but also how it is frequently diagnosed at later stages, when the disease’s scope has widened and has the potential to have a devastating impact on women’s reproductive health. A study published in the Indian Journal of Tuberculosis suggests 25 per cent of the women who suffer from pulmonary TB in India also have silent genital tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (occasionally Mycobacterium bovis and/or atypical mycobacteria) is the primary causative agent of FGTB. It typically develops as a result of TB of the lungs or other organs and spreads by lymphatic, haematogenous, or direct dissemination from abdominal TB. Around 90 per cent of women with FGTB experience fallopian tube damage.

New Delhi: Women across age groups are mostly not aware of female genital TB (FGTB), as there are no symptoms; it is a silent disease sparing no age group but the majority of patients that are affected are of reproductive age. As per doctors, FGTB causes significant morbidity also a major reason for infertility. Experts inform that it is still an underestimated disease, which needs awareness and prompt attention and a high degree of evaluation by doctors for correct diagnosis and treatment. On the occasion of World TB Day, ETHealthworld spoke with doyens of fertility with diverse experience to gain a clear understanding of not only the severity of FGTB but also how it is frequently diagnosed at later stages, when the disease’s scope has widened and has the potential to have a devastating impact on women’s reproductive health. A study published in the Indian Journal of Tuberculosis suggests 25 per cent of the women who suffer from pulmonary TB in India also have silent genital tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (occasionally Mycobacterium bovis and/or atypical mycobacteria) is the primary causative agent of FGTB. It typically develops as a result of TB of the lungs or other organs and spreads by lymphatic, haematogenous, or direct dissemination from abdominal TB. Around 90 per cent of women with FGTB experience fallopian tube damage.

Birth control refers to the practice of using specific methods, medications, or surgical operations for both males and females to prevent conception. However, women have a wider variety of birth control methods to select from. Some methods of contraception are more effective than others. Your choice of birth control will be influenced by your health, desire to have children now or in the future, and need to avoid STIs. 

On TikTok, many pregnant women seem to be sharing a bizarre experience — about a change in the size of their nose during the last trimester. According to reports, women have been posting before and after pictures with the hashtag ‘pregnancy nose’, with their noses visibly broader and puffier in the second set of images.

While it is being talked about now, turns out it is not anything new. A 2004 study published in National Center for Biotechnology Information noted that nasal physiological changes during pregnancy were seen in all the 18 subjects who were studied from their first trimester of pregnancy and followed through to the postpartum period to monitor the changes that occurred.

The study analysed measurements of the nasal airway including anterior rhinoscopy (AnR), peak inspiratory nasal flow, acoustic rhinometry, anterior rhinomanometry (ARM), and the saccharin test with rhinitis questionnaire scores providing a symptomatic measurement.

Though not a medical term, pregnancy nose is one of the “physiological changes seen in pregnancy due to hormonal surges”, said Dr Manju Gupta, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, Motherhood Hospital, Noida.

Is it something to be concerned about?

According to Dr Shobha Gupta, medical director, and IVF expert, Mother’s Lap IVF Centre, New Delhi and Vrindavan, hormones produce vascular dilation, which can lead to increased blood flow to specific parts, which is necessary for the uterus. “It isn’t always selective. Its just that your nose is one of the body parts with mucous membranes that experiences increased flow. It is mostly harmless and can be experienced just like any other pregnancy symptoms,” Dr Shobha told indianexpress.com.

So does the nose reverse to its original size?

Dr Manju mentioned that it takes time for the nose to reverse to its original size. “So while it is not evident immediately after the delivery, one can see the difference within 6-8 weeks difference as the hormones subside,” said Dr Manju.

In an era where health has taken the center stage, there is still much to be known about an essential ‘building block of life’- Protein. Protein intake from conception to two years of age may have lifelong implications.A major part of this crucial stage is spent in utero, hence in the prenatal and postnatal stages it is important to have good quality and quantity of protein intake.So the onus of bearing a healthy child falls mostly on pregnant women.

The Protein Paradox Study by Right to Protein found that an average of 85 mothers believe that protein leads to weight gain.They also agreed that they would prioritize the consumption of carbohydrates and vitamins rather than protein.This risk of inadequate dietary intake leads to poor birth outcomes and nutritional status.

Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) cause inflammation of a woman’s reproductive organs, leading to scar formation between tissues and organs. This condition either stems from an untreated sexually transmitted infection or other gynecological infection. The pelvic inflammatory disease affects the lower reproductive system such as the uterus, the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. While many different types of bacteria can cause pelvic inflammatory diseases, can urinary tract infection (UTI) also lead to it? Let’s find out.

Acute menstrual headache occurs in a menstruation woman during the two days before her period and/or throughout the first three days…

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common treatable cause of infertility in women, estimated to account for about 80 per cent of anovulatory infertility cases. It is a common hormonal disorder among women, affecting around 5-10 per cent of women of reproductive age. The syndrome is characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, weight gain, and acne. Not just fertility problems, PCOS can also lead to insulin resistance, and diabetes. Although the exact cause of PCOS is not known, certain lifestyle habits can help reduce its incidence in women.

Here, Dr Shweta Wazir, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Motherhood Hospital, Gurugram, shares some of the habits that can help reduce the incidence of PCOS in women.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is crucial in managing PCOS symptoms and reducing its incidence. Exercise helps to improve insulin sensitivity, increase metabolism, and regulate menstrual cycles. It also aids in weight loss, which is beneficial in reducing the severity of PCOS symptoms. A combination of aerobic and resistance training can be beneficial for women with PCOS. A study found that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise three times a week for 12 weeks significantly improved insulin sensitivity and menstrual regularity in women with PCOS.

Anita Baliga, a 34-year-old homemaker from Mangaluru, nostalgically remembers her childhood summer vacations in a joint family, where she never had to worry about finding something to do.

While Tina was “happy and cheerful” for most parts of the month, she dreaded the days before and during her periods. This, however, wasn’t because of the common stomach cramps most women experience during their menstrual cycles.