Medics: what is the answer to this question?

The contraindication is not to do with transmission of TB.

It's to do with what happens when you already have it.

Usually contraindication relates to taking two medications or treatments at once.

It means there are problems if you take both. These can be different types of problems and there can be work arounds, etc.

I think if this is a research question then your friend needs to learn more about doing research, like using different terms, asking different questions.

I think this is a really good skill to have.

It's also good to know how to evaluate sources. For medical stuff I usually try to find the same information on 3 different reputable sites. Eg. University Websites, Mayo Clinic, Australian Govt Information Websites.

I also Google things and add 'evidence based'. 'Coconut oil helps skin rash evidence base'.
So I can find actual research to look at rather than someone's opinion.

Regarding oral contraceptives being used in the treatment of TB....

They don't have to be used in treatment for there to be a problem so it doesn't matter that one kills bacteria and the other works on hormones.

The human body is very complicated. There could be many reasons why pregnancy is bad when you have TB. Pregnancy can put a lot of stress on your body and you already have a very serious illness.

I don't know how oral contraceptives works be involved in treatment as I did not go to med school.

I'm not clear if your friend works in a medical field or is studying?
Or if the consultant is commenting on their or a friends situation.

If the are a professional/ student then it's important to know how to do the research but if they are just an everyday person then maybe the constant ment that there is not much research into this at all.

Another idea could be to Google relevant TB drugs. There are information sheets that tell you all about certain drugs, the risks, side effects, cautions etc. You might find something in there.

There is no substitute for advice from a good specialist.

But there is also place for self education.

Indication is a symptom that suggests certain medical treatment is necessary.

In medicine, a contraindication is a condition that serves as a reason not to take a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient. Contraindication is the opposite of indication, which is a reason to use a certain treatment. Wikipedia

So I guess the indication for contraception when a patient has TB would be if there was a risk of them getting pregnant.
But oral contraceptives would be contraindicated because the 'R' TB drug reduces their effectiveness.

So maybe other TB drugs are fine with oral contraceptives OR the person needs to use another method of contraception.

So the indication for 'The Pill' is risk of pregnancy (probably person is sexually active/married/capable of concieving) because pregnancy is bad for TB.

But there are also contraindications with particular TB drugs.

That's the best I can do without doing heaps of reading.

Ok I had to know.....

'Mother-to-child transmission of TB may occur in utero through hematogenous spread through the umbilical vein and aspiration or swallowing of infected amniotic fluid, and during the intrapartum period through contact with infected amniotic fluid or genital secretions.
https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com › ...
Tuberculosis in Pregnancy - Cancer Therapy Advisor '.

I also found interesting stuff when I googled'Can oral contraceptives treat TB?'.

Thanks. She’s in med school and it was for learning purposes, usually for researching  medical related issues I don’t depend on most sites or googling except medscape. Most doctors dont really like information from google except trusted sites like medscape. Mayoclinic just gives a basic summary, pubmed for a short investigative report I prefer ncbi.nlm..site  for detailed laboratory reports or research reports.

Hmm that’s interesting I just learnt new stuff, what did you find on “can oral contraceptives treat Tb ?”  

Interesting