Men get the same TB symptoms as women. But many men put off seeing a doctor, and smoking and alcohol are harmful during TB treatment, so knowing the signs matters.
हिंदी में सार
पुरुषों में टीबी के लक्षण वही हैं: 2 हफ़्ते या ज़्यादा खाँसी, बुखार, रात को पसीना, वज़न घटना। अंडकोष में 2 हफ़्ते से ज़्यादा दर्द या सूजन भी टीबी का संकेत हो सकता है। इलाज के दौरान धूम्रपान और शराब से दूर रहें।
The official warning signs
India’s National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) uses a four-symptom complex to decide who should be tested for lung TB. The programme says anyone with a cough of more than 2 weeks, with or without other symptoms, should be identified as presumptive TB and tested.
- Cough for 2 weeks or morewith or without phlegm
- Fever for 2 weeks or moreoften rising in the evening
- Night sweatswaking up drenched
- Weight losswithout trying
Other common signs listed by the programme:
- Blood in the phlegmeven a streak
- Chest painor breathlessness
- Loss of appetiteand tiredness
- An abnormal chest X-rayfound during a check-up
Signs that are specific to men
- Pain or swelling in the scrotumfor 2 weeks or more
- Burning urine or blood in urinefor 2 weeks or more, not cured by antibiotics
See genital TB symptoms.
Smoking and alcohol
The NTEP knowledge base says smoking and alcohol are harmful to TB patients and should be avoided. They also make it easier to dismiss a long cough or weight loss. If you smoke or drink and have a cough for 2 weeks or more, get tested.
Work and TB
Many men worry about losing work. TB treatment is free, and most people can return to work once they feel better and are no longer infectious, as their doctor advises. Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana gives Rs 1,000 per month of treatment as of October 2026 for nutrition. See life with TB.
Symptoms alone cannot tell you whether you have TB. If you have a cough or fever for 2 weeks or more, weight loss, night sweats or blood in your phlegm, go to your nearest government health facility and ask for a TB test. TB testing and treatment are free there.
Free TB helpline Ni-kshay Sampark: 1800-11-6666.
Should I get tested?Answer a few yes or no questions based on the official TB warning signs. Nothing is saved.
Start the checklistMore on TB symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Are TB symptoms different in men and women?
The main signs are the same. Genital TB signs differ: scrotal pain or swelling in men; infertility, period changes and pelvic pain in women.
Can TB affect male fertility?
Rarely. Genital TB in men can occasionally affect fertility. See a doctor for scrotal swelling.
Should I stop smoking during TB treatment?
Yes. Smoking and alcohol are harmful during TB treatment. Ask your health facility for help quitting.
Medical review note. Written from official TB programme guidelines; last checked 16 October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, see a doctor at your nearest government health facility.