Female genital tuberculosis revisted.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical presentation of genital tuberculosis and to study various modes of diagnosis and treatment.

SETTING

The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi.

METHOD

A retrospective case review of all index female cases of genital tuberculosis, admitted to AKUH over twelve years of period.

RESULT

A total of 40 cases of genital tuberculosis were reported during this time period. Majority of cases were between 25-45 years. The commonest presenting symptoms were infertility (42.5%) and abdominal pain (42%). Others included fever, ascites, irregular vaginal bleeding, oligomenorrhea, chest pain and pain in the flanks. Main mode of treatment was antituberculous drug therapy for duration of nine months. Only 3 patients had successful pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

Genital tuberculosis should be excluded when managing infertility in females.