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.