Genital tuberculosis is common among females with tubal factor infertility: Observational study

Abstract

Background: Genital tuberculosis is mostly asymptomatic and infertility is a common presentation. The study objective was to identify the rate of genital tuberculosis among women with tubal factor infertility in non endemic area and to assess the outcome after administration of antitubercular therapy.
Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study in Al Thawra General Hospital (from March 2012 to February 2014). Of a total 151 women who had tubal factor infertility, 61 cases were investigated for genital tuberculosis. Women who were found to have the disease were treated by antitubercular therapy and the outcomes were analyzed.
Results: We found that 31.1% (47/151) of cases had genital tuberculosis contributing to infertility. Of these, 55.7% (34/61) were positive by histopathology, and 44.1% (15/34) were positive by polymerase chain reaction. Fallopian tubes were affected in almost all cases and the endometrium was involved in 82.9%. All patients were treated for tuberculosis and the conception rate after ATT was 12.8%.
Conclusion: Genital tuberculosis is still a common health problem contributing to infertility in area considered non endemic indicating underestimation of the condition and so neglected. Antitubercular therapy is not effective in restoration of women’s fertility function as they often present with advanced pathology beyond recovery.