Document Type : Research Article
Abstract
Aim: Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is a major cause of infertility in low and middle-income countries despite the availability of highly effective treatment. Asymptomatic latent cases are more common in genital TB hence difficult to measure true incidence and prevalence. Data on the Indian population is scanty due to its subtle presentation. So, this research was planned to evaluate the epidemiology of genital tuberculosis in the Indian population.
Material & Method: A prospective cross-sectional study was organized in a medical college-associated hospital in Northern India. Female patients with infertility between 18 to 45 years of age were included in the study. A detailed clinical assessment and routine investigations were done in each case. In suspected cases, pelvic ultrasound, endometrial culture, polymerase chain reaction, and laparo-hysteroscopy were conducted.
Results: In this study, 100 infertile women were enrolled. Genital tuberculosis was diagnosed in 18 Women (18%). The most common abnormal laparoscopy findings were adhesions followed by hydrosalpinx, tubal mass, and tubo-ovarian mass.
Conclusion: Genital tuberculosis is an important etiology of infertility in India. Genital tuberculosis is diagnosed by a detailed history, clinical examination, and multiple investigations, including pelvic ultrasound, endometrial culture, polymerase chain reaction, andhistopathology.
Clinical significance: Infertility due to genital tuberculosis is an important public health problem in India. Early diagnosis by multiple modalities and complete treatment is required. The conception rate after complete treatment is still low but newer assisted reproductive techniques like IVF-ET can be useful in-patient with fallopian tube blockage with healthy endometrium