The pattern of female genital tuberculosis in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

An analysis of 40 patients with genital tuberculosis in the Maternity and Children's Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showed that female genital tuberculosis occurred in 0.45% of all gynaecological admissions, a much higher rate than those reported from Western countries with a similar economic background. These 40 women accounted for 4.2% of a total of 945 infertile women studied during the same period, and where infertility was due to a tubal factor, 1 in 7 was afflicted with tuberculosis. Most patients were young nulliparae and in 13 the disease was florid. Complete cure was achieved with chemotherapy in 77% of the patients, but tubal patency was restored in only five of 35 patients followed up (14%). There were only two tubal pregnancies and no intrauterine pregnancy. Genital tuberculosis should be considered as a possible cause of infertility and excluded before embarking upon tubal surgery or ovulation-induction therapy.