Asherman's Syndrome
Definition
Asherman syndrome is the formation of scar tissue in the uterine cavity. The problem most often develops after uterine surgery.
Asherman syndrome is the formation of scar tissue in the uterine cavity. The problem most often develops after uterine surgery.
Alternative Names
Uterine synechiae; Intrauterine adhesions; Infertility - Asherman
Uterine synechiae; Intrauterine adhesions; Infertility - Asherman
Causes
Asherman syndrome is a rare condition. In most cases, it occurs in women who have had several dilatation and curettage (D&C) procedures.
A severe pelvic infection unrelated to surgery may also lead to Asherman syndrome.
Adhesions in the uterine cavity can also form after infection with tuberculosis or schistosomiasis. These infections are rare. Uterine complications related to these infections are even less common.
Asherman syndrome is a rare condition. In most cases, it occurs in women who have had several dilatation and curettage (D&C) procedures.
A severe pelvic infection unrelated to surgery may also lead to Asherman syndrome.
Adhesions in the uterine cavity can also form after infection with tuberculosis or schistosomiasis. These infections are rare. Uterine complications related to these infections are even less common.
Symptoms
The adhesions may cause:
- Amenorrhea (lack of menstrual periods)
- Repeated miscarriages
- Infertility
However, such symptoms could be related to several conditions. They are more likely to indicate Asherman syndrome if they occur suddenly after a D&C or other uterine surgery.
The adhesions may cause:
- Amenorrhea (lack of menstrual periods)
- Repeated miscarriages
- Infertility
However, such symptoms could be related to several conditions. They are more likely to indicate Asherman syndrome if they occur suddenly after a D&C or other uterine surgery.
Exams and Tests
A pelvic exam does not reveal problems in most cases.
Tests may include:
- Hysterosalpingography
- Hysterosonogram
- Transvaginal ultrasound examination
- Blood tests to detect tuberculosis or schistosomiasis
A pelvic exam does not reveal problems in most cases.
Tests may include:
- Hysterosalpingography
- Hysterosonogram
- Transvaginal ultrasound examination
- Blood tests to detect tuberculosis or schistosomiasis
Treatment
Treatment involves surgery to cut and remove the adhesions or scar tissue. This can most often be done with a hysteroscopy. This uses miniature instruments and a camera placed into the uterus through the cervix.
After removing scar tissue, the uterine cavity must be kept open while it heals to prevent adhesions from returning. Your healthcare provider may place a small balloon inside the uterus for several days. You may also need to take estrogen while the uterine lining heals.
You may need to take antibiotics if there is an infection.
Treatment involves surgery to cut and remove the adhesions or scar tissue. This can most often be done with a hysteroscopy. This uses miniature instruments and a camera placed into the uterus through the cervix.
After removing scar tissue, the uterine cavity must be kept open while it heals to prevent adhesions from returning. Your healthcare provider may place a small balloon inside the uterus for several days. You may also need to take estrogen while the uterine lining heals.
You may need to take antibiotics if there is an infection.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Asherman syndrome can often be cured with surgery. Sometimes more than one procedure will be necessary.
Women who are infertile because of Asherman syndrome may be able to have a baby after treatment. Successful pregnancy depends on the severity of Asherman syndrome and the difficulty of the treatment. Other factors that affect fertility and pregnancy may also be involved.
Asherman syndrome can often be cured with surgery. Sometimes more than one procedure will be necessary.
Women who are infertile because of Asherman syndrome may be able to have a baby after treatment. Successful pregnancy depends on the severity of Asherman syndrome and the difficulty of the treatment. Other factors that affect fertility and pregnancy may also be involved.
Possible Complications
Complications of hysteroscopic surgery are uncommon. When they occur, they may include bleeding, perforation of the uterus, and pelvic infection.
In some cases, treatment of Asherman syndrome will not cure infertility.
Complications of hysteroscopic surgery are uncommon. When they occur, they may include bleeding, perforation of the uterus, and pelvic infection.
In some cases, treatment of Asherman syndrome will not cure infertility.
When to Contact our doctor at Sukhayu Hospital?
Call us on 7420004242 if:
- Your menstrual periods do not return after gynecologic or obstetrical surgery.
- You cannot get pregnant after 6 to 12 months of trying (See a specialist for an infertility evaluation).
Call us on 7420004242 if:
- Your menstrual periods do not return after gynecologic or obstetrical surgery.
- You cannot get pregnant after 6 to 12 months of trying (See a specialist for an infertility evaluation).
Prevention
Most cases of Asherman syndrome cannot be predicted or prevented.
Most cases of Asherman syndrome cannot be predicted or prevented.
