Asherman Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Uterine Scar Tissue

What is Asherman's Syndrome?

Asherman's Syndrome is a condition where scar tissue forms inside the uterus. This causes the uterine walls to stick together. It can disrupt normal menstrual flow as well as interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive. This condition develops in women after surgical procedures involving the uterus, especially in cases of incomplete healing. Although it may not come into attention for years, symptoms like light periods, pelvic pain, or infertility often prompt women to seek medical help.

Asherman's Syndrome is also known as intrauterine synechia. It’s the formation of scar tissue inside the uterine cavity. This scar tissue can partially or completely block the uterus. This inhibits the menstrual flow and reduces the available space for the implantation of an embryo. In many cases, women may not experience noticeable symptoms until they face difficulties conceiving or notice irregular menstrual cycles.

Those suffering from Asherman Syndrome may encounter infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or complications during pregnancy. This happens because the uterus functions abnormally. This is most often found in women with a history of uterine surgeries, infections, or trauma. If Asherman's syndrome is diagnosed early and treated with modern hysteroscopic technology, most women will recover normal uterine functioning and have a better chance of healthy conception.

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Causes of Asherman Syndrome

Common causes of scar tissue in uterus include:

• Past D&C operations, such as those done after a miscarriage.
• Multiple prior D&C's leading to injury to the uterine endometrium.
• Trauma to the endometrium is associated with retained products of conception at the time of delivery.
• Failure to complete an abortion followed by complications resulting from infection.
• Tuberculosis and pelvic infections affecting the uterus.
• Myomectomy or C-section, both of which require surgical access to the uterus.
• Cauterisation and/or physical trauma during procedures involving the uterus.
• PID (untreated pelvic inflammatory disease).
• Intrauterine devices that stimulate inflammation and/or scarring.
• Radiation therapy or trauma associated with a serious form of the uterine tissue.

Diagnosis of Asherman Syndrome

In order to correctly diagnose the condition known as Asherman syndrome, medical professionals will collect information based on what occurred in the patient’s past, as well as how the patient is responding now, both medically and psychologically, to any symptoms that accompany this disorder. A common method used by physicians in determining whether a woman has Asherman syndrome is through hysteroscopy, where the physician can actually see any type of scarring that may have developed in the uterus.

Other diagnostic tests available to help determine whether or not a patient has this condition include:

• Transvaginal ultrasound to visualise any abnormalities with the shape of the uterus
• ,a href="https://radiopaedia.org/articles/sonohysterography" rel="nofollow">Sonohysterography, which involves the injection of normal saline into the uterus to enhance images obtained through ultrasound
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG) which is used to find blockages or abnormal growths that are caused by scar tissue
• An analysis of both the medical and surgical history of the patient to give additional insight into the causes of the condition.
• It is important for physicians to diagnose Asherman syndrome early and accurately so that they can begin to provide the most effective way for treating the disorder.

Treatment Options for Asherman Syndrome

Treatment focuses on restoring the uterine cavity, removing scar tissue, and supporting healthy endometrial growth. The primary treatment is hysteroscopic surgery, where scar tissue is carefully cut and removed using minimally invasive tools. This helps reopen the uterine cavity and improve menstrual flow.

Treatment options include:

• Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis to remove scar tissue precisely.
• Hormonal therapy (usually estrogen) is used post-surgery to promote endometrial healing.
• Balloon catheter placement is temporary. It prevents the uterine walls from sticking together.
• Follow-up imaging to ensure the cavity remains open and scar-free
• Antibiotics if the patient has an underlying infection.
• IVF treatment may be recommended for conception if natural fertility remains affected after recovery.

How Asherman Syndrome Affects Fertility ?

Scar tissue that forms in the uterus can have a significant negative impact on fertility. It can hinder the implantation of embryos and decrease blood flow to the uterine lining. It makes the uterine lining hostile to pregnancy. Women who have Asherman Syndrome frequently experience repeated miscarriages due to the inability of the uterine lining to support an expanding embryo. Some women may be unable to conceive due to limited space within the uterus or due to concentrated scar tissue.

Prevention and Care Tips For Asherman Syndrome

To reduce the risk of Asherman Syndrome, consider the following:

• Avoid unnecessary uterine surgeries when possible
• Seek immediate treatment for pelvic or uterine infections
• Follow the doctor’s advice carefully after a miscarriage or abortion
• Ensure complete evacuation during D&C to prevent trauma
• Attend regular fertility or gynaecological check-ups
• Inform your doctor about past surgeries before new procedures
• Maintain good reproductive health and hygiene

Conclusion

Asherman's syndrome is a rare but treatable condition. Knowledge of the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for Asherman's syndrome will empower women to get adequate medical care at the proper time, thus safeguarding their reproductive health. By utilising advanced diagnostic technology and receiving expert advice from Indira IVF's medical professionals, women may seek timely intervention that will restore normal uterine function and increase the likelihood of successful conception.