Asherman's Syndrome

scar tissue stretching during pregnancy
scar tissue stretching during pregnancy

What are the symptoms of Asherman’s syndrome?

If you have Asherman’s syndrome, you can experience a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can include:

  • Having very light periods (hypomenorrhea).
  • Not having a period (amenorrhea) or having abnormal uterine bleeding.
  • Feeling severe cramping or pelvic pain.
  • Having difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant.

In some cases, you may not experience any symptoms of Asherman’s syndrome. You may also still experience normal periods. If you feel any discomfort in your pelvis or have unusual periods, reach out to your healthcare provider.

What causes Asherman’s syndrome?

Asherman’s syndrome happens when scar tissue (adhesions) build up inside your uterus, limiting the space inside your uterus and sometimes blocking your cervix. This can happen for several reasons, but one of the main causes is often surgery of your uterus or cervix.

The causes of Asherman’s syndrome can include:

  • Operative hysteroscopy: A surgery where your provider places a camera into your uterus and then cuts off and removes fibroids using an electric instrument.
  • Dilation and curettage (D&C): A type of surgery, dilation and curettage (D&C) is used to open your cervix (dilate) and then remove tissue from your uterus. This tissue can be the lining of your uterus (endometrium) or tissue from a miscarriage or abortion. During the procedure, a tool is used to scrape away the extra tissue. This typically doesn’t cause scarring unless you have an underlying infection.
  • Cesarean section (c-section): This surgery is used to deliver a baby. In some cases, a c-section can cause scar tissue to form. This can happen where the stitches (sutures) were used to stop bleeding (hemorrhages) during the c-section and you have an infection at the time of the procedure. Otherwise, it’s very rare for a c-section to cause Asherman’s syndrome.
  • Infections: Infections alone don’t typically cause Asherman’s syndrome. But, when you have an infection while you undergo uterine surgery, like a D&C or a c-section, you can develop Asherman’s syndrome. Some infections that could lead to Asherman’s syndrome include cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
  • Radiation treatment: Sometimes, a treatment option can cause scar tissue to develop in your uterus. Radiation therapy can be used on conditions like cervical cancer, but this can cause adhesions (scar tissue) that lead to Asherman’s syndrome.

Can an IUD cause Asherman’s syndrome?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of long-term birth control that’s placed inside your uterus and left there for a period of time (often several years). When this device is placed in your body, there’s always the risk of infection and the development of scar tissue. However, this isn’t a proven cause of Asherman’s syndrome and IUDs are not commonly linked to the condition.

This post was last modified on November 29, 2024 12:45 pm