Asherman’s Syndrome

Despite the fact that a large number of women suffer its effects, Asherman’s Syndrome is a condition that not many people are aware of. Asherman’s Syndrome is actually the development of scar tissue or adhesions in the uterus or the cervix. In more serious cases of the condition, the front and back uterine walls may become stuck to each other. In less severe cases of Asherman’s Syndrome, only a small portion of the uterus is affected. Adhesions in the uterus can vary in thickness, may merge with one another, or be patchy in their location.

The Sticking Point

Some of the most commonly experienced Asherman’s Syndrome symptoms are amenorrhea, which is the complete absence of menstruation, or having a lighter than normal period. Some women may also suffer from pelvic pain during the normal time of arrival for a monthly cycle, despite the lack of a period. The reason for this is often that monthly menses are actually occurring, but adhesions in the cervix are preventing the blood to leave the uterus. Unfortunately, Asherman’s Syndrome often causes women to have multiple miscarriages or become infertile.

Why Are You Stuck?

So what causes Asherman’s Syndrome, and what are some of the most effective methods of Asherman’s Syndrome treatment? Asherman’s Syndrome is the result the body’s response to some type of damage to the lining of the endometriosis. The damage causes the healing processes to begin, making these areas of damage to fuse together in an effort to repair. Most often, the damage has been caused by a D&C (dilation and curettage) after miscarriage, while other instances of trauma occur when placenta has been retained after the delivery of a baby or an abortion has been performed.

Endometrial sclerosis, a type of Asherman’s Syndrome in which uterine walls have adhesions but are not stuck to one another, is more difficult to treat and is most often caused by some form of surgery on the uterus such as myomectomy. Instances of endometrial sclerosis, or “Unstuck Asherman’s,” are characterized by the amount of extensive damage to the endometrium, which may be completely destroyed.

Releasing Relief

A urogynecologist or other medical specialist will be able to perform a hysteroscopy, sometimes using laparoscopic surgery during the procedure, to remove the scarring from the uterus. Re-scarring can be prevented with the use of estrogen therapies. Other preventative measures include the insertion of a medical device such as a splint or a balloon to keep walls from fusing together immediately after the surgery during healing. Additionally, regularly scheduled hysteroscopies after the initial surgery has been performed may be necessary to remove any scarring that may have begun to re-form.

Don’t let your health be scarred! Consult with the team of experts at Coyle Institute today!