Asherman's Syndrome - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Asherman's Syndrome

Asherman's Syndrome is an acquired uterine disease, characterized by the formation of adhesions (scar tissue) in the uterus. In many cases the front and back walls of the uterus stick to one another. In other cases, adhesions only occur in a small portion of the uterus. The extent of the adhesions defines whether the case is mild, moderate or severe. The adhesions can be thin or thick, can be spotty in location, or can be confluent. They are usually not vascular, an important attribute that helps in treatment.

Symptoms and Signs of Asherman's Syndrome

• No menstrual flow (amenorrhea) or decreased menstrual flow
• Infertility
• Recurrent miscarriages

These symptoms could be related to several conditions and are more likely to indicate Asherman's syndrome if they occur suddenly after a D&C or other uterine surgery.

Cause of Asherman's syndrome

Asherman's syndrome can also occur after other types of uterine surgery. It may be more likely to happen after a pregnancy-related D&C or if an infection is present in the uterus during the time of the procedure. A severe pelvic infection unrelated to surgery may also lead to Asherman's syndrome.

Treatment of Asherman's syndrome

Asherman's syndrome should be treated if it is causing infertility or amenorrhea. Surgical treatment includes cutting and removing adhesions or scar tissue within the uterine cavity. This can usually be performed by hysteroscopy - small instruments and a camera are placed into the uterus through the cervix.

After scar tissue is removed, the uterine cavity must be kept open while it heals to prevent recurrence of the adhesions. Your doctor may place a small balloon inside the uterus for several days, and may prescribe estrogen replacement therapy to take for several months while the uterine lining heals.