What Are the Causes of Asherman's Syndrome?
The following are the causes of Asherman’s syndrome:
Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure that removes tissue from inside the uterus. Dilation and curettage are performed by healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat specific uterine conditions.
Childbirth Complications: Trauma during childbirth, particularly excessive bleeding or retained placental tissue, can increase the likelihood of scar tissue formation.
Caesarean section: A C-section, also known as a caesarean section or caesarean delivery, is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. They are used when a vaginal delivery is not possible or safe or when the health of you or your baby is jeopardised.
Infections: Infections of the uterine lining, such as endometritis, can cause scar tissue formation as part of the healing process.
Radiation treatment: Radiation fibrosis syndrome (RFS) is a progressive fibrotic tissue sclerosis that presents with a variety of clinical symptoms in the irradiation field. It is usually a late complication of radiation therapy and can happen weeks or even years after treatment.
Uterine surgery: Uterine adhesions can also arise from surgical procedures such as myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids) or polyp removal if they are not performed with precision.
What Are the Symptoms of Asherman’s Syndrome?
Asherman syndrome’s most common symptom is a lack of periods. You may also experience pain when your period is due, but no bleeding occurs.
The following are the symptoms of Asherman’s Syndrome:
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding: This is the most common symptom of Asherman’s syndrome. You may have very light periods, irregular periods, or no periods at all.
- Pelvic pain: You may experience pain in your lower abdomen, especially during your period.
- Infertility: Scar tissue can make it difficult for an egg to implant in the uterus, which can lead to infertility.
- Recurrent miscarriage: If you are able to get pregnant, scar tissue can increase your risk of miscarriage.
The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the scar tissue. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.
What is Asherman's Syndrome Treatment?
Asherman’s syndrome can be treated in different ways. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you feel, any pain you have, and your fertility goals. Doing nothing may be an option if you have no symptoms. But if you plan to get pregnant, there are treatments to remove scar tissue and improve your chances of success. Asherman’s syndrome treatment can also help if you’re having cramps or pelvic pain.
The most common treatment for Asherman’s Syndrome is hysteroscopic surgery. During this outpatient procedure, surgeons use an instrument to remove adhesions from the uterine wall. Hormonal remedies, such as Oestrogen, may aid in the healing and rebuilding of uterine cells.
Although antibiotics do not directly help with Asherman’s Syndrome, they may help with infection and inflammation after hysteroscopic surgery. To prevent scar tissue buildup, a doctor may suggest inserting a Foley catheter or a uterine balloon stent to keep the uterine walls separated.
Conclusion
Asherman syndrome can usually be treated surgically. The surgeon will cut and remove the scar tissue or the adhesions. The surgery is minimally invasive and performed through a hysteroscopy. You will require general anaesthesia, and oestrogen may be prescribed following surgery to improve the quality of the uterine lining. Allow the scar to heal (about 1 to 2 months) before attempting to conceive.
