Asherman's Syndrome occurs when adhesions (scar tissue) form on the inside of the uterus. Although it can be caused by a severe pelvic infection, Asherman's Syndrome usually develops following surgery to the uterus, typically a D&C (dilation and curettage). This procedure is performed to clear the uterus after a miscarriage or termination or to remove a retained placenta following childbirth.
The symptoms of Asherman's Syndrome will depend on the severity of the scarring but range from light or non-existent periods (amenorrhoea), to repeated miscarriages and infertility.
The condition is undetectable by routine diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound scanning, and as a result women often go months or even years before getting a correct diagnosis. Treatment involves surgery to remove the adhesions and this should be performed by a very experienced surgeon. The surgery will usually be performed with a hysteroscopy, where small instruments and a camera are inserted into the uterus through the cervix. totalhealth Consultant Gynaecologist, Mr Adrian Lower, has prepared an article and a series of videos to explain to women how surgery is used to treat Asherman's Syndrome.
