Asherman syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the presence of scars inside the uterus, which can accumulate, causing symptoms such as severe cramps, absent or small periods, and difficulty getting pregnant.
Asherman’s syndrome, or uterine synechiae, can be caused by trauma to the uterus such as surgical scraping, removal of fibroids or polyps or by infections, such as schistosomiasis and genital tuberculosis, for example.
Therefore, in the presence of symptoms that may indicate Asherman’s syndrome, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist to carry out a complete evaluation and, if necessary, indicate appropriate treatment, which is done through surgical hysteroscopy and the use of medications, such as antibiotics and estrogens.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of Asherman syndrome are:
- Strong cramps;
- Absent or small amounts of menstruation;
- Difficulty getting pregnant;
- Pain in the pelvic region
- Recurrent miscarriage.
Furthermore, in more serious cases, uterine synechiae can also block the uterus or cervical canal, causing retrograde menstruation, a situation where menstrual blood, instead of leaving the uterus and being eliminated through the vagina, fallopian tubes and cavity. pelvic, which can cause endometriosis.
Read too: Retrograde menstruation: what it is, symptoms and treatment
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of Asherman syndrome is made by the gynecologist, through visualization of the inside of the uterus, which can be done through diagnostic hysteroscopy, an exam that allows the inside of the uterus to be observed with a camera, helping to identify and treat any changes. . Understand better how hysteroscopy is performed.
Furthermore, to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may also request hysterosalpingography, an examination that allows the uterus and fallopian tubes to be visualized, being useful for identifying any changes, such as adhesions, malformations, fibroids or obstructed tubes.
In cases of complete blockage of the uterine cavity, the doctor may also request an MRI exam.
If you want to confirm your risk of Asherman syndrome, make an appointment with the gynecologist closest to you:
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Possible causes
Possible causes of Asherman syndrome are:
- Dilation and curettage of the uterus, indicated to clean the lining of the uterus after spontaneous or induced abortion or to treat certain conditions, such as heavy bleeding;
- Caesarean;
- Operative hysteroscopy, to remove fibroids or polyps;
- Infections, such as genital tuberculosis and schistosomiasis;
Asherman syndrome is usually caused by medical procedures that can cause injury or by infections in the uterus.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment of Asherman syndrome must be carried out by a surgeon and includes surgical hysteroscopy to remove the scars, or adhesions, by cutting them, and the placement of a balloon for 7 to 10 days after surgery, to prevent the junction between the walls of the uterus during healing.
Other doctors may choose not to place the balloon and evaluate weekly, after surgery, whether there are new adhesions and, if necessary, remove them before they worsen.
After surgery, the doctor may prescribe the use of antibiotics to prevent infections and inflammation, as well as oral, transdermal or intramuscular estrogen to help reduce scarring and help the uterus recover.
Can someone with a scar on their uterus get pregnant?
Generally, a woman who has Asherman’s syndrome, or a scar on the uterus, can become pregnant after treating this condition.
Is Asherman syndrome curable?
Yes, Asherman’s syndrome has a cure, which is achieved with surgery to remove scar tissue from the uterus, which reduces pain and other symptoms.
