Is Asherman’s Syndrome on the Rise

Is Asherman’s Syndrome on the Rise

 

Asherman’s syndrome is on the rise in terms of it is being diagnosed more frequently due to increased awareness and improved diagnostic techniques. The condition, characterized by the formation of scar tissue (adhesions) within the uterus, is often linked to uterine surgery, particularly dilation and curettage (D&C) following miscarriage, childbirth or termination. Any trauma to the endometrium, the uterine lining, can potentially lead to Asherman’s syndrome and care is needed.

Asherman’s syndrome frequently occurs after D&C procedures performed for retained products of conception following miscarriage, childbirth, or elective terminations.

Scar tissue is caused when the procedure is rushed or a heavy hand is used. If the uterus is ‘soft’ following recent pregnancy then the likelihood of scarring is increased.

In some of the cases we have dealt with huge swathes of the endometrium are removed causing scarring. This scarring ‘closes’ the uterus so that, in some cases, period blood cannot escape. This is a very painful cyclical condition. The scarring also prevents an embryo embedding in the wall of the uterus.

We are seeing an increase in women coming forward who have suffered with scar tissue. Late diagnosis of Asherman’s is common after suffering for many years of pain.