Intrauterine adhesions (scar tissue in the uterine cavity) are sometimes seen during an infertility work up. Dr Joseph G. Asherman originally published a series of papers about intrauterine adhesions in 1948. The term “Asherman syndrome” has been used to describe the disease ever since.
Intrauterine adhesions can cause menstrual problems (light or absent menses, painful menses), infertility, recurrent miscarriages. They can also be completely asymptomatic.
The symptoms from intrauterine adhesions will vary based on the severity of the disease. Patients with some degree of adhesions will have light menses. Those with severe adhesions can have absent menses. If there is blockage of the menstrual flow, then the blood can collect in the uterine cavity (hematometra) and cause pain.
The diagnosis of intrauterine adhesions can be done with hysterosalpingography, ultrasound, hysterosonogram or hysteroscopy. Sometimes a combination of these diagnostic modalities is needed.
The treatment of Asherman syndrome will be discussed in a follow up blog.
To see a board-certified fertility specialist who is qualified to identify medical issues that could be affecting your fertility, make an appointment at one of InVia's four Chicago area fertility clinics.
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