UTERINE SEPTUM

This is a ‘partition’ normally down the middle of uterus giving it a left and a right side.  Many septum have no symptoms and are of no clinical consequence.  However, for some it may be linked to infertility, miscarriage and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.  Treatment is with removal of the septum via a hysteroscopic procedure (See hysteroscopy under surgeries).  Dr Laura will be able to advise you whether your septum is best treated in this manner.

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ASHERMAN SYNDROME

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Although this scar tissue does not interfere with your health, it can prevent you from getting pregnant or, in rare cases, may affect the development of a baby during pregnancy.  It is more likely to occur if you have had a number of surgeries where the uterus needed to be emptied more than once, after a miscarriage or retained placenta. Fortunately, Asherman syndrome is rare. Many women will not notice anything at all, especially if you have reached menopause. The most common problem you may notice is a change in your menstrual cycle – lighter periods, or none at all. If you are still having your period, you might experience an increase in period pain.  

The amount of scarring does not have a direct impact on your periods. Some women with minimal scarring may have no periods, others with significant scarring experience near-normal menstruation. The change may be so minimal that it cannot be noticed.  If scarring occurs at the time of a term birth, the women will not notice lighter menstruation until she weans the baby and her normal menstrual cycle returns.  

How is Asherman syndrome diagnosed? 

The doctor will ask about your medical history

Most women with Asherman syndrome have a history of abnormal bleeding after a miscarriage or birth and have undergone a curette (D&C) or other procedure to remove tissue from the uterus.  In most cases, women are also aware of a reduced menstrual flow that persists over several cycles. Some women report feeling all the symptoms of approaching menstruation, but ‘nothing happens’.

Sonography
The scarring of Asherman syndrome is often not visible on regular ultrasound testing. A special test where the fluid is used to outline the cavity of the uterus is more likely to detect the problem. 

However, scarring within the cervix is much more difficult to see with ultrasound, whatever method is used. It is important to understand that a normal ultrasound does not rule out Asherman syndrome.   

Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is the only procedure that allows a complete assessment of the uterus and is more accurate in the diagnosis of Asherman syndrome than ultrasound. Hysteroscopy is a procedure where a small telescope is passed into the cervix and the uterus, allowing the gynaecologist to see all surfaces of the cervix and the uterus and look for scar tissue. Hysteroscopy allows the gynaecologist to see the scar tissue and to use instruments to cut and remove it.  

Hormonal therapies
The hormone estrogen stimulates the growth of the lining of the uterus, and it is commonly prescribed for women following surgical treatment of scarring in Asherman syndrome.

Other medication Antibiotics at the time of surgery are commonly used to help reduce the risk of infection.    

Adhesion barriers
If the scar tissue is operated on, it may stick together again after the procedure. To reduce this risk, a barrier may be used to keep the walls of the cavity apart.  

Treatment can improve the tissue to allow a pregnancy to occur, however, changes which involve the deeper layers of the uterus are likely to remain to a certain extent. 

If you do not have painful symptoms and are certain that you don’t want to have any more children, then there is no need to treat Asherman syndrome.  No harm will come from the presence of the scar tissue itself, though you may have reduced, or even no periods until you reach menopause.

Source: https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/Womens-Health/Patient-Information-Resources/Asherman-Syndrome

DISCLAIMER: This information is intended to be used as a guide of general nature, having regard to general circumstances. The information presented should not be relied on as a substitute for medical advice, independent judgement or proper assessment by a doctor, with consideration of the particular circumstances of each case and individual needs. This information reflects information available at the time of its preparation, but its currency should be determined having regard to other available information. RANZCOG disclaims all liability to users of the information provided. 

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