What causes Asherman’s syndrome?

What causes Asherman’s syndrome?

Asherman’s syndrome happens when scar tissue (adhesions) build up inside your uterus, limiting the space inside your uterus and sometimes blocking your cervix. This can happen for several reasons, but one of the main causes is often surgery of your uterus or cervix.

The causes of Asherman’s syndrome can include:

• Operative hysteroscopy: A surgery where your provider places a camera into your uterus and then cuts off and removes fibroids using an electric instrument.
• Dilation and curettage (D&C): A type of surgery, dilation and curettage (D&C) is used to open your cervix (dilate) and then remove tissue from your uterus. This tissue can be the lining of your uterus (endometrium) or tissue from a miscarriage or abortion. During the procedure, a tool is used to scrape away the extra tissue. This typically doesn’t cause scarring unless you have an underlying infection.
• Cesarean section (c-section): This surgery is used to deliver a baby. In some cases, a c-section can cause scar tissue to form. This can happen where the stitches (sutures) were used to stop bleeding (hemorrhages) during the c-section and you have an infection at the time of the procedure. Otherwise, it’s very rare for a c-section to cause Asherman’s syndrome.
• Infections: Infections alone don't typically cause Asherman’s syndrome. But, when you have an infection while you undergo uterine surgery, like a D&C or a c-section, you can develop Asherman’s syndrome. Some infections that could lead to Asherman’s syndrome include cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• Radiation treatment: Sometimes, a treatment option can cause scar tissue to develop in your uterus. Radiation therapy can be used on conditions like cervical cancer, but this can cause adhesions (scar tissue) that lead to Asherman’s syndrome.