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Infertility
Stages of Asherman's Syndrome
STAGE 1: Diagnosis
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Normally done by your
OBGYN when problems have occurred such as absence of menstruation and
abdominal pain. In some cases women continue to have a very light period
however have no success in conception.
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Diagnosis is usually
made by having an HSG, SHG or diagnostic hysteroscopy.
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In most cases your OBGYN
will refer you to a Reproductive Endocrinologist or a doctor who specializes
in laparascopic surgery. If at all possible, you should consult an A list
doctor who has many years of experience treating AS. If that is not
possible, interview doctors using a pre-established list of questions, the
most important being: How many Asherman’s patients do you see per year.
Obtain a copy of your medical records from all doctors who have treated you.
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Under no circumstances
should you allow a doctor to operate on you before you have done your
homework!
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You will need to have
Hysteroscopic and possibly Laparascopic surgery to remove your adhesions.
This is the most important phase of your treatment. Only a highly skilled
surgeon with experience in AS should do this. Protecting your uterine
lining is very important.
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After your surgery you
will most likely have a balloon catheter inserted into your uterus, this is
used to keep your uterine walls from adhering together during the healing
process. Your Dr. may want this to stay inside for 5-14 days. You will
also take an antibiotic to prevent infection. Note, not all Dr.’s use a
balloon.
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Once the balloon is
removed you will be prescribed a regimen of estrogen and progesterone. The
dose and length of this regimen will vary depending on your doctor.
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2-3 months after your
surgery you should have an HSG, SHG or diagnostic hysteroscopy to view the
inside of your uterus and your fallopian tubes for remaining scar tissue.
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Subsequent surgery may
be necessary.
STAGE 3: Living with Asherman’s
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If you have healed from
your surgery and your uterus is free of scar tissue your doctor may give you
the “green light” to try and conceive. It is very important that this not
be rushed and that your uterus is at least 90% free of scar tissue before
getting pregnant. Some of the risks that you now face with carrying a child
are: Placenta Previa, Placenta Accreta, Premature rupture of membranes and
possibly incompetent cervix.
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During your continued
treatment your GYN/RE may want to track your ovulation and measure your
endometrial lining and follicles during ovulation. Your Dr. may also suggest
that you purchase a fertility monitor to pinpoint your ovulation day and
schedule intercourse appropriately.
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Your Dr. may also
consider fertility medication. This is usually prescribed when you have a
blocked tube or when blood tests indicate a hormonal imbalance. Fertility
medication is not necessary for every woman with AS. If your Dr. prescribes
this for you, ask why and which type would be the best for you.
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