Asherman Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Asherman Syndrome?
A gynecologist is a doctor for women's health. This doctor treats Asherman syndrome. Your regular doctor can check you first and send you to a gynecologist for tests. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Asherman syndrome?
Asherman syndrome is scar tissue that forms inside the uterus, the organ where a baby grows during pregnancy. The scar tissue is also called adhesions. It can make the walls of the uterus stick together. This can change menstrual periods and make it harder to get pregnant.
Asherman syndrome is rare. It most often develops after uterine surgery. The problem most often appears after a dilation and curettage, also called a D and C. In a D and C, a doctor removes tissue left inside the uterus after a pregnancy.
Symptoms
The scar tissue can cause:
- No menstrual periods, called amenorrhea.
- Very light periods.
- Repeated miscarriages.
- Infertility, meaning trouble getting pregnant.
However, these symptoms can have other causes. They point more to Asherman syndrome if they start suddenly after a D and C or other uterine surgery. Some women also have severe cramps when a period is due, but little or no bleeding. This can mean blood is trapped by scar tissue near the cervix.
Causes and who gets it
Most cases happen in women who have had several D and C procedures. These are often done after a miscarriage or to remove tissue left after delivery. Risk rises with each repeat procedure. The syndrome can also appear after surgery for uterine fibroids, which are growths in the uterus. A severe pelvic infection can also lead to it. Infections such as tuberculosis can cause adhesions too, but they are rare in the United States.
How doctors diagnose it
A pelvic exam does not find the problem in most cases. One test is hysterosalpingography. Another is a hysterosonogram, an ultrasound done after salt water is placed inside the uterus. Hysteroscopy is the best test. A thin tube with a camera is placed into the uterus. The doctor can then see the scar tissue directly.
Treatment
Treatment is surgery to cut and remove the scar tissue. This can most often be done with hysteroscopy, using small tools and a camera placed into the uterus through the cervix. Afterward, the uterine cavity must be kept open while it heals so the adhesions do not come back. Your doctor may place a small balloon inside the uterus for a short time. You may also take estrogen to help the uterine lining heal. Antibiotics may be given if there is an infection. Sometimes more than one procedure is needed.
Asherman syndrome can often be cured with surgery. Women who are infertile because of it may be able to have a baby after treatment. Success depends on how severe the disease was. In some cases, treatment does not cure infertility.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly if your periods do not return after uterine surgery, or if you cannot get pregnant after 6 to 12 months of trying. Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can do a first checkup, order early tests, and send you to a gynecologist.
Common questions
What are the main symptoms?
Main symptoms are a lack of periods, repeated miscarriages, and infertility. These signs point more to Asherman syndrome if they start suddenly after a D and C. Some women have severe cramps when a period is due, with little or no bleeding.
Can Asherman syndrome be prevented?
Most cases cannot be predicted or prevented. The risk is highest after several D and C procedures, and it rises with each repeat procedure. For removing tissue left after a delivery, a hysteroscopic resection causes less scarring than a D and C. A severe pelvic infection can also lead to the syndrome.
What is the surgery like?
The surgery removes scar tissue with small tools and a camera, placed into the uterus through the cervix. Problems are uncommon. When they happen, they can include bleeding, a hole in the uterus, and pelvic infection.
Can I get pregnant after treatment?
Often yes, but not always. Asherman syndrome can often be cured with surgery. Sometimes more than one procedure is needed. Some women still have trouble getting pregnant after treatment.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
