Can D&C cause uterine scarring?
Scar tissue formation in the uterus is an uncommon complication in women who have had a D&C. This is referred to as Asherman syndrome. You are at greater risk of scar tissue formation when a D&C is performed after a miscarriage or after/during pregnancy.
What causes scarring after D&C?
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.
What causes scarring of the uterus?
Uterine scarring is caused by trauma to the lining with a procedure and/or inflammation. Rates of scarring are highest when there is a uterine procedure done in the setting of an infection.
How often does D&C cause scarring?
A study found that about one in five women develops scarring after a miscarriage. 1 Less often, intrauterine adhesions result from an infection, such as genital tuberculosis (more common in developing countries than in the United States).
Does D&C affect future pregnancy?
Some studies have suggested that dilation and curettage may predispose to negative future pregnancy outcomes, including higher rates of spontaneous abortion, incompetent cervix, preterm labor, preterm rupture of membranes, early neonatal death, and ectopic pregnancy (4).
How common is Ashermans syndrome after D&C?
It may occur in up to 13% of women undergoing a termination of pregnancy during the first trimester, and 30% in women undergoing a dilation and curettage (D and C) after a late spontaneous abortion.
Can I get pregnant with uterine scarring?
A cavity with scarring will markedly compromise chances for pregnancy and when severe, will make pregnancy impossible. Women with intrauterine scarring that are not having problems and have no interest it pregnancy, do not need surgery.
How common is Asherman’s syndrome after D&C?
Can too many D&C cause infertility?
Rarely, a D&C results in development of scar tissue in the uterus, a condition known as Asherman’s syndrome. Asherman’s syndrome happens most often when the D&C is done after a miscarriage or delivery. This can lead to unusual, absent or painful menstrual cycles, future miscarriages and infertility.
How can you prevent Asherman’s syndrome after D&C?
The best way to prevent Asherman syndrome is to avoid the D and C procedure. In most cases, it should be possible to choose medical evacuation following a missed or incomplete miscarriage, retained placenta, or post birth hemorrhage.
What are the symptoms of uterine scarring?
Symptoms of Asherman’s Syndrome (Uterine Adhesions) Occasionally, scar tissue blocks the cervical opening, stopping the flow of menstrual blood. Pelvic pain and severe menstrual cramping. Difficulty getting pregnant or recurrent miscarriage.
Can you get pregnant with uterine scarring?
A normal uterine cavity and endometrial lining is necessary in order to conceive and maintain a pregnancy. Scar tissue within the uterine cavity can partially or completely obliterate the normal cavity and can interfere with conception, or increase the risk for miscarriage or other complications later in the pregnancy.
When are you the most fertile after a D&C?
Women are most fertile 3–5 days before ovulation till around 1–2 days after ovulation. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women can ovulate as soon as 2 weeks after a miscarriage, if it occurs within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.