Dr. James Douglas treats intrauterine scarring in our North Dallas fertility center
When patients experience difficulty having a baby, Dr. James Douglas works to identify potential hindrances to pregnancy. For women dealing with infertility, physical abnormalities can sometimes make conception difficult. In our North Dallas fertility center, Dr. Douglas can diagnose and treat issues such as intrauterine scarring and Asherman’s Syndrome.
Dr. Douglas explains basic female reproduction
For pregnancy to occur, the male partner’s sperm must fertilize the female egg. This fertilized egg will travel from the fallopian tubes to the uterus, where implantation must then occur. The female uterus is lined with tissue called the endometrium. With menstruation, women shed the top layer of this tissue each month. Additionally, the embryo implants in the endometrium during pregnancy so that it can develop into a healthy fetus.
Our North Dallas fertility center expert explains the impact of intrauterine scarring on fertility
Injury, infection and gynecological surgeries can produce intrauterine scarring, or adhesions, inside the uterus. Depending on the severity of the scarring, patients may develop mild, stretchy bands of scar tissue, or they can develop more severe adhesions that form thick bands of scarring, which may contribute to infertility or recurrent miscarriage. In severe cases, the walls of the uterus stick together, completely distorting its natural shape and form. Often, our North Dallas fertility center specialist uses the term Asherman’s Syndrome to describe adhesions inside the uterus.
Understanding common causes of intrauterine scarring
In many cases, scar tissue develops in the uterine cavity because of a pelvic infection, surgical removal of fibroids in the uterus or injury from a surgical procedure such as dilation and curettage (D&C). This outpatient surgery is most commonly performed to remove tissue from the uterus and/or to address uterine bleeding following childbirth or miscarriage. If extensive scar tissue builds up, your ability to conceive or maintain a pregnancy may significantly diminish.
Explore treatment options in our North Dallas fertility center
Generally, surgical removal of the scar tissue represents the best opportunity to restore fertility. If Dr. Douglas suspects intrauterine scarring or Asherman’s Syndrome, he will want to confirm this diagnosis with a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or a hysteroscopy.
- During an HSG, dye is injected into the uterine cavity, and an X-ray is taken to look at the shape of the uterus and identify any abnormalities.
- For a hysteroscopy, Dr. Douglas inserts a thin, telescope-like instrument through the cervix to directly view the inside of the uterus and identify any areas of scarring.
For couples and individuals struggling to conceive, our North Dallas fertility center team provides advanced infertility care for area patients. Dr. Douglas can address common causes of infertility, including intrauterine scarring. Contact our office for more information about treatment options or to schedule a consultation.
