What is Asherman syndrome and why should you care?
Imagine struggling for years to conceive, only to be told that your uterus has become a hostile environment for implantation due to scarring. This is the heartbreaking reality for thousands of women diagnosed with Asherman syndrome, a rare but devastating condition that affects reproductive health by causing intrauterine adhesions (scar tissue inside the uterus).
On Rare Disease Day, we shine a light on this overlooked condition that hinders many women’s dreams of becoming mothers. With Asherman syndrome raising awareness is crucial to improve early detection and access to effective treatments.
Understanding the link between Asherman syndrome and Infertility
Asherman syndrome occurs when scar tissue forms in the uterus, often due to surgical procedures such as dilation and curettage (D&C) or infections.This scarring can lead to:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles (amenorrhea)
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Failed implantation during IVF or natural conception
- Thin endometrium, making it difficult for an embryo to attach and develop
A healthy endometrial lining is essential for implantation and sustaining pregnancy. However, women with Asherman syndrome often suffer from a thin endometrium, which drastically reduces the chances of a successful pregnancy.
How Is Asherman syndrome diagnosed?
Early diagnosis is key, yet many women spend years struggling with failed implantation before discovering the underlying issue. If you have a history of D&Cs, recurrent miscarriages, or unexplained infertility, a hysteroscopy or ultrasound can help diagnose intrauterine adhesions.
Common symptoms include:
Stem cell therapy presents a groundbreaking solution for women facing fertility challenges due to Asherman syndrome. Some of its key benefits include:
- Light or absent periods
- Severe cramping or pelvic pain
- Difficulty conceiving despite multiple fertility treatments
If you experience any of these, advocate for yourself and seek specialized care.
The challenges of treating thin endometrium in women with Asherman syndrome
A thin endometrium is a major obstacle to reproductive health. Most traditional treatments include:
- Hormone therapy (estrogen & progesterone) – Helps thicken the uterine lining, but results vary.
- Surgical adhesiolysis (hysteroscopy) – Removes scar tissue but has a high recurrence rate.
- Growth factors and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) – Some success, but not universally effective.
However, new regenerative medicine approaches are offering hope.
Innovative treatments for Asherman syndrome and thin endometrium
One of the most promising breakthroughs in reproductive medicine is stem cell therapy, offering a revolutionary solution to restore the endometrial lining. Studies have shown that CD133+ stem cells can regenerate endometrial tissue, promote blood vessel growth, and improve implantation rates.
PAULA Therapy: A game-changer for women with Asherman syndrome
A groundbreaking stem cell-based therapy called PAULA (Patient-specific AUtologous endometriaL Advanced therapy) is changing the landscape for women struggling with thin endometrium and failed implantation. By using your own bone marrow-derived CD133+ stem cells, PAULA regenerates endometrial tissue, restoring your uterus to a state where implantation becomes possible.
- Clinically proven to improve endometrial thickness
- Non-invasive compared to repeated surgical interventions
- Restores reproductive function
PAULA Therapy is currently undergoing clinical trials in Europe and the USA, paving the way for a science-backed, innovative fertility solution.
Breaking the silence: Advocating for Women’s reproductive health
Despite affecting 5% of infertile women, Asherman syndrome remains widely underdiagnosed. This Rare Disease Day, we call on women, healthcare providers, and policymakers to recognize the urgency of improving reproductive health diagnostics and access to regenerative therapies.
What can you do?
- Share your story – Raise awareness among other women struggling with unexplained infertility.
- Seek expert care – If you suspect Asherman syndrome, find a specialist in reproductive medicine.
- Explore new treatments – Stay informed about cutting-edge options like PAULA Therapy.
Hope on the horizon for women with Asherman syndrome
The road to motherhood can be filled with challenges, but science is evolving to provide real solutions.
If you or a loved one are experiencing moderate or severe Asherman’s syndrome and thin endometrium and have undergone surgery, hormone treatments or even unsuccessful IVF attempts and you can’t get pregnant because you don’t respond to traditional treatments, PAULA may be an option for you.
Rare Disease Day is not just about awareness—it’s about action. Let’s advocate for more research, better treatments, and the right to motherhood for all women.