Scar Tissue
What is scar tissue?
Scar tissue is tissue that has been damaged as a result of a wound and usually appears only after the wound has healed.
How does scar tissue form?
Typically scar tissue is formed as the skin heals from an injury or surgery. The body has a natural ability to heal itself to a certain extent. After a surgical incision or cut, the body attempts to re-create the skin that was damaged. However, the body cannot duplicate the exact tissue so it forms new fibers that are not as functional but do serve as a protective barrier. Once this new barrier has been built, it becomes scar tissue.
What are the various types of scar tissue?
There are not different types of scar tissue per se, but scar tissue is defined by where it is located. There are internal scar tissues and external scar tissues. Internal scar tissue is commonly found in the heart, liver, lungs, and reproductive organs. External scar tissue is found any where on the skin that has been injured.
How does scar tissue impact fertility?
Many times scar tissue will form adhesions, which are bonds formed between two items (usually organs) that were not previously joined. When scar tissue forms an adhesion among the reproductive organs, it severely impacts fertility. For example, scar tissue has been known to form rigid webs among the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries making it impossible for the egg to pass from the ovaries to the fallopian tube. 25 to 40 percent of women suffer from infertility as a result of scar tissue.
What types of conditions can cause scar tissue to form in or near the reproductive organs?
The most common condition that can result in reproductive scar tissue is surgery. However, not many women ever have surgery but still suffer from infertility as a result of scar tissue.
Here are the three most common causes of reproductive scar tissue:
1. Endometriosis — This is a condition in which the lining from the uterus begins to grow on the outside of the uterus, ovaries, bowel, and bladder.
2. Sexually transmitted diseases — Often undetected, if left untreated it can lead to tubal scarring and infertility.
3. Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID) — This condition results in pelvic scarring and tubal damage which is when the blocked tubes are filled with fluid.
Can scar tissue be removed or treated?
Yes. Surgery can be used to remove scar tissue but with every surgery, new scar tissue will be formed so this may not be a viable option. However, if surgery is the option that you choose, the best method is laparoscopic adhesiolysis surgery. During this operation your surgeon will make a tiny incision near the scar tissue and insert a tiny camera that will act as a guide. The scar tissue will then be cauterized and hopefully eliminated. Another treatment may include regular exercise. Daily exercise will increase blood flow and cell oxygenation thereby reducing any pain, discomfort, and scarring.