What Causes Pelvic Scar Tissue?

Pelvic scar tissue can develop as a result of infection, inflammation, or surgery. Any history of medical issues in the lower abdomen including the intestines can be a source of pelvic scar tissue, and patients who experience pelvic pain, infertility, and other problems in this region should make sure their doctors have a complete medical history, not just an overview of reproductive health issues. There are some treatment options for scar tissue in the pelvic region if it becomes a medical problem.

Infections, including severe sexually transmitted infections and appendicitis, can cause pelvic scar tissue. The infection damages tissue in the pelvis, and when the body recovers, it may create scarring. This can lead to thickening of structures in the pelvis as well as the creation of adhesions, bands of tissue that form abnormal attachments. Adhesions may force structures in the pelvis into an unnatural position or could limit range of motion.

Inflammations, such as those seen with pelvic inflammatory disease and irritable bowel disease, are another possible cause. Chronic inflammation can cause severe health problems, as the body never has an opportunity to fully recover. Cells can start growing abnormally, proliferating and creating abnormal growths in addition to scar tissue in response to the inflammation. Patients with inflammation may notice symptoms like intermittent pain, nausea, and diarrhea, depending on the location of the inflammation.

Surgery can cause adhesions. Surgeons are careful during all procedures to limit scarring and protect patients, but bands of scar tissue can form even after a perfectly performed procedure. One problem with surgical adhesions is that surgery to remove the scar tissue could potentially make the scarring worse. The surgeon may use techniques like implanting a mesh to prevent scar tissue from forming, with the goal of keeping the patient's pelvic region free of pain in the future.

When patients experience pelvic pain, a doctor can order a medical imaging study to check for pelvic scar tissue, abnormal growths, and other possible causes of the pain. A thorough workup is necessary to accurately identify the cause. Sometimes scarring doesn't cause pain and it's the result of a different underlying issue, while in others, surgery to treat the scars may be a good treatment option. Scarring may also be diagnosed during an evaluation for infertility, as scars in the wrong places can make it difficult for patients to get pregnant. In this case, a doctor may recommend some fertility treatments to address the issue.