What are adhesions?

Adhesions are scar tissue that forms between two structures or organs inside the body that are not normally connected. This tissue may bond to nearby surfaces because of inflammation, surgery or trauma. For example, scar tissue can develop on the abdominal organs after any abdominal surgery or as a result of inflammation or infection in the abdominal area. Abdominal adhesions can cause pain, blockage or other problems, depending on where they are located. If adhesions cause pain and other problems, surgery may be needed to cut the scar tissue and separate the structures or organs, although adhesions may recur after this surgery.

Adhesions are bands of tissue that form in response to injury or infection inside the body. Abdominal surgery (including C-sections and hysterectomies) can create adhesions, which can bind internal organs together or to the pelvic wall. Scars from an episiotomy (an incision in the perineum to enlarge the vagina during childbirth) can also create adhesions. Adhesions can lead to painful sex and may interfere with a woman's ability to have an orgasm.