Adenomyosis is a condition where the inner lining of the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus resulting in the enlargement of the uterus. This extra tissue leads to an increased size of the uterus to twice or thrice of the actual size. It can lead to heavy and painful periods.
Doctors are also still trying to find the exact reason for this condition, and the condition gets cured after menopause. Women who are suffering from this condition will have severe discomfort. For a few women, this condition could occur throughout the uterus, whereas some women may have it at only one spot.
This condition is not a life-threatening condition. But, heavy bleeding and pain during menstruation can cause a negative effect on a woman’s life.
How Do I Know If I Have Adenomyosis?
The symptoms of Adenomyosis vary from one woman to another. In some cases, adenomyosis causes no symptoms, or can cause mild discomfort. In some cases, it can cause severe discomfort and show symptoms. The common symptoms include:
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding during menstruation
- Severe pelvic pain during menstruation
- Chronic menstrual cramps
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Enlarged uterus. Though you cannot notice it, you can experience tenderness and pressure in the lower abdomen
- Previous history of uterine surgeries
- Abnormal menstruation cycle
- Back and leg pain
- Blood clots in the legs
- Prolonged menstrual cycles than normal
- Blood clots during bleeding
If you have any of the above mentioned symptoms that affects your regular activities, book an appointment right away with a doctor to treat the condition.
What Causes Adenomyosis?
The exact reason for this condition is unknown. But this condition is associated with the increase in the estrogen levels. This condition usually disappears after menopause where a woman’s estrogen levels decline.
As per doctors, the causes of Adenomyosis include:
- The extra tissues that are present in the uterus before birth tend to grow during adulthood
- Abnormal growth of the tissues called adenomyoma from endometrial cells that get pushed into the muscle wall of the uterus
- Presence of stem cells in the muscle wall of uterus
- Inflammation of the uterus that takes place after giving birth to a child. This would cross the boundaries of the cells that line the uterus
In most cases, adenomyosis is seen in women who are in their 40s and 50s. The reason for this is the higher estrogen levels when compared with the younger women. However, recent research has shown that it has become common in younger women as well.
Who Gets Adenomyosis?
Though the exact reason for Adenomyosis is unknown, there are certain risk factors that can put women at greater risk for this condition. Some of them include:
- Cesarean delivery
- History of surgery for removing fibroids
- Women who are at the age of early 40s or 50s
How is Adenomyosis Diagnosed?
Most of the uterus conditions show signs similar to Adenomyosis. Hence, it is difficult to diagnose Adenomyosis. Your doctor would determine your conditions as Adenomyosis only after ruling out other causes of your symptoms. Complete medical evaluation can help to determine the treatment for Adenomyosis.
Your doctor will conduct a medical test to know if you have a swollen uterus. The doctor will also conduct other tests such as:
- Pelvic exam: This helps to determine if the uterus is enlarged, swollen or painful when palpated.
- Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound helps your doctor to view the inner lining of the uterus and its muscular wall. It uses sound waves to produce images of the pelvic organs. Ultrasound scanning helps to rule out conditions that show similar symptoms.
- Imaging scans: Image scanning such as MRI shows enlargement of uterus and areas of the uterus that thicken which are signs of adenomyosis. Doctors would go with this if the ultrasound does not help for diagnosis.
- Biopsy: Biopsy can be conducted only after hysterectomy as the tissues grow within the uterus walls.
- Sonohysterography: In this method, a saline solution is inserted into the uterus using a small tube.
In most cases, adenomyosis is misdiagnosed and identified as another uterus condition. It could be different from adenomyosis and the treatment method also varies. Hence, proper diagnosis is the key to the treatment of adenomyosis.
Treatment for Adenomyosis
The treatment is based on the symtpoms, severity, childbirth, and health condition. Mild symptoms of this condition can be treated with medications and by using cold and heat therapies to reduce the pain. Other treatments include:
- Hormone medication: Use of birth control pills and hormone-containing patches can help reduce heavy bleeding and pain related to adenomyosis. Medicine used for regulating the menstrual periods can also reduce pain.
- Hysterectomy: If your symptoms are severe and the other treatment options did not work for you, your doctor would suggest to undergo a surgery to remove your uterus.
Visit Angels Fertility to Treat Your Condition
Angels Fertility Center has years of experience in treating various conditions in women. We have highly experienced and knowledgeable doctors who have gained vast knowledge in treating various conditions in women. Our doctors patiently listen to your concerns and determine a personalised treatment option based on your condition. Call us to book your appointment with one of our doctors.