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Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis: A Very Painful Condition That Is Finally Getting Attention
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (the endometrium) grows into the muscle wall of the uterus (the myometrium). This can cause the uterus to become enlarged and painful.
Adenomyosis is a very painful condition, and it can be debilitating for some women. The pain can be so severe that it can interfere with daily activities, such as work, school, and relationships.
In recent years, adenomyosis has received a lot of attention due to celebrities speaking about about suffering with it and has helped to raise awareness of the condition.
There is no cure for adenomyosis, but there are treatments that can help to relieve the symptoms. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health.
If you are experiencing symptoms of adenomyosis, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. There are effective treatments available that can help to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.
Recent articles and interest in adenomyosis has helped to break the silence surrounding this condition and inspired women to seek help and treatment.
What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (the endometrium) grows into the muscle wall of the uterus (the myometrium). This can cause the uterus to become enlarged and patients with adenomyosis can experience severe pain.
How common is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is estimated to affect 10-15% of women of reproductive age. It is more common in women who have had children, and in women over the age of 30.
What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?
The most common symptoms of adenomyosis are:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
- Pelvic pain, especially during or after sex (dyspareunia)
- Pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen
- Fatigue
How is adenomyosis diagnosed?
There is no single test that can definitively diagnose adenomyosis. The diagnosis is usually made based on a combination of factors, including:
- Your medical history and symptoms
- A physical examination, which may include a pelvic examination
- An ultrasound scan or MRI, which looks at the uterus in particular to look for features consistent with adenomyosis
How is adenomyosis treated?
Treatments for endometriosis will depend upon your individual circumstances (e.g. if you have plans to start a family or if your family is complete or if you have any other complex medical problems) and symptoms. These will be discussed with you in detail before coming up with a mutually agreed plan.
Treatment options for adenomyosis include:
- Medications: Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal birth control, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can be used help to relieve the symptoms of adenomyosis.
- Surgery: Surgery can also be used to treat adenomyosis and options include removal of defined areas of adenomyosis, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or an endometrial ablation (removal of the lining of the uterus). Endometrial ablation is mainly aimed at reducing menstrual blood loss so in patients in whom pain is the main symptom, this option may not be optimal.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about adenomyosis:
- Adenomyosis is not a cancer.
- Adenomyosis can sometimes make it difficult to get pregnant, but it does not make pregnancy impossible.
- Symptoms of adenomyosis can often be effectively treated and there is help available.
If you are experiencing symptoms and think you may have adenomyosis, please contact us to arrange investigations and discuss treatment options. We offer both medical and surgical treatment options and will listen to your symptoms and discuss the options with you.
Periods which are so painful or heavy that they limit your daily activities should not be regarded as normal and there are lots of things that can be done to help.
We hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have any other questions.