Hi lovelies,
Adenomyosis is a condition that affects many women though it might not manifest any symptoms. Well, it is a condition where the inner lining of the uterus breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus. With adenomyosis, the endometrial tissue grows into the walls of the uterus, enlarging and thickening it even 2-3 its normal size. Let us delve in deeper and tell you everything you need to know about Adenomyosis.
What causes adenomyosis?
Sadly, there is still not enough data on what causes adenomyosis. But according to statistics, around one in ten women are affected by it. Data also shows that the problem is common in women who have been pregnant before, those who have had a C-section or fibroid removal, and those approaching menopause.
Note:
Adenomyosis can occur to anyone who has started their menstrual periods and will naturally stop after menopause.
What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?
Most women who are diagnosed with adenomyosis usually don’t present any symptoms. However, some common symptoms of adenomyosis are:
Abnormal periods-can show on an irregular schedule and last for a very long time
Pelvic pain pressure
Heavy and painful periods
Pain during intercourse or when going to the toilet
Difficulty getting pregnant
These symptoms can often be confused with another condition that affects the uterus known as endometriosis, hence making it difficult to diagnose. In fact, research suggests that these two conditions can co-exist. In other words, adenomyosis can be found in over 40% of women having endometriosis. It is also possible to have adenomyosis and fibroids at the same time. Challenging, right? So how can it be diagnosed?
How do you definitively diagnose adenomyosis?
As earlier suggested, diagnosis of adenomyosis can be challenging given that patients with fibroids and endometriosis present almost similar symptoms. This means misdiagnosis can be incredibly common. For adenomyosis, the specialist will send you for a pelvic ultrasound and, in some cases, an MRI. It takes the skilled eye of a gynecologist specializing in the treatment of both fibroids and adenomyosis to give the correct diagnosis.
What is the best treatment for adenomyosis?
There are several treatment options available for adenomyosis, all of which depend on the symptoms and severity of the condition. You cannot choose the treatment. You will need a specialist near you to recommend the best option. If you are in New York for example, you can speak to Adenomyosis specialist NYC for a proper diagnosis. A specialist will do the test and take you through the treatment options available from the minimally invasive options and the surgical interventions.
If your symptoms are mild, over-the-counter medications prescribed by your doctor will suffice.
Hormonal therapy. If the symptoms consist of heavy or painful periods, hormonal therapy can control it. Well, hormonal medications and non-hormonal medications can also be used to reduce pain and bleeding.
Anti-inflammatory medications- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to relieve mild pain associated with adenomyosis.
Endometrial ablation is another form of treatment used if the adenomyosis has not penetrated deeply into the muscle wall of the uterus. The procedure destroys the lining of the uterus and effectively relieves symptoms associated with adenomyosis.
Another short-term treatment option that can be used to treat adenomyosis is called uterine artery embolism. The procedure helps shrink fibroids and block the blood vessels that provide flow to the adenomyosis. The adenomyosis shrinks when the blood supply is cut off.
Hysterectomy- This is a definitive cure of adenomyosis as it involves the removal of the uterus. This treatment is recommended if the problem causes serious quality of life issues. Hysterectomy is the only way to find permanent relief.
Wrapping up
Adenomyosis is usually considered a non-life-threatening condition. However, the frequent pain and heavy bleeding associated with it take a toll on one’s quality of life. Seek help if your symptoms correlate with those discussed above. A reputable adenomyosis specialist should be able to find a solution that suits your situation.
