What is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a gynecological condition where the inner lining of the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the uterine muscle wall. This tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during the menstrual cycle, causing the uterus to enlarge up to two or three times its normal size. This leads to menstrual cramps and bleeding that are more intense than usual. Often affecting women aged 32-38, adenomyosis is most commonly diagnosed in those who have had at least one full-term pregnancy. It is frequently confused with uterine fibroids, although they are distinct conditions.

Symptoms of Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis symptoms can start subtly but often intensify over time, affecting menstrual cycles, fertility, and overall health. While around one-third of women may experience no symptoms, others may find the condition severely painful and debilitating. Common signs of adenomyosis include:

Bleeding Between Periods
Painful Periods
Pelvic Pain
Enlarged Uterus
Abdominal Pressure Or Bloating
Pain During Intercourse

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Causes of Adenomyosis

Causes of Adenomyosis

To diagnose adenomyosis, schedule an appointment with your OBGYN, who will review your medical history and perform a physical and pelvic exam. If the uterus is found to be tender or slightly enlarged, further testing may be recommended. Since symptoms of adenomyosis often resemble those of other reproductive conditions, distinguishing between them can be complex. Specialists at fibroid clinics are skilled in diagnosing and treating adenomyosis, using advanced tools and methods, including:

Development During Foetal Stages
Inflammation Resulting From Uterine Surgery
Invasive Growth Of Tissue
Retrograde Menstruation

Risk Factors of Adenomyosis

Risk Factors

To begin diagnosing adenomyosis, schedule an appointment with your OBGYN for a review of your medical history, along with a physical and pelvic exam. If the uterus is tender or slightly enlarged, your doctor may suggest further testing. Since adenomyosis shares symptoms with other reproductive conditions, distinguishing between them can be challenging. Fibroid clinic specialists are proficient in diagnosing and treating adenomyosis, using advanced technologies and techniques such as:

Extended Exposure To Estrogen
Multiple Occurrences Of Pregnancies
History Of Uterine Surgeries
Middle Age

Adenomyosis Vs. Uterine Fibroids

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. It typically affects women during their childbearing years and can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. Adenomyosis is often mistaken for other uterine conditions due to similar symptoms. Keeping track of your symptoms is crucial for your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and provide proper treatment.

Uterine Fibroids

If fibroids are leading to frequent urination, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) can offer relief. This minimally invasive, image-guided procedure targets and reduces fibroids without requiring surgery. After the fibroids are treated, the persistent urge to urinate should resolve.

Diagnosis of Adenomyosis

Diagnosis of Adenomyosis

To begin diagnosing adenomyosis, schedule an appointment with your OBGYN for a review of your medical history, along with a physical and pelvic exam. If the uterus is tender or slightly enlarged, your doctor may suggest further testing. Since adenomyosis shares symptoms with other reproductive conditions, distinguishing between them can be challenging. Fibroid clinic specialists are proficient in diagnosing and treating adenomyosis, using advanced technologies and techniques such as:

Ultrasound
MRI
Endometrial Biopsy

What to Anticipate from Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Fibroid Center of Texas offer comprehensive and specialized care for patients experiencing adenomyosis. A key treatment is Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that significantly alleviates the pain and discomfort associated with adenomyosis. Although UAE is often used to treat symptomatic fibroids, it has also proven effective for adenomyosis, providing an alternative to traditional surgery while preserving the uterus. During UAE, an Interventional Radiologist uses ultrasound guidance to access the uterine artery through either the femoral artery in the leg or the radial artery in the wrist. A catheter is then carefully advanced to the uterus, where embolic beads are injected into the uterine arteries to reduce blood flow to the endometrial tissue causing adenomyosis. This outpatient procedure allows patients to go home the same day, with an expected recovery time of about two weeks. Within three to six months, most patients experience symptom relief and a return to normal menstrual cycles, making UAE an effective option for managing adenomyosis.

Treatment Expectations

Treatments

To initiate the diagnosis of adenomyosis, schedule an appointment with your OBGYN, who will review your medical history and conduct a physical and pelvic exam. If tenderness or slight uterine enlargement is detected, your doctor may recommend additional tests. Due to symptom overlap with other reproductive conditions, differentiating adenomyosis can be complex. Physicians at the Fibroid Center of Texas specialize in diagnosing and treating adenomyosis, employing advanced technologies and techniques, including:

Minimally Invasive Compared To Conventional Surgery
Uterus Preservation
No Hospital Stay Required
Relief From Painful Symptoms

Adenomyosis Frequently Asked Questions

Adenomyosis is a gynaecological condition impacting the uterus, often causing confusion with uterine fibroids. Individuals with both adenomyosis and fibroids may encounter similar symptoms, leading to potential misdiagnosis or undiagnosed cases extending over months or even years. The physicians at the fibroid clinic are committed to delivering high-quality and efficacious care for women, ensuring they receive the treatment they rightfully deserve. For more information, explore our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about adenomyosis.

What is the Difference Between Adenomyosis and Endometriosis?

Why is Early Diagnosis of Adenomyosis Important?

Can Adenomyosis Lead to Infertility?

What lifestyle changes can help manage adenomyosis symptoms?

How is Adenomyosis Different from Uterine Fibroids?

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