Adenomyosis is a condition where the uterus lining grows inside the muscle wall of the uterus. However, the misplaced tissue acts normally during the menstrual cycle. Adenomyosis can lead to severe cramps, lower abdomen pain, and heavy periods. This condition is not a life-threatening condition but affects the female’s quality of life.

What are the Signs of Adenomyosis?

The following are some of the most common signs of adenomyosis:

• Heavy and prolonged menstrual cycle
• Period cramps
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Bloating
• Blood clots in legs and pelvis
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Leg pain and back pain
• Severe pelvic pain during menstruation

All the women with this condition may not experience signs. But if you are experiencing any of the above signs, consider visiting a gynaecologist to know the treatment options.

What Causes Adenomyosis?

Women with adenomyosis are often diagnosed either in their middle age or after they had children. People who had uterine surgery may also be at risk of developing adenomyosis. The exact reason for adenomyosis is unknown. But the following can be some of the causes:

• Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and follicle stimulating hormones
• Invasive tissue growth: Incisions made during c-section on the uterus may directly invade endometrial cells into the uterine walls. This can lead to adenomyosis.
• Uterine inflammation: Uterine inflammation during uterine surgery can cause adenomyosis.
• Stem cell origins: If the stem cells of bone marrow enter the uterine muscle, it might cause adenomyosis.

Other possible risk factors include:

• Removal of uterine fibroids
• Shorter menstrual cycle
• Childbirth
• Middle age
• History of uterine surgery in the past

How is Adenomyosis Diagnosed?

The doctor will ask about your medical history and conduct a pelvic examination to diagnose adenomyosis. The doctor will first try to rule out the causes that might show similar symptoms. The doctor will also conduct imaging tests such as ultrasound. The imaging tests help to rule out the causes that show similar signs.

The doctor may also conduct sonohysterography that requires a saline solution to be inserted into the uterus through a thin tube. MRI may also be required to ensure that the woman should be diagnosed with adenomyosis.

An endometrial biopsy may be conducted to rule out endometrial hyperplasia. This type of biopsy collects a piece of tissue from the uterus lining and will be sent to a lab for analysis. Uterine fibroids show similar signs of adenomyosis and hence proper diagnosis is essential for the success of the treatment.

Treatment for Adenomyosis

The treatment for adenomyosis is based on the severity of the symptoms, whether you have given childbirth, the severity of the condition, and many more. If the signs are mild, it can be treated using over-the-counter medications and heat pads. The different treatment options include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Anti-inflammatory drugs might be prescribed by your doctor to deal with the pain. These drugs should be used two or three days before your periods and this helps to reduce pain and heavy blood flow.
• Hormone therapy: Heavy and painful periods can be regulated through hormonal therapies. The use of estrogen-progestin birth control pills can help stop heavy bleeding and pain. 
• Uterine artery embolization: It is a minimally invasive procedure that can destroy fibroids. In this method, the blood vessels that supply blood to the adenomyosis are blocked using tiny particles.
• Endometrial ablation: This surgery scars the uterus lining to make the periods lighter. This procedure is not suitable for everyone and it is recommended for women who have completed childbearing.
• Hysterectomy: If the other treatments do not work, hysterectomy might be suggested. Hysterectomy completely cures adenomyosis where the uterus will be removed. Once the uterus is removed, you will not have periods and cannot become pregnant anymore.

Does Adenomyosis Affect Your Fertility?

Adenomyosis can affect your ability to become pregnant. Women who already had a child might also get affected by adenomyosis. But infertility treatments can help to conceive. If women with adenomyosis get pregnant, they might have a risk of miscarriage or may experience premature labour.

Looking for Adenomyosis Treatment? Visit IRA Fertility Today

If you or your loved one have any signs of adenomyosis, IRA Fertility is your go to place. IRA Fertility has experienced doctors who can treat different fertility issues in both men and women. We have helped several women with adenomyosis and suggested ways to reduce the signs and symptoms. We do not offer the same treatment for everyone and our treatment is based on your individual needs and the severity of the condition. To know about the treatment options, call us today.