What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a relatively widespread gynecological condition that causes the tissue that lines the uterus to grow into the uterus’ muscular walls. It occurs when the tissue lining of the uterus grows inward into the uterus muscle instead of outward into the lining of the uterus.
These displaced endometrial cells are stimulated the way normal endometrial tissue would be, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding during each menstrual cycle. Instead of peeling off and shedding, the trapped tissue builds up and scars within the uterus, resulting in a physical thickening of the uterus and symptoms that range from mild to severe.
Known as the “sister” disease to endometriosis, symptoms of adenomyosis are similar to that of endometriosis as well as fibroids, two gynecologic conditions that also affect the uterus. Although the majority of women with this condition experience no symptoms at all, about one-third suffers from symptoms like heavy periods, pelvic pain, and bladder pressure.
This condition may affect 20% to 65% of women and most commonly develops in reproductive-age women. While not life-threatening, adenomyosis can cause severe pain and discomfort, which is why treatment from an adenomyosis specialist NYC is recommended for improved quality of life.
What Are the Symptoms of Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis can affect the entire uterus or be localized to one spot. It results in a physical thickening of the uterus due to the lining growing deep into the muscle wall. Common symptoms include:
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
Painful cramps
Abdominal pressure and bloating
Anemia from heavy menstrual bleeding
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pressure on the bladder and rectum
Painful bowel movements/urination
Difficulty getting pregnant
Causes & Risks
Causes
Although the exact causes of adenomyosis aren’t known, various studies have suggested a link to hormones like estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and follicle-stimulating hormones.
Risks
Infertility:
- Although adenomyosis doesn’t directly cause infertility, there seems to be a link between it and other possible conditions. The issues contribute to difficulty becoming pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term.
Anemia:
- Prolonged or profuse menstrual bleeding experienced by women with adenomyosis can sometimes cause a woman to become anemic, a condition often caused by an iron deficiency.
Diagnosis & Care for Adenomyosis NYC
Previously, even the best fibroid doctor could diagnose adenomyosis only by examining uterine cells under a microscope after performing a hysterectomy. Today, new imaging technology allows our fibroid and adenomyosis specialists NYC to see and accurately pinpoint locations and amounts of the displaced cells.
Because the symptoms of fibroids and adenomyosis are so similar, misdiagnosis is incredibly common. It takes the very skilled eye of a gynecologist specializing in the treatment of both fibroids and adenomyosis to distinguish the difference. The Viva Eve team of fibroid and adenomyosis experts will be able properly diagnose your condition and suggest the best course of treatment.
STEP 01
Consultation
No two patients with adenomyosis are alike. And that means that treating this condition will not look the same for everyone. There are several factors that will determine which course of treatment is the best for you, including your age, your risk factors, your medical history, and the severity of your symptoms.
STEP 02
Determining a Diagnosis
After taking a thorough medical history and performing a medical exam that includes a pelvic examination, your gynecologist or adenomyosis specialist can use an MRI or a transvaginal ultrasound to rule out any other conditions — without the need for surgery. Occasionally, the best method for diagnosing your condition may be to conduct an endometrial biopsy. Advanced diagnostic tools increase the chances of accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment options.
STEP 03
Discussing Your Options with an Adenomyosis Specialist
Your adenomyosis NYC specialist should discuss with you the pros and cons of minimally invasive, uterus-sparing therapies, like UAE, which has been proven very effective in the treatment of adenomyosis. You will likely also discuss surgical interventions such as a hysterectomy.
STEP 04
Treatment
At Viva Eve, our team of adenomyosis specialists NYC will explore all of your treatment options with you and recommend an appropriate course of treatment based on your medical case and unique circumstances. We offer surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, including minimally invasive therapies to treat adenomyosis, such as uterine artery embolization (UAE).