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Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a common but poorly understood GYN condition that affects women of all age groups. This condition has become a growing concern for many women trying to get pregnant.

What is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a condition that produces a variety of symptoms in women that are not fully understood. Women with adenomyosis, many times, assume that their periods are unpleasant without realising that it is the consequence of another serious medical problem. This condition results in the affected adenomyosis uterus, which can result in infertility and other complications. Let's discuss adenomyosis meaning, the treatment plan for its symptoms, and other related aspects.

In Adenomyosis, the cells that typically line the inside of the uterus migrate inward into the uterine muscle. These "trapped" cells, like the mucous membrane lining of the uterus, are stimulated by the hormones of the menstrual cycle during periods. Cramping and bleeding during a period might become more severe than usual as a result. Although adenomyosis is regarded as a benign disorder, the frequent discomfort and copious bleeding from adenomyosis uterus that are related to it can have a significant effect on a woman's quality of life.

What symptoms indicate Adenomyosis?

Symptoms of Adenomyosis vary greatly from person to person. The signs and symptoms of adenomyosis are sometimes misidentified as those of other diseases or go completely untreated. The reason why Adenomyosis is sometimes referred to as the "Silent Disease" is that it may not manifest any symptoms at all or may go undiagnosed for a long time.

Adenomyosis symptoms might include the following:

  • Abnormal menstruation
  • Painful menstrual cramps
  • Excessive menstrual bleeding
  • Painful intercourse
  • Enlarged uterus
  • Pelvic pain accompanied by severe cramps
  • Bloating or abdominal fullness
  • Pain while having a bowel movement
  • Infertility
     

To find out if the pain you are feeling is related to this ailment, get medical attention immediately.

What causes Adenomyosis?

Experts are unsure of the reasons behind the causes of adenomyosis uterus in certain women. Adenomyosis, according to some studies, may happen due to hormones, genetics, inflammation, or trauma. There are several other theories as well:

  • Adenomyosis can develop in a female before birth when the uterus initially develops in a foetus.
  • The inflammation that develops in a woman's uterus following uterine surgery may potentially raise the chance of adenomyosis.
  • Adenomyosis can also result from damage to the uterus, such as after a caesarean delivery or another type of surgery. This is because the tissue that resembles the endometrium develops inside the muscle.
     

What are the risk factors of this disease?

The following are some risk factors that might lead to adenomyosis:

  • Oestrogen - Menopause, having a higher body mass index, or having used hormonal contraceptives in the past are all circumstances that might prolong the amount of time that you are exposed to oestrogen.
  • Age - Every age group is susceptible to this illness. Unfortunately, after having a hysterectomy, many patients do not learn they have Adenomyosis until they are in or beyond menopause.
  • Uterine Surgery - Adenomyosis risk may be increased by prior uterine surgery, including caesarean birth.
  • Pregnancy - Women who have adenomyosis frequently have several pregnancies.
     

Doctors are, however, detecting adenomyosis more commonly in adult women in their 30s who have painful periods or unusual vaginal bleeding.

What are the ways to diagnose adenomyosis?

Physical examination and a review of your medical history are typically the first steps in diagnosing a condition. Your menstrual cycle will be discussed with the doctor, along with the dates of your most recent period and the first time you began to menstruate. An examination of the pelvis may also be performed to look for swollen or sensitive ovaries.

Your gynaecologist may conduct a few more tests in response to your symptoms:

  • Ultrasound - If the uterine muscle is thickening, a transvaginal ultrasound may be done to detect it.
  • Imaging scans - The doctor could recommend an MRI or CT scan to obtain a clearer look at the uterus if they're not sure about the diagnosis. This may also indicate thickening uterine wall tissue.
  • Laparoscopy - An invasive technique called a laparoscopy involves making a tiny incision in the belly and inserting a small camera there. By doing so, the physician can examine the uterus to check for lesions or fibroids.
  • Biopsy - An evaluation of the uterine muscle for biopsies can identify Adenomyosis. In order to do this, a tissue sample from within your uterus must be sent to a lab for analysis. This is, unfortunately, not a suitable choice if you still plan to have children because it can only be done after a hysterectomy.
     

How is Adenomyosis managed or treated?

Although adenomyosis does not have a proven treatment, there are medications that can help with the symptoms. If you think you might have it, schedule a doctor's visit. Adenomyosis might stay the same or get worse if it is not treated. When a woman is close to menopause, which is when most women find relief from their symptoms, have no symptoms, are not attempting to get pregnant, or have no symptoms at all, treatment is not essential. The possible adenomyosis treatment options are:

  • Pain and suffering can be lessened by anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Injections, progestin intrauterine devices, or oral contraceptive tablets can all be used to relieve symptoms.
  • It is also possible to use uterine artery embolisation, which entails inserting a catheter into a significant groyne artery and delivering tiny particles into the afflicted region. As a result, the Adenomyosis uterus contracts and the symptoms disappear since the blood supply to the region is cut off.
  • The total removal of the uterus is the only effective therapy for Adenomyosis. If you still want to get pregnant, you might not want to choose this option until all other options have been exhausted and you want to put pain treatment above conception.
     

Adenomyosis doesn't usually exhibit symptoms, so you might not be aware that you have it. Your life might be disrupted when symptoms like painful intercourse, painful periods, or cramps appear. If you want to reduce your symptoms, discuss it with the top fertility doctor at Indira IVF. 

You may get started on the best course with a holistic treatment plan created by our expert doctor with years of experience in treating Adenomyosis. To book an appointment, call 18003092323.

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