What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the movement of the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus into the muscles of the uterus occurs.
What are the Causes of Adenomyosis?
The exact cause of Adenomyosis isn't known. But the following theories help understand the possible cause of Adenomyosis.
- Invasive tissue growth- Uterine incisions made during cesarean section (C-section) might promote the direct invasion of the endometrial cells into the uterus wall.
- Developmental origins- Other experts suspect that endometrial tissue is deposited in the uterine muscle when the uterus is first formed in the fetus.
- Uterine inflammation- Inflammation of the uterine lining during the postpartum period might cause a break in the normal boundary of endometrial cells.
What are the Symptoms of Adenomyosis?
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
- Severe pain during menstruation
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Painful intercourse
- Increase in thickness of the uterus
How is Adenomyosis Diagnosed?
Your doctor may suspect Adenomyosis based on:
- Signs and symptoms
- A pelvic exam reveals an enlarged and tender uterus.
- Ultrasound imaging of the uterus
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the uterus
What is the Treatment of Adenomyosis?
Home remedies
To ease pelvic pain, try the following home remedies:
- Warm bath.
- Use a heating pad on your abdomen.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs- like ibuprofen to control the bleeding and pain.
Hormone medications
Combined estrogen-progestin birth control pills or hormone-containing patches or vaginal rings might lessen heavy bleeding and pain associated with Adenomyosis.
Endometrial ablation
This involves removing the endometrium- lining of the uterine cavity, which is responsible for Adenomyosis.
Surgery
- Hysterectomy- Removal of complete uterus permanently cures Adenomyosis.
