L'adenomyosis is a commonly diagnosed condition in women of childbearing age that causes many symptoms that women may experience without actually knowing the cause. L'uterine adenomyosis remains an unrecognized condition due in large part to the lack of characteristic symptoms associated with this condition.
What is Uterine Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the inner wall of the uterus (endometrium) crosses the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium). Uterine adenomyosis occurs when the tissues that normally line the uterus grow into the muscular wall of the uterus. The endometrium continues to thicken and then break down and cause bleeding during each menstrual cycle. This can result in an enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods.
Symptoms Of Uterine Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis varies greatly from woman to woman, especially with regard to the severity of the pathology and the severity of the symptoms. Most of the time, adenomyosis does not cause any signs or symptoms. However, this pathology can cause:
- Personalized heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Personalized pelvic pain
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Personalized menstrual cramps severe (dysmenorrhea)
- Tenderness or pressure in your lower abdomen
- Infertility
Complications Of Adenomyosis
Symptoms of adenomyosis can negatively affect your lifestyle. Some people have heavy bleeding and pelvic pain that can prevent them from doing normal activities. People with uterine adenomyosis are at increased risk of anemia caused by blood loss and lead to iron deficiency.
Uterine Adenomyosis During Menstruation
Cells in the muscle wall behave similarly to cells in the uterus. This means that when you have your period, these cells also bleed, but because they are trapped in the muscle layer, they form small pockets of blood in the muscle wall of the uterus.
Adenomyosis And Pregnancy
Adenomyosis can cause more complications and make pregnancy more difficult for some women. Women with adenomyosis tend to have a higher risk of early and second trimester miscarriages.
Although experts don't know exactly what causes adenomyosis or how it affects fertility, research has hypothesized that the deformation and enlargement of the uterus can disrupt sperm and egg transport. , preventing implantation of the embryo.
The Difference Between Adenomyosis And Endometriosis?
Adenomyosis and endometriosis are disorders that affect the endometrium. In the case of uterine adenomyosis, the endometrium grows inside the uterine muscle whereas in the case of endometriosis, the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus and can affect the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the side walls of the pelvis or the intestine.
How Is Uterine Adenomyosis Diagnosed?
The development of imaging such as pelvic ultrasound or MRI now allows physicians to make a more precise diagnosis using non-intrusive techniques.
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Pelvic exam
During a pelvic examination, it is possible to detect an enlarged and more tender uterus.
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echography
A vaginal ultrasound uses waves to produce images of the pelvic organs. These images can sometimes show thickening of the uterine muscle suggesting uterine adenomyosis.
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IRM
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may show an enlarged uterus and thickening of certain areas of the uterus that may indicate adenomyosis.
Treatments for Uterine Adenomyosis
The best treatment depends on the symptoms but also on other factors such as the patient's age or desire for pregnancy.
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Hormonal Contraception
Estrogen that promotes the growth of the uterine lining, certain birth control pills, hormonal patches, or intrauterine devices containing hormones can reduce the heavy bleeding and pain associated with adenomyosis.
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Endometriectomy
In the case of superficial uterine adenomyosis, endometrial ablation can reduce symptoms such as bleeding in women who do not wish to have any more children.
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Hysterectomy
This surgery involves removing the entire uterus. This operation is considered major surgery and is only used in severe cases and in people who no longer plan to conceive.
