A common condition in women that often goes untreated is adenomyosis. Women who have been diagnosed with adenomyosis are often presented with limited treatment options involving either surgery or hormone therapy. Many women tend to avoid treatment because they are scared of undergoing major surgery, or don’t have the means to take off time for a long recovery. Thankfully, invasive surgery to treat adenomyosis symptoms is not your only option.
What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis happens when the inner lining of your uterus, also known as endometrial tissue, grows into the muscular wall of your uterus. Even though the tissue has been displaced it continues to thicken, break down, and bleed during your menstrual cycle, which causes painful symptoms. Some of the symptoms associated with adenomyosis are painful periods, heavy bleeding during or in between your periods, or pressure and bloating in your stomach.
How is it Different from Endometriosis?
You may be thinking that this sounds an awful lot like endometriosis, but adenomyosis and endometriosis are different conditions. The main difference is where the endometrial tissue is displaced. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that should only be in the uterus grows outside of it and is found in other areas of the body. The most common locations for endometriosis are on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even organs not located in the pelvic area.
Commonly Offered Treatment Options
Some common treatment options suggested by doctors for the treatment of adenomyosis are hormone therapy or a hysterectomy. Hormone therapy involves taking birth control pills containing estrogen or using intrauterine devices that release progestin to help control any heavy bleeding associated with your menstrual cycle. However, hormone therapy is not a permanent solution because your symptoms will return once you stop using the hormones.
A permanent solution to treat adenomyosis is a hysterectomy. This procedure removes your entire uterus which will prevent any more pain related to your uterus or the tissue growing inside of it. A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure and will require a stay in the hospital and a long recovery time. This procedure will also prevent any future pregnancies as the uterus is either partially or fully removed.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) to Treat Adenomyosis
Uterine artery embolization (UAE) also referred to as uterine fibroid embolization – is a nonsurgical procedure that can be used to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. In UAE, small particles are injected into the uterine arteries to block the blood supply to the adenomyotic tissue which causes the tissue to shrink and die.
The decision of whether or not to undergo UAE for adenomyosis is a personal one that should be made after discussion with a doctor. Factors to consider include the severity of symptoms, your age and desire for future fertility, and the risks and benefits of the procedure.
If you are considering UAE for adenomyosis, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Our doctors will make sure that you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure.
If you are a good candidate for UAE, the procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. You will be sedated during the procedure, and you will be able to go home the same day.
Find USA Fibroid Centers Near You
If you are interested in finding a treatment center for relief from your fibroid symptoms, you can schedule a consultation at USA Fibroid Centers near you with our online scheduling tool. Most major insurances are accepted and we offer self-pay options.
Our doctors use the latest technologies and tools for treatment. We specialize in treating both uterine fibroids and adenomyosis non-surgically.
For more details, please visit www.usafibroidcenters.com or call 855-615-2555 to schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
References
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/adenomyosis-symptoms-causes-treatments#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adenomyosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369143
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