Actress Gabrielle Union shared her personal journey with infertility, revealing a new diagnosis that sheds light on the challenges many women face, as well as the importance of advocating for their health.
For years, Union endured miscarriages and a relentless pursuit of pregnancy through IVF. Doctors often attributed her struggles to age or career choices, overlooking a key underlying condition: ADENOMYOSIS.
“I have had eight or nine miscarriages,” Union wrote. “For three years, my body has been a prisoner of trying to get pregnant — I’ve either been about to go into an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, in the middle of an IVF cycle or coming out of an IVF cycle.”, Union revealed in her memoir, “We’re Going to Need More Wine.”
Adenomyosis: More Than Just Heavy Periods
Adenomyosis, like endometriosis, disrupts the normal course of a woman’s menstrual cycle. In endometriosis, endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. With adenomyosis, this tissue grows within the muscular wall of the uterus itself. This misplaced tissue continues to respond to hormonal changes, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding like the lining inside the uterus. This can lead to an enlarged uterus, painful periods, and a frustrating road to parenthood.
A Frustrating Journey Towards Diagnosis
Union’s story resonates with many women going through a common experience. Endometriosis and adenomyosis are common uterine conditions affecting millions worldwide. However, adenomyosis often goes undiagnosed because symptoms can mimic other conditions, and diagnosis may require specialized testing. As adenomyosis may take years to confirm, it is important to find a specialist who listens to your concerns and is knowledgeable.
Ten Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor
Union’s condition revealed a different challenge. She had been living with adenomyosis for two decades, yet many doctors didn’t seem to take her symptoms seriously. Her experience highlights the fact that women’s pain and experiences are frequently dismissed, adding emotional strain to their physical struggles.
The Prevalence of Adenomyosis
Studies suggest adenomyosis may be far more prevalent than previously thought. Research indicates up to half of women who undergo hysterectomy have adenomyosis when the tissue is examined closely.
There’s currently no cure for adenomyosis or endometriosis, but treatment options exist. Hormone therapy, pain medication, and minimally invasive procedures like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) can provide relief. Early diagnosis and intervention can be crucial in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Finding the right healthcare team is crucial for women facing fertility challenges. A skilled OB-GYN or reproductive endocrinologist can offer personalized treatment plans to support pregnancy goals. In contrast, specialized clinics for uterine health conditions, such as USA Fibroid Centers, offer UFE to treat adenomyosis.
Can Adenomyosis Be Treated With UFE?
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a proven FDA treatment for fibroids, it can also be a powerful tool against adenomyosis. Unlike surgery, UFE offers a minimally invasive approach with a faster recovery. Most women can resume their normal activities within a week.
USA Fibroid Centers’ skilled interventional radiologists perform UFE. These specialists use advanced imaging to pinpoint and treat adenomyosis and other reproductive issues. During the procedure, the fibroid interventional radiologist uses ultrasound to guide a thin catheter into the arteries, feeding the adenomyosis tissue. Tiny particles are then delivered through the catheter to block blood flow, ultimately reducing symptoms. UFE is performed with light sedation and local anesthesia, allowing patients to go home the same day.
Read How UFE Treats Adenomyosis
Hope for the Future
Union’s story and those of others like Julianne Hough, former American dancer for “Dancing With The Stars” actress and television personality, battle endometriosis and bring much-needed awareness to these conditions. Just like Union, Hough fought for her diagnosis. Doctors dismissed her endometriosis pain as menstruation until hospitalization.
Now a spokesperson, Hough fights for women’s voices to be heard. By openly discussing these challenges, women can be encouraged to advocate for themselves, seek proper diagnoses, and explore treatment options. With continued research, there’s hope for even more effective treatments like UFE and a brighter future for women managing adenomyosis and endometriosis.
Adenomyosis Treatment at USA Fibroid Centers
USA Fibroid Centers understands the unique challenges women face with reproductive health issues and offers a network of specialized clinics dedicated to women’s health. Our team of specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for women with fibroids and other uterine conditions. They also understand the complexities of endometriosis and adenomyosis and their impact on fertility.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like pelvic pain, cramps, heavy and prolonged periods, discomfort during intercourse, chronic constipation or difficulty getting pregnant, USA Fibroid Centers can be a valuable resource to help you get the answers you deserve and explore treatment options to improve your health and fertility.
We believe that no woman should have to live with painful symptoms. We offer UFE, a nonsurgical treatment for adenomyosis and fibroids that can help you find freedom from your symptoms without scarring, stitches, or a long recovery.
To discover if UFE is the right approach for you, schedule a consultation with one of our specialists or call us at 888.615.2555 today.
