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What Are Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis (adeno is gland, myo is muscle and osis is a condition) is a medical condition related to the uterus. In Adenomyosis the inner lining of the uterus known as the endometrium pushes through the muscle wall of the uterus known as the myometrium.

The condition generally affects women between the age group of 30 to 35 years. It can lead to painful periods, heavy menstrual cycles, lower abdominal aches and bloating of the stomach before menses. Adenomyosis can either be localized or can be spread throughout the uterus.

Causes of Adenomyosis

Medical researchers and experts have not been able to pin point an exact cause of Adenomyosis. However, women who have gone through any of the following, stand a stronger chance of being diagnosed by Adenomyosis:

• Women who have had a caesarean section
• Tubular ligation
• Pregnancy termination or abortion
• Pregnancy in general

Adenomyosis has been discovers largely in women beyond the age of 30 who have children. Some argue that the presence of Adenomyosis characterizing this particular age group is the increase in the level of estrogen in these women.

Symptoms of Adenomyosis

It is not necessary that every woman suffering from Adenomyosis will display the symptoms. Quite a few women suffer from Adenomyosis without displaying the regular symptoms. The most common symptoms of Adenomyosis are:

• Persistent abdominal pain which are intense
• Acute of intense pain during menses
• Pelvic pain or vaginal discomfort during intercourse
• Abdominal cramps
• Heavy bleeding
• Bleeding of clots
• Prolonged bleeding i.e bleeding which lasts for more than 8 days

Diagnosis of Adenomyosis

A physician suspects Adenomyosis during a physical examination. This is generally followed up by an ultrasound which helps the doctor see the uterus, its lining and muscular wall. An ultrasound is not considered as an absolute proof of Adenomyosis. It however helps rule out other conditions which display similar symptoms.

An ultrasound strengthened by a sonohysterography gives a better understanding of the patient's condition. While performing a sonohysterography a saline solution is injected in a patient before performing an ultrasound which helps the doctor get a better read.

MRI or magnetic resonance imaging confirms Adenomyosis in cases of Adenomyosis with uterine bleeding.

Treatment of Adenomyosis

Treatment of Adenomyosis varied from patient to patient. It is dependent on the condition of the woman, whether she has a surgical history, she has completed child bearing etc. In case of mild symptoms over the counter medications can help relieve pain and cramps.

In addition your physician might put you on one of the following treatments:

1. Anti-inflammatory medications: your physician might prescribe NSAIDs to relieve mild pain. These medications are started two days before the menstrual cycle and are continued through the first couple of days of the period
2. Hormone Therapy
3. Uterine artery embolization: This is a minimally invasive surgical process, in which tiny particles are used to lock the blood vessels that provide blood flow to the Adenomyosis
4. Endometrial ablation: This minimally invasive procedure is effective in relieving pain when the Adenomyosis has not penetrated too deeply into muscle of the uterus