What is adenomyosis?
This is a condition of the uterus wherein an endometrial tissue growth is experienced in the organ’s muscle layers. Endometrial tissues normally line the uterus but in cases of adenomyosis, it is implanted in the uterine muscle itself. This condition happens among women ageing 30-40 and occurs in 1 out of 100 women. Those who gave birth to at least one child are also at risk of developing this condition. This wills eventuality lead to infertility as well.
What are its symptoms?
It is necessary to pay attention to know if you have adenomyosis so proper management can be sought as early as you can. This may cause heavy bleeding and painful cramping. If you have unexplained bleeding in between your menstruation or notice blood clots during your period, you are probably experiencing this condition. This can also cause discomfort during sexual intercourse which worsens when you have your period. Swelling and tenderness of the lower part of your belly can also be one of the symptoms of adenomyosis. This can be obvious as well when doctors notice your uterus to double or triple its size.
What is the first step to manage the illness due to adenomyosis?
The first step to do to manage this condition of adenomyosis is to confirm the symptoms. Hence, if you are experiencing any of the above mentioned condition, may as well consult a doctor so that appropriate testing will be done. This can be detected through blood works, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and pelvic exam. MRI is one of the ideal investigation for adenomyosis.
What is the management for mild cases of adenomyosis?
If the doctor does not find such condition detrimental to your health and for mild adenomyosis, doctors will just prescribe symptomatic treatment. Hence, the woman will just be recommended to take analgesics to manage discomforts.
What if this condition leads to infertility?
Since, this condition affects women’s reproductive organ, this may cause infertility as well. Hence, those who have difficulty to get pregnant after attempts are made for 6 months must consult a fertility specialist. This doctor may suggest surgical treatment or hormonal management as needed.
What are the usual treatments that fertility specialists recommend?
These doctors may recommend insertion of intrauterine devices. Birth control pills and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonists may also be prescribed to reduce the symptoms.
What if the IUD and hormonal treatments won’t work?
Though many women respond positively to symptomatic treatments, others do not. Hence, surgery may be recommended as the last resort so the person will get pregnant. If the woman with adenomyosis has not completed her family or she does not wish to have a laparoscopic hysterectomy then surgical resection of the adenomyosis from the muscle of the uterus can be done with preservation of the uterus and then alleviation pain or improvement in the presenting symptoms. The size of the uterus will be closer to normal after surgery with a normal menstrual flow and menstrual cramps.
What are the essential questions that you need to ask your doctor during consultation?
It is essential to be well informed about adenomyiosis especially if you have this illness. Hence, asks your doctor for the proper management of your condition, whether medication will suffice or surgery needs to be done. If medications are recommended, ask about their possible health risks and if their benefits outweigh their side effects. Most of all, inquire your doctor if it will be fine for you to start with medications first and have surgery as your last option.
What you need to do after being diagnosed with adenomyosis?
If you still want to get pregnant, you need to restore your fertility by taking hormonal drugs or submitting yourself to surgery. However, if you want to get rid of this condition once and for all, then hysterectomy will help. However, you need to know that this condition is often relieved after the woman goes through menopause.
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