Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is also known as uterine fibroids. These are benign tumors of the uterus, and are described according to where exactly they are located within the uterus. The reasons as to why uterine fibroids develop are unknown. They may be down to genetic mutations, as well as injury. Women of African descent are also 2-3 times more likely to develop these fibroids. They are, however, extremely common and occur in around 50% of women – many unaware of their presence.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

There are usually no symptoms, though symptoms can occur depending on the size and location of the fibroids. These might include feelings of pressure or pelvic plane, as well as abnormal uterine bleeding. They can also affect periods, making them heavy or prolonged which can in turn increase the risk that women will develop anemia. It has also been shown that fibroids may decrease fertility.

How are Uterine Fibroids Diagnosed and Treated?

An ultrasound will usually confirm the presence of uterine fibroids, though MRI and CT scans are sometimes used. There are various treatment options for uterine fibroids. If they do not cause a problem they can be left alone with no ill consequences, but for some women surgery or medical treatment may be the best option.

Surgical treatments will involve hysterectomy or removal of the uterus, or removal of the fibroids and not the uterus (myomectomy). Medical treatments involve drugs that will stop production of estrogen from the ovaries. If the treatment is successful fibroids may shrink to half the size. The drug used to terminate early pregnancy (known as the morning after pill) may also be used for similar affects.