Can adenomyosis be cured?

Adenomyosis can be definitively cured only by removing the uterus (hysterectomy), because adenomyosis lives within the uterine muscle itself. Many other treatments can significantly improve bleeding, pain, and quality of life, but they’re considered symptom-control rather than a permanent “cure,” especially when disease is diffuse. Non-surgical and non-hormonal options include uterine artery embolization and microwave ablation. These may reduce pain symptoms for an indeterminate time period but the long-term results are not as good as definitive therapy via hysterectomy. Hormonal options are similarly less effective but may be considered if fertility is a goal.

If preserving the uterus is important—because of fertility goals or personal preference—options may include hormonal suppression, uterus-sparing procedures, or (in select cases) surgical removal of a focal adenomyoma while reconstructing the uterine wall. The right path depends on whether your adenomyosis appears focal or diffuse, how severe your symptoms are, and whether endometriosis may also be contributing. Our team can help you sort out what’s driving your symptoms and what level of relief is realistic with uterus-preserving care versus definitive surgery.