Adenomyosis

Understand diagnosis, symptom management, and care for this uterine condition, with practical guidance on MRI/ultrasound imaging, fertility planning, surgical choices, and how diffuse and focal forms differ.

Diffuse Adenomyosis Fertility Considerations Focal Adenomyosis Imaging & Diagnosis (MRI, Ultrasound)Surgical Options Symptoms & Management

Overview

Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial glands and stroma grow into the uterine muscle (myometrium), causing an enlarged, tender uterus with heavy periods, cramping, and pelvic pressure. It is distinct from endometriosis, which grows outside the uterus, but the two conditions often coexist and can compound pain and fertility challenges. Learn how clinicians recognize adenomyosis, when imaging helps, and how the pattern of disease—diffuse versus focal—shapes care choices and expectations over time.

Care is individualized around goals such as symptom relief, cycle control, and preserving or completing fertility. Explore how medications, devices, and non-hormonal strategies ease pain and bleeding; when advanced imaging clarifies diagnosis and guides therapy; and what to consider when weighing uterus‑sparing procedures versus definitive surgery. For scan specifics and report language, see Imaging & Diagnosis (MRI, Ultrasound). For daily relief strategies, visit Symptoms & Management. For disease patterns, compare Diffuse Adenomyosis and Focal Adenomyosis. Fertility planning and pregnancy outcomes are covered in Fertility Considerations, and operative decision‑making in Surgical Options.

Common Questions

When is hysterectomy recommended for adenomyosis?
Hysterectomy is typically considered for adenomyosis when severe symptoms come from the uterus and you’re not planning future pregnancy. It is usually weighed most strongly when conservative treatments haven’t provided acceptable relief, aren’t tolerated, or don’t fit your goals.
Which adenomyosis symptoms most affect daily life?
Heavy or prolonged periods and severe period pain usually cause the biggest disruption to daily life with adenomyosis. Bleeding can affect work, school, travel, and sleep, while fatigue, pelvic pressure, and pain with sex for some people can add to the burden.
Why do I have chronic fatigue and pelvic pain?
Chronic fatigue and pelvic pain can come from endometriosis, adenomyosis, or more than one condition. Inflammation, disrupted sleep, heavy bleeding and ongoing pain can drive fatigue, while the nervous system can become more pain-sensitive over time.
Why does sex hurt more around my period?
Pain with sex that worsens around your period often points to inflammation and more reactive pelvic nerves before and during bleeding. Endometriosis can amplify pain signals, and adenomyosis can make the uterus unusually tender and crampy.