Adenomyosis Specialist
Adenomyosis is a women’s reproductive health issue that can cause pelvic pain and abnormal periods. As many as 65% of women may have the condition, but it often goes undiagnosed as some cases don’t cause symptoms.
At Maiden Lane Medical in Manhattan, NY, our OB/GYN professionals offer expert women’s health services, including diagnosing and treating adenomyosis.
Call our practice or make an appointment online today if you are having abnormal periods, or heavy menstrual bleeding and want to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a reproductive health issue similar to endometriosis.
However, instead of the endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus, it forms in the uterus muscle. It causes the uterus to become thick and enlarged. In some cases, the uterus grows to double or triple its regular size.
Women between the ages of 30-55 are most likely to develop adenomyosis, although younger women can still have this condition. Other risk factors include having at least one child, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
Why does adenomyosis occur?
Medical researchers and women’s health specialists do not have a clear-cut answer about what causes adenomyosis. However, it is more common in women who have had at least one child.
Hormonal imbalances affecting estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, or prolactin may also contribute to your risk of developing this condition.
What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?
The common adenomyosis symptoms include:
Abnormal periods
Periods are considered abnormal when they include heavy bleeding or severe pain or if they last more than three to five days. Excessive bleeding is when you bleed through a tampon or pad in less than an hour for several consecutive hours.
Clinically, painful periods can cause such severe pain that it gets in the way of your regular activities like work, school, or socializing.
Pelvic pain
While most women experience some mild cramping during their menstrual cycle, you shouldn’t have persistent or severe pain throughout the month. Severe or chronic pelvic pain is a warning sign of a potential problem.
Painful sex
An enlarged uterus can also contribute to pain during intercourse as it creates pressure and sensitivity. Additionally, hormonal imbalances can contribute to vaginal dryness, a common cause of pain during sexual intercourse.
Abdominal pressure and bloating
Adenomyosis can cause pressure and bloating in several ways. For example, an enlarged uterus can put pressure on other abdominal organs.
Additionally, a hormonal imbalance could contribute to water retention and bloating. You might also experience pressure on your bladder or bowel or pain during bowel movements.
Fertility issues
An abnormal uterine lining or wall can contribute to fertility issues. A fertilized egg may not be able to implant in the uterine wall successfully.
Symptoms vary between patients and in severity. It’s also possible to have adenomyosis without any symptoms.
Have more questions?
When should I talk to a doctor?
You should make an appointment with your trusted OB/GYN at Maiden Lane Medical if you have any symptoms of adenomyosis. A wide range of reproductive health issues can cause similar symptoms, and you’ll need an accurate diagnosis to identify their root cause and receive the correct treatment.
Diagnosis and care for adenomyosis
Your adenomyosis specialist at Maiden Lane Medical is committed to providing high-quality, personalized care, including diagnosing adenomyosis and providing the best treatment options to relieve your symptoms and restore your health.
Testing may prove helpful
Testing is essential to the diagnosis of adenomyosis. Following a consultation and pelvic exam, our specialists may suggest:
Transvaginal ultrasound
Ultrasound images allow your physician to see and examine your uterus to identify abnormalities such as thickened walls or growths. Imaging tests are noninvasive and safe. You won’t need any medication or sedatives to manage discomfort.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
An MRI is another type of imaging technology that creates images of your internal organs. They often contain more details than an ultrasound and may be a second step if an ultrasound is inconclusive.
Endometrial biopsy
If any of your imaging studies reveal an abnormality or invasive growth, your doctor may order a biopsy procedure to collect a cell sample for additional testing.
Have more questions?
What Are the Treatment Options for Adenomyosis?
After your doctor provides an accurate diagnosis, they can treat adenomyosis with a personalized plan, which may include medical and surgical procedures.
Medical treatments for adenomyosis
Some patients may benefit from taking anti-inflammatory medication during their periods. Others who have persistent abnormal periods may need hormone therapy, such as oral contraceptives. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe medication to shrink the endometrial growths if adenomyosis is causing fertility problems.
Surgical treatments for adenomyosis
Depending on the severity of your condition and other factors, such as plans to have children, your physician may recommend a minimally-invasive surgery to remove the endometrial growths. This may involve endometrial ablation, uterine artery embolization, or a minimally invasive hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy is usually the last resort treatment. Your doctor will only suggest a hysterectomy if other therapies haven’t successfully relieved your symptoms of adenomyosis.
Schedule an Appointment with Maiden Lane Medical Today!
Be sure to contact our team of experts at Maiden Lane Medical in Manhattan, NY to resolve any concerns that you may have about this condition. Call us today or book your visit online!
Women's Health Specialists
Related Services
- Abnormal Pap
- Abnormal Periods
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
- Annual Gyn Exam
- Colposcopy
- Dense Breasts
- Dysmenorrhea
- Endometrial Polyps
- Fibroids
- Gynecology
- Hpv
- Mammogram FAQs
- Menopause Management
- Obgyn
- Ovarian Cysts
- Painful Sex
- Pelvic Pain
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Preparing for a Mammogram
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Infections
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