Your Path to Adenomyosis Treatment in London

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Adenomyosis occurs when cells from the uterine lining migrate into the uterine wall. These cells respond to ovarian hormones—oestrogen and progesterone—by growing and causing minor internal bleeding within the muscle tissue each month. This process leads to an enlarged uterus and heavy periods. While ultrasound can help diagnose adenomyosis, MRI provides a more accurate assessment. Medical treatment typically manages the bleeding effectively.

Adenomyosis Symptoms

Adenomyosis, a frequently overlooked condition where the uterine lining penetrates the muscle wall, causing the uterus to enlarge, often presents with varying symptoms. However, some women may not experience any signs at all.

Here are some common symptoms of adenomyosis that can lead to severe menstrual pain and cramps:

  • Heavy and painful periods are typical.
  • A noticeable lump in the lower abdomen due to the enlarged uterus.
  • Frequent urination and constipation due to the enlarged uterus pressing on the bladder and bowel.

For those affected, periods can be so debilitating that daily activities, including work and personal life, are severely impacted. The heavy bleeding associated with adenomyosis can lead to anaemia, causing extreme fatigue and diminished performance at work and in sports.

During menstruation, the adenomyotic tissue swells and bleeds within the uterine wall, contributing to severe pain, cramps, and heavy periods.

It is important to note that other conditions like fibroids and endometriosis can also cause heavy and painful periods. Adenomyosis often coexists with these conditions. It is also known as internal endometriosis. It occurs when the uterine lining grows within the uterine wall, unlike endometriosis, where it grows outside the uterus.

Adenomyosis: The Overlooked Condition Affecting Many Women

Adenomyosis is a widespread but often overlooked condition where the uterine lining penetrates the muscle wall, causing the uterus to enlarge. During menstruation, the adenomyotic tissue swells and bleeds within the uterine wall, leading to severe period pain, cramps, and heavy bleeding.

Diagnosis typically involves an ultrasound or MRI scan, revealing an enlarged uterus with an unevenly thickened wall.

Identifying adenomyosis can be challenging because its symptoms are common and affect many women. Many women experience heavy and painful periods but often consider them ‘normal’ without realising how severe they might be. When seeking medical help, doctors may begin treatment to manage symptoms without conducting a scan, or the scan might fail to detect the condition.

Fibroids and endometriosis, other causes of heavy and painful periods, are more widely recognised and frequently coexist with adenomyosis. Sometimes, refer to as “internal endometriosis.” Adenomyosis involves the uterine lining growing inside the uterine wall, unlike endometriosis, where it grows outside the uterus.

Awareness of adenomyosis is gradually increasing among the medical community and women, and the rising availability of ultrasound scans is likely to boost detection rates. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it allows for prompt treatment, significantly improving the quality of life for affected women. However, treatment options remain limited, as adenomyosis is often deeply embedded in the muscular wall of the uterus.

Connection between Fertility and Adenomyosis

Establishing how adenomyosis impacts fertility can be challenging due to several factors:

  • The link between adenomyosis and fertility requires further research.
  • Many women with adenomyosis are older.
  • Women with adenomyosis often also have conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or polyps, which can all affect fertility.

However, a recent meta-analysis revealed that adenomyosis negatively impacts IVF outcomes. The study showed that women with adenomyosis had lower rates of pregnancy per cycle, per embryo transfer, successful embryo implantation, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth compared to those without the condition, even after accounting for factors like age. Additionally, miscarriage rates were higher among those with adenomyosis.

Despite these challenges, precise investigation and targeted treatment can lead to successful outcomes. At The Top Gynaecologists Clinic, our best private gynaecologist in London specialises in managing complex cases, helping countless couples who previously faced IVF failure and repeated miscarriages to finally achieve their dream of having a baby.

Adenomyosis Diagnosis

Adenomyosis diagnosis can be challenging. Many women experience similar symptoms and assume that heavy or painful periods are usual for them. This misconception often leads to delays in seeking heavy periods treatment in London. An ultrasound or MRI scan typically identifies the condition, revealing an enlarged uterus with one wall thicker than the other.

You might have heavy periods if you frequently pass large clots, need to use double protection, change protection more often than every four hours, or if your periods cause anaemia.

What is the best adenomyosis treatment in London?

Adenomyosis affects each woman differently, so the best treatment varies based on your symptoms, age, prior treatment attempts, preferences regarding surgery, and desire to have children. Treatments for adenomyosis include:

  • Doctors often advise starting these anti-inflammatories a few days before your period and continuing through menstruation to relieve pain and reduce bleeding.
  • Hormone treatments, such as the combined oestrogen-progesterone pill or hormone patches. A progesterone intrauterine contraceptive device (coil) or continuous progesterone birth control pills can stop menstruation, potentially easing adenomyosis symptoms.
  • Hysterectomy: If other treatments fail and your pain is severe, your doctor may recommend removing your uterus. It is the most effective treatment for adenomyosis symptoms but will prevent future biological children, so it’s a crucial consideration.
  • Uterine artery embolisation: This procedure involves inserting tiny particles into blood vessels through a catheter in the groin, aiming to block the blood supply to the adenomyosis, causing it to shrink.

Women seeking effective adenomyosis treatment in London can explore countless options tailored to their specific symptoms and needs.

My Final Thoughts on Adenomyosis Treatment in London

Adenomyosis often presents with heavy and painful periods. In some cases, the uterus becomes so enlarged that it forms a noticeable lump in the lower abdomen, causing pressure on the bladder and bowel, leading to urinary frequency and constipation.

Many women live with this condition undiagnosed. Those with severe adenomyosis often endure such intense periods that they must put their lives on hold during this time. This condition significantly impacts their overall quality of life, including their work. The heavy bleeding associated with adenomyosis can lead to anaemia, extreme tiredness, and diminished performance in work and sports.

Adenomyosis and endometriosis often occur together, sharing similar pathology. While endometriosis involves tissue like the uterine lining appearing outside the uterus, adenomyosis features this tissue within the uterine muscular wall.

If you seek adenomyosis treatment in London, book an appointment with our specialist who can provide a comprehensive approach.

Vivek Nama
Vivek Nama

I'm a Consultant Gynaecologist and Lead Gyn Oncologist at Croydon University Hospital. I pride myself on delivering compassionate and cost-effective care to all my patients. Patient satisfaction and experience are quintessential pillars of all my predominant decisions. With over 18 years of experience in gynaecology and gynaecological oncology, I strive to offer an evidence-based approach to my practice. It has been made effortless through my research activities and the many national and international presentations. If you are concerned about your gynaecological condition, I will be able to help you.