Adenomyosis Treatment

Here at the Vulvar Pain Clinic, our eminent team of world-class Pain Doctors, regularly use proven non-surgical options to treat patients for this common (and frequently painful), benign gynaecological condition. These options are extremely important for women who want to have children, and as such, need to avoid having a hysterectomy. Moreover, our team of Pain Specialists always explain to patients that: even though adenomyosis is classed as a gynaecological condition, the pain that it generates is often long term, and as such, it can impact the whole body. And this is why they take a multi-disciplinary approach to treatments and therapies.

Adenomyosis is a disorder which induces endometrial tissue in the lining of the uterus to spread into the muscular wall of the uterus (endometrium). (This endometrial tissue is a form of glandular tissue which responds to hormonal activity).When this tissue expansion occurs, the uterus increases in size, and this can result in pain and extremely heavy menstrual bleeding.

This scenario is due to the fact that every month, the glandular tissue reacts to hormones, and as such, prepares for pregnancy, by becoming thicker. In normal instances, if there is no pregnancy, then this endometrial tissue sheds away during menses. However, for those with adenomyosis, a percentage of this tissue spreads into the muscular inner wall of the uterus. So the tissue still functions in the same way as if it lined the uterus. This means that it bleeds and thickens during each month’s hormone cycle.

Adenomyosis Symptoms

  • Abdominal heaviness, bloating or fullness
  • An enlarged uterus
  • Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding during menses)
  • Dyspareunia (pain whilst having sex)
  • Dysmenorrhea (severe cramps during menses)
  • Pain in the pelvic region

If you are experiencing one of more of the aforementioned symptoms or conditions, then you are advised to make an online or in-person appointment with one of our Adenomyosis Pain Specialists as soon as possible.

Potential Causes of Adenomyosis

  • Invasive tissue growth
  • Developmental origins
  • Hormonal issues such as prolonged exposure to oestrogen
  • Age (the majority of females who suffer from adenomyosis, are in their late childbearing years, namely, between 35 and 50)
  • Invasive tissue growth
  • Uterine inflammation which is linked to childbirth
  • Stem cell origins 

Risk Factors Linked to Adenomyosis

  • Prior uterine surgery (for example: D&C, fibroid removal, C-section)
  • Middle age
  • Hormonal Factors
  • Childbirth  

Getting an Accurate Diagnosis for Adenomyosis

  • Physical exam: after reviewing your medical history, and asking you various pertinent questions (including details about your symptoms), if necessary, your Pain Consultant will either conduct, or arrange for a physical examination. This will involve your Pain Doctor palpating (feeling) your uterus. If the latter feels globular or spongy, then adenomyosis is present
  • Ultrasound: this easy quick test is conducted in order to determine whether you have any other conditions, such as  uterine fibroids or endometriosis
  • MRI: this high-resolution imaging tool can be used to confirm an adenomyosis diagnosis. It  highlightsthe thickness of the endometrial-myometrial junction, thereby enabling your Pain Doctor to ascertain whether your tissue is invading both these two layers

Adenomyosis Treatment at the Vulvar Pain Clinic

We provide Personalised Holistic Treatment Plans for the management of chronic pain. These may include one, or a combination, of the following:

  • Hormonal contraceptives
  • Hormonal medication
  • Minimally invasive pain management procedures
  • Specialist physiotherapy
  • Psychological support
  • Advice on beneficial lifestyle and diet adjustments