Adenomyosis is a painful condition that can be difficult to diagnose since its symptoms mimic those of several other conditions. It is characterized by endometrial tissue that migrates into the muscular wall of your uterus, and it can cause major disruptions to your daily life.

If you're seeking relief through adenomyosis treatment, you may be exploring options such as UAE (Uterine Artery Embolization). So, today, we'll take a deeper dive into this condition, helping you understand the impact it has on your body and allowing you to learn more about your treatment options.

What Causes Adenomyosis?

The exact cause of adenomyosis is unclear. But it seems that your hormones could be linked to this condition: when you develop estrogen imbalances, the endometrial tissue that usually lines your uterus may migrate into the muscular wall of your uterus. The resulting thickening causes you to develop an enlarged uterus; over time, the organ could grow to double or triple its original size. While less common than fibroids, approximately one out of every five women will develop adenomyosis.

Symptoms and Potential Complications

Not every woman with adenomyosis will experience disruptive symptoms. But this study focused on adolescents with adenomyosis noted that the young women all showed signs of pelvic endometriosis. They also displayed asymmetry in their uterine walls; developed cysts; and struggled with heavy periods. Moreover, this study suggests that adenomyosis can now be considered a risk factor for endometrial carcinoma, a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the uterus.

Symptoms of adenomyosis can include:

• Cramping, even when you aren’t menstruating
• Passing large or multiple blood clots with menstruation
• Irregular and/or longer menstrual cycles
• Spotting between your periods
• Bloating
• Painful sex
• Pain with bowel movements
• Higher risk for miscarriages or for premature delivery

Adenomyosis Treatment: UAE and Other Options

While only a hysterectomy can cure adenomyosis, you can find symptom relief with these treatment options:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• The pill or other hormonal birth control options
• Prescription Lingzagolix
• Endometrial ablation
• UAE or Uterine Artery Embolization

Choosing UAE for Adenomyosis

UAE is an effective adenomyosis treatment according to this study; even better, when compared to surgery, it comes with far fewer risks for adverse events. During the procedure, our interventional radiologists will inject particles into your uterine artery. That will block the flow of oxygen and blood to your misplaced endometrial tissue; starved of nutrition, it will wither and your symptoms should abate in the weeks that follow treatment. Best of all, the procedure is minimally invasive and does not require staying overnight in the hospital.

Want to see if UAE is your best option for adenomyosis relief? We're here to answer your questions and explore your candidacy. Just reach out to our team at Georgia Fibroids to request a consultation at one of our three locations in the greater Atlanta region.