What is the Difference Between Endometriosis and Adenomyosis

With endometriosis the cells grow outside the uterus and usually in the ovaries, the cavities of the pelvis, and the supporting ligaments of the uterus. With adenomyosis the cells grow within the walls of the uterus. As the wall grows thicker, it can cause pain and heavy bleeding.

1. Is adenomyosis worse than endometriosis?
2. What is the best treatment for adenomyosis?
3. What does adenomyosis pain feel like?
4. Does adenomyosis get progressively worse?
5. What foods to avoid if you have adenomyosis?
6. Can I have a baby with adenomyosis?
7. What happens if adenomyosis is left untreated?
8. Does adenomyosis make you gain weight?
9. Should I have a hysterectomy for adenomyosis?
10. Does adenomyosis hurt all the time?
11. Can adenomyosis affect your bowels?
12. How do you test for adenomyosis?

Is adenomyosis worse than endometriosis?

Both adenomyosis and endometriosis can be painful over time. Both are progressive disorders, but they're treatable and not life threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a better outcome for pain and symptom relief.

What is the best treatment for adenomyosis?

Treatment options for adenomyosis include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs. Your doctor might recommend anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), to control the pain. ...
• Hormone medications. ...
• Hysterectomy.

What does adenomyosis pain feel like?

Sometimes, adenomyosis causes no signs or symptoms or only mild discomfort. However, adenomyosis can cause: Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Severe cramping or sharp, knifelike pelvic pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)

Does adenomyosis get progressively worse?

Without treatment, adenomyosis may remain the same or symptoms can get worse. Treatment is not necessary if a woman has no symptoms, is not trying to get pregnant, or is nearing menopause, which is when most women find relief from their symptoms.

What foods to avoid if you have adenomyosis?

Foods to avoid on an adenomyosis diet include:

• Wheat and gluten.
• Artificial sugars.
• Dairy.
• Bananas.
• Yeast-based products including alcohol, tea, and coffee.
• Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) and red raspberry leaf/raspberry teas.

Can I have a baby with adenomyosis?

Besides causing symptoms that disrupt daily life, this condition affects a patient's ability to get pregnant. Women with adenomyosis may be infertile or have an increased likelihood of miscarriage.

What happens if adenomyosis is left untreated?

Adenomyosis isn't necessarily harmful. However, the symptoms can negatively affect your lifestyle. Some people have excessive bleeding and pelvic pain that may prevent them from enjoying normal activities such as sexual intercourse. Women with adenomyosis are at an increased risk of anemia.

Does adenomyosis make you gain weight?

Weight gain from Adenomyosis

The adenomyotic uterus can be larger than a “normal” uterus, but the weight difference of an affected adenomyotic uterus would be negligible.

Should I have a hysterectomy for adenomyosis?

A hysterectomy is only indicated if a woman's quality of life has been seriously affected and all other treatment options have been exhausted. With that being said, the only complete cure for adenomyosis is a hysterectomy.

Does adenomyosis hurt all the time?

In addition to heavy, painful periods, adenomyosis can cause pain during sex and chronic pain throughout the pelvic area. Women with adenomyosis sometimes find that their menstrual pain – which some describe as knife-like – gets worse over time.

Can adenomyosis affect your bowels?

"Sometimes the uterus is so enlarged that a lump can be felt in the lower abdomen and can also cause pressure on the bladder and bowel, causing urinary frequency and constipation. Having said that, a lot of women do not have any symptoms at all."

How do you test for adenomyosis?

Using MRI or transvaginal ultrasound, doctors can see characteristics of the disease in the uterus. If a doctor suspects adenomyosis, the first step is a physical exam. A pelvic exam may reveal an enlarged and tender uterus. An ultrasound can allow a doctor to see the uterus, its lining, and its muscular wall.