Several different conditions can cause period-related symptoms, which is why it can be hard to differentiate between adenomyosis vs endometriosis. But here's the deal: they're very different. with endometriosis, endometrial tissue implants in parts of the body outside of the uterus. Then, during your menstrual period, the tissue sheds, regardless of where it landed, causing scarring, pelvic pain, adhesions and more. With adenomyosis, however, endometrial tissue migrates into the uterine muscles. And, while certain symptoms may be similar, there are a few secrets to getting to the right diagnosis.
When you have adenomyosis, your uterus grows larger because the endometrial lining starts growing within its muscular wall. Then, during your period, blood must pass through the uterus walls as well as the vaginal canal. And that can lead to painful periods.
According to the Office on Women's Health almost 11% of women in the US have endometriosis. With this condition, endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, involving a range of possible organs, from your ovaries and fallopian tubes to your pelvis. Endometriosis symptoms include extremely painful periods since the endometrial tissue that left your uterus wants to leave your body at that point in your cycle. But it can't since there's no natural pathway for it to follow to your vaginal canal.
Both conditions cause heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. But these symptoms show up at different times in the month. With adenomyosis, you usually experience pain only during your period. Women with endometriosis, however, may have pain before, after and during your period, along with painful bowel movements.
Both conditions also may be the result of divergent risk factors.
These include:
these factors may make you more likely to develop endometriosis:
To detect endometriosis, you may need laparoscopic surgery. However, adenomyosis can typically be diagnosed with an MRI or transvaginal ultrasound.
You can relieve symptoms of endometriosis and adenomyosis with birth control pills or an IUD. Or, you could cure either condition with a hysterectomy. But you could avoid surgery and relieve adenomyosis with Uterine Artery Embolization, (Also referred to as UAE or UFE.)
Ready to see if UAE could relieve your adenomyosis pain? Click here to request an appointment at the Georgia Fibroid center, or call us today 678-915-2000!
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