Gathered here are a collection of incisive articles, created for women, to focus on subjects relating to women's physical and emotional health and well-being. Topics under gynecologic conditions include causes, diagnosis, symptoms and possible treatment options of various issues in gynecologic health. Topics under the treatment category include a description of techniques and procedures in treatment options of gynecologic conditions.
It is our hope that this section may serve as a resource, helping you to be an informed partner in your own healthcare. The information is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. While the information has been carefully reviewed, it is not intended to take the place of a discussion with your physician. The AAGL encourages you to contact your own physician for the appropriate care and treatment of your health.
The development of this patient education was supported by unrestricted educational grants by the healthcare companies listed below. We appreciate their support in allowing the AAGL to continue its mission to educate you about the quality healthcare options that are available.
American Medical Systems
Boston Scientific
Conceptus
Ethicon Endo-Surgery
Ethicon Women's Health & Urology
Intuitive Surgical
Karl Storz Endoscopy, America
Adenomyosis is the presence of uterine lining cells growing within the muscle wall of the uterus. It is a benign condition that is often mistaken for fibroids, but is much less common than fibroids. Adenomyosis occurs in about 10% of women.
Symptoms
Symptoms of severe adenomyosis are heavy menstrual bleeding and very painful cramping during your period. The uterus feels enlarged and tender to the touch during a pelvic exam. Unfortunately, these signs and symptoms are also characteristic of other conditions, and there is no surefire way to diagnose adenomyosis short of analyzing tissue from the uterine muscle wall under a microscope.
Treatment Options
Certain medications can be used to cause your periods to stop, and these may provide temporary relief from the heavy bleeding and severe menstrual cramping. However, when medication is discontinued, your periods will resume and so will the symptoms of adenomyosis.
If the problem occurs in just a few well-defined areas of the uterine muscle wall, surgery can remove these affected areas and the rest of the uterus can be repaired. However, if adenomyosis is widespread, then for complete relief the only choice may be a hysterectomy. Other options that tend to be less effective for long-term relief, such as endometrial ablation and uterine artery embolization, may be discussed with your doctor.
References
American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Pelvic Pain: A Guide for Patients. Patient Information Series 1997. www.asrm.org/patients/patientbooklets/pelvicpain.pdf.
Parker WH. A Gynecologist's Second Opinion. (c)2003; A Plume Book; Published by the Penguin Group, New York, NY.
