What Is Adenomyosis and How Is It Diagnosed?
Adenomyosis is a medical condition characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, into the muscular wall of the uterus. This growth can cause the uterus to thicken and enlarge, leading to painful, heavy menstrual periods and chronic pelvic pain. The exact cause of adenomyosis remains unclear, but it typically affects women in their middle reproductive years and has been associated with childbirth and surgical procedures on the uterus such as cesarean sections or fibroid removal.
Diagnosing adenomyosis involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Ultrasound is commonly used as a first-line imaging technique to visualize the uterus, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a more detailed and accurate assessment. In some cases, a definitive diagnosis is only made after a hysterectomy when the uterus can be examined histologically. The challenge in diagnosis lies in distinguishing adenomyosis from similar conditions like fibroids, which can present with similar symptoms.
