Adenomyosis is a disorder that causes heavy painful periods, blood clots during menstrual bleeding, and painful sexual intercourse. These symptoms are similar to that of Endometriosis and as a result, can be tough to detect. But the causes of both these conditions vary and so does the treatment. More often than not patients confuse take one condition to another.
So with the inputs from a female gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri, we delve into this condition and help you understand eh difference between Adenomyosis and Endometriosis:
What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis as a benign uterine condition is one of the causes of pelvic pain in premenopausal women. The endometrial tissue burrows deep into the muscle spaces that are between the inner and outer layers of the uterus. This misplaced tissue thickens the muscle walls, distorts the vasculature of thru uterus and causes heavy painful periods in women.
Difference between Adenomyosis and Endometriosis?
Adenomyosis like endometriosis is also caused by misplaced growth of the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus. However, the key difference lies in the place of growth.
In Endometriosis, the tissues can displace, attach and grow anywhere outside the uterus – bowels, bladder or any other internal organ. Adenomyosis happens when the same tissues invade and goes deep inside the uterus. In both cases, the tissue is hormonally responsive and grows along the menstrual cycle resulting in pain and inflammation in the foreign site.
Adenomyosis vs Endometriosis:
Similarities: Both the conditions result in painful and heavy periods.
Differences: The major difference between Adenomyosis and Endometriosis is the origination of pain. Unlike Adenomyosis where the endometrial tissue is planted deep inside the uterus, Endometriosis can have tissue planted anywhere below the pelvic area. As a result, endometriosis can cause mild to severe pain anywhere the issue attaches itself – bladder, rectum, or even bowel.
Adenomyosis vs Endometriosis – Which is more dangerous?
“Both Adenomyosis and Endometriosis result in heavy and painful menstruation. But Endometriosis is more likely to cause infertility in women by triggering scarring of ovaries, blocking of the egg during fertilization and provoking ovulation dysfunction”, says leading gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri.
Endometriosis vs Adenomyosis – Treatment:
Since Adenomyosis is caused due to the structural changes in the anatomy of the uterus, hysterectomy is the Adenomyosis surgery that is commonly used to rectify the issue. Medications and hormonal treatment plans are other non-surgical treatments available for Adenomyosis. As for Endometriosis, the surgical removal of tissue is the only effective treatment plan available.
Both Adenomyosis and Endometriosis are the result of displacement and growth of endometrial tissues. These uterine conditions have similar as well as different symptoms, treatment options and also varying levels of severity. Patients with Adenomyosis in a few cases suffer symptoms and in most cases have a safe and successful pregnancy.
But be it Adenomyosis or Endometriosis, the risk is always present which is why patients must consult a gynaecologist as soon as any of the above symptoms above show up. If you are in Mumbai and are looking for Endometriosis treatment or Adenomyosis treatment in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri is the best lady gynaecologist in Mumbai and you can contact her here: https://www.drneelimamantri.com/
