What is adenomyosis uterus?
Adenomyosis is a benign disorder in which endometrial glands are abnormally placed in the muscle layers of the uterus. Earlier it was described as a classic condition of women over 40 years old with heavy bleeding diagnosed at hysterectomy. Now it is increasingly seen in young women with heavy bleeding, pain and infertility. However, in most cases there is no symptom and it is identified at ultrasound of the uterus. This disease often coexists with other gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
What are the complications of adenomyosis uterus?
Heavy blood loss from menstrual bleeding increases your risk of anemia. Subsequently, it reduces the iron-rich red blood cells in circulation and you may feel easily tired or fatigued. In the long term it may give rise to heart failure if not treated.
What are the risk factors for developing adenomyosis?
- Age
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Depression and antidepressant use
- Tamoxifen treatment
- Smoking
- Prior uterine surgery
- Multiparity
Can you have a baby with adenomyosis?
For women who wish to conceive with an adenomyosis uterus, it is possible without any intervention in most cases. Subsequently, few cases may require fertility treatment with ovulation induction and IUI treatment. Very rarely they require IVF or ICSI treatment. Especially, when there is endometriosis causing tubal blockage or poor ovarian reserve due to chocolate cysts in the ovary.