Adenomyosis is a prevalent, non-cancerous reproductive health condition affecting women’s quality of life and well-being. The gynecologic condition can impact the lining of the womb, burying it into the muscular wall of the womb.
Although adenomyosis is not a life-threatening condition, the symptoms can cause chronic pain, cramps, and painful sex. Below, we’ll delve into the non-surgical solutions to this condition:
How Do You Know If You Have Adenomyosis?
People with adenomyosis may experience heavy menstrual bleeding as the endometrial tissues attach to the myometrium, triggering growth in the internal uterine wall. In addition, individuals with this condition may feel abdominal bloating, fullness, chronic pelvic pain, and severe cramps.
Furthermore, post-menopausal women may have an enlarged uterus and experience pain during sex.
What Non-Surgical Treatments Do Doctors Offer?
Since various uterine conditions have similar symptoms, your doctor will request several diagnostic tests to confirm adenomyosis. Your doctor will suggest a pelvic exam, MRI scans, and an ultrasound to determine the presence of growths.
After this, your doctor will recommend the following non-surgical treatments to alleviate the symptoms of adenomyosis:
Taking Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
To ease cramping, your healthcare provider may recommend anti-inflammatory medication, including NSAIDs, ibuprofen, or Advil. These may relieve mild pelvic and lower back pain.
Using Hormonal or Non-Hormonal Medications
Many gynecologists suggest hormonal contraceptives and non-hormonal medication as the first-line therapy to treat adenomyosis. Your doctor will offer estrogen-progestin birth control pills, progesterone-releasing intrauterine devices, vaginal rings, and hormone-containing patches to minimize heavy bleeding and associated pain.
Furthermore, your healthcare provider may refer you to tranexamic acid, a non-hormonal medicine, to lessen heavy menstrual bleeding. These hormonal and non-hormonal medicines are ideal for women who wish not to have hormonal treatments.
Following Self-Care Practices
Your gyne or doctor may recommend self-care practices to relieve chronic pelvic pain and severe menstrual cramping. These include soaking your body in a warm bath or using a heating pad to ease heavy bleeding-associated pain.
Moreover, you can take over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, or use a cooling pad to alleviate the symptoms of adenomyosis.
What Happens When You Leave Adenomyosis Untreated?
Leaving adenomyosis untreated can increase miscarriage and infertility risks as the embryo faces challenges implanting itself into the uterine lining. You may experience continued and worsening pelvic, lower back, and abdominal pain that affects your ability to perform daily tasks.
Besides this, many people experience life-disrupting symptoms or an enlarged uterus after menopause.
How Do You Know When to Call a Gynecologist?
If you experience heavy menstrual periods, severe cramping, and pain during intercourse, we recommend contacting your healthcare provider. Moreover, you should visit your gynecologist when you experience heaviness in the abdomen and chronic pelvic pain.
The Bottom Line
Although adenomyosis isn’t cancerous or causes severe complications, it can create conceiving and miscarriage risks. In addition, its symptoms may disrupt your daily life and affect your well-being.
If you experience similar symptoms, contact your healthcare provider to discuss your feelings and a diagnostic criterion. Your doctor will recommend non-surgical and surgical treatments after confirming adenomyosis growth.
Sources
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14167-adenomyosis
https://www.webmd.com/women/adenomyosis-symptoms-causes-treatments
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adenomyosis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adenomyosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369143