Dysmenorrhea is not the same as dysmenorrhea
Many women experience “dysmenorrhea” during their period
But is this really just simple dysmenorrhea?
Behind this could be adenomyosis causing trouble
Never ignore it
It could lead to difficulties in conceiving, infertility, and other consequences
Dysmenorrhea caused by adenomyosis is due to the endometrium growing into the muscles of the uterus, so during each period, the misplaced endometrium bleeding cannot be expelled, leading to uterine contractions and intense pain.
Because the endometrium is in a place different from where it should be in the uterus, it’s also called adenomyosis, a form of internalized endometriosis.
Normally, the endometrium only grows on the surface of the uterine cavity. If it grows beyond this area into the depths and invades the muscular layer, it becomes a disease called adenomyosis. If the lesion is localized in one area, it becomes an adenomyoma.
There are four major symptoms of adenomyosis:
Women should pay more attention to their overall health. If experiencing the following four symptoms, it’s important to take them seriously:
Dysmenorrhea
Mostly secondary dysmenorrhea with progressive intensity, accounting for 80% among patients. It can be severe, often requiring pain medication.
As adenomyosis progresses, pain can start around a week before the period or extend 1 to 2 weeks after. In some cases, pain remains cyclical around the period.
Excessive menstrual flow
Some adenomyosis patients experience heavy bleeding and are often misdiagnosed with functional uterine bleeding before surgery.
Uterine enlargement
Usually uniform and hard, generally not exceeding the size of 12 weeks, otherwise it may be accompanied by uterine fibroids. In cases of adenomyoma, the enlargement can be asymmetric. With concomitant endometriosis, corresponding signs may appear.
Infertility
Uterine enlargement hampers the implantation of fertilized eggs, increasing the risk of miscarriage and embryo arrest, leading to infertility.
In treating adenomyosis fundamentally
The most direct approach is to remove the uterus
However, the condition varies among patients
Also, one must consider the patients’ fertility needs
As well as post-treatment physiological maintenance and other factors
Uterus removal surgery is not the best choice
Preserving the uterus is the optimal choice
When treating adenomyosis, the priority is to preserve the uterus rather than resorting to hysterectomy to alleviate pain. Both the ovaries and uterus are crucial endocrine organs in women, participating not just in reproductive functions and menstrual cycles but also playing essential roles in hormonal regulation and metabolism.
Uterine secretions are also involved in physiological and pathological processes. Keeping the ovaries functioning is vital for ensuring women’s quality of life.
If possible, preserving the uterus is the best option for patients with adenomyosis.
Currently
There are two methods of surgical treatment for adenomyosis that can also preserve the uterus
One is microwave ablation
The other is uterine lesion resection surgery
Coordination/Yang Xinwei
Execution coordination/Huo Lijun
Editor/Li Jing
