Uterine adenomyosis, a common gynecological condition, causes pain and distress for many women. So, what exactly causes uterine adenomyosis? What impact does it have on fertility?
First, let’s understand the causes of uterine adenomyosis. Uterine adenomyosis primarily refers to the abnormal growth of endometrial glands and stromal cells in the uterine muscle layer, forming diffuse or localized lesions. Currently, the exact causes of uterine adenomyosis are not completely understood, but the following factors may be related to its occurrence:
1. Genetic factors: Uterine adenomyosis has a certain hereditary tendency; if there are relatives in the family with this condition, the risk of other members developing it also increases.
2. Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal imbalance, especially elevated levels of estrogen, may lead to excessive proliferation of endometrial glands and stromal cells, thereby triggering uterine adenomyosis.
3. Reproductive tract infections: Infections of the uterus or pelvis may cause damage to the basal layer of the endometrium, thereby increasing the risk of uterine adenomyosis.
4. Multiple pregnancies and childbirths: Multiple pregnancies and childbirths may damage the basal layer of the endometrium, thereby triggering uterine adenomyosis.
5. Induced abortion: Induced abortion procedures may damage the basal layer of the endometrium, thereby increasing the risk of uterine adenomyosis.
Impact of uterine adenomyosis on fertility
1. Changes in uterine environment: Uterine adenomyosis thickens the uterine muscle layer, altering the uterine cavity environment, which may affect embryo implantation and development.
2. Enhanced uterine contractions: Uterine adenomyosis may enhance uterine contractions, which can make embryo implantation difficult and increase the risk of miscarriage.
3. Impairment of ovarian function: Uterine adenomyosis may impact ovarian function, affecting the development and release of eggs, thereby reducing fertility.
4. Fallopian tube dysfunction: Uterine adenomyosis may compress the fallopian tubes, leading to decreased motility or blockage, thereby affecting the combination of sperm and eggs.
In summary, the impact of uterine adenomyosis on fertility is multifaceted. It may affect embryo implantation and development, increase the risk of miscarriage, impair ovarian function, and cause fallopian tube dysfunction. However, this does not mean that patients with uterine adenomyosis cannot conceive.
