Adenomyosis - Does It Impact Fertility?

Adenomyosis is a female reproductive health issue in which the tissue lining the uterus builds up inside the muscular wall of the uterus. The tissue keeps its breaking down, thickening, and development going on during every menstrual cycle. As a result, a female can have an enlarged uterus with painful, heavy periods. 

As per a study of the Society for Women’s Health Research, around one-third of the child-bearing females in the US have this reproductive health issue. Some reports claim that around 70% of females face this issue.   

Impact of adenomyosis on fertility 

A large number of recent studies on female’s reproductive health suggest that adenomyosis happens with other conditions such as fibroids, uterine polyps, and endometriosis that affect fertility. It alone can affect the receptiveness of the uterine lining, implantation, and can interfere with the tubal function that can prevent fertilisation. If you conceive with adenomyosis, you have a higher risk of preterm birth and miscarriage in comparison with a normal female.  

Symptoms of adenomyosis

Adenomyosis symptoms can be mild to severe for you if you have this reproductive health issue. Some of you may not experience any signs of adenomyosis. The most common adenomyosis symptoms are as follows:

• Prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Painful menstrual cramps
• Blood clots during menstrual bleeding
• Pain while having sexual intercourse
• Infertility

Causes of adenomyosis

As per the available studies on female reproductive health, experts do not know what exactly causes adenomyosis to a woman. However, most reproductive health experts agree that some internal buildups/conditions are behind this condition. As per them, the conditions are as follows:

• Invasive tissue buildup in the uterine muscle
• Uterine inflammation after childbirth 
• Stem cell origins 
• Developmental origins 

Risks and complications associated with adenomyosis

There are some certain factors that can keep you at a higher risk of adenomyosis. The factors could be:

• Age - Usually in 30s and 40s 
• Undergoing breast cancer treatment 
• Prior childbirth/delivery 
• Previous uterine surgery 
• A history of antidepressant usage or depression 
• Smoking

Adenomyosis diagnosis 

You should consult a respective doctor or gynaecologist soon as you notice heavy menstrual bleeding or severe pelvic pain, or pain during sex. After interacting with you, the doctor will conduct a physical and pelvic examination to decide whether your uterus is enlarged or not. Further, the expert will advise a few tests or scans that could be:

• Ultrasound to know the exact condition of your uterus and allied signs 
• MRI scan to see the inside images of your uterus and uterine wall muscle 
• Biopsy 

Adenomyosis treatment 

On the basis of physical examination and test reports, the doctor will produce a suitable treatment plan. The plan can include medicines and lifestyle changes. Here are what your doctor can suggest you as adenomyosis treatment:

• Hormonal medications 
• Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen 
• Hysterectomy to remove the tissue or the entire uterus  
• Contraceptive methods like IUD (intrauterine device
• Warm bath 
• Use of a heating pad on the abdomen 

Conclusion 

Adenomyosis is a reproductive health issue that causes heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and discomfort during physical intimacy. If not treated, it can cause infertility in females. At FSIVF Centre, we treat all types of reproductive health issues and help couples become parents of a child.