Adenomyosis – the name for a condition in which the lining of the womb (the endometrium) embeds (grows into) the inner layer of the muscle of the womb/uterus. (This can be in a small area or throughout).

Any endometrium embedded in the womb/uterine muscle can cause pain throughout the monthly cycle, however in menstruation (having a period) the endometrium swells (up to 10 times its normal size within a few days) and bleeds. At this time endometrium in the uterine muscle swells and bleeds, and because it has no natural outlet, this swelling and bleeding can cause pain which can range from mild to excruciating.

Adenomyosis can prevent conception and the following are common symptoms,

* Enlargement of the uterus
* Pain in the abdomen
* Pain during sexual intercourse
* Very heavy and lengthy monthly periods sometimes with blood clots
* Contractions at menstruation (having a period)
* Irregular bleeding
* Pressure on the bowel which can lead to other conditions e.g. bloating, constipation
* Pressure on the bladder which can lead to other conditions e.g. incontinence, inability to empty the bladder, constant need to urinate.
* An enlarged abdomen
* Fatigue

MRI can show if Adenomyosis is present and with the addition of a High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, currently offers the only alternative treatment to surgery in cases where this is required.

As regards the symptoms of Adenomyosis these are similar to those of Uterine Fibroids and in both cases MRI can show if Adenomyosis or Uterine Fibroids are present as the cause of any of the above problems.

Unfortunately and at present MRI is not routinely offered for diagnosis which results in many women having hysterectomies as the only solution to alleviate their pain, following which pathology reveals adenomyosis in 15% of removed wombs.