Endometriosis and adenomyosis are two different disorders that share many characteristics. Abnormalities cause both disorders in the endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that looks like endometrial extends beyond the uterus, resulting in inflammation, implants, and adhesions on the organs and surfaces of the pelvic cavity.
Endometrial tissue stays inside the uterus in adenomyosis, but it infiltrates the womb’s muscular walls and develops in pockets within the wall.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is the abnormal development of endometrial tissue outside the uterus that is identical to that which lines the inside of the uterus.
During menstruation, endometrial tissue is lost every month. Endometrial implants are areas of endometrial tissue present in ectopic sites.
The ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterine surface, intestine, and the membrane lining of the pelvic cavity are the most prevalent sites for these lesions.
They are less likely to affect the vaginal canal, cervix, or bladder.
What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a gynecological disorder in which the cells that line the uterus expand inward into the uterine muscle. This illness may affect either one or both sexes.
Identical to the mucous membrane lining of the uterus, the menstrual cycle hormones stimulate these “trapped” cells throughout a person’s menstrual cycle.
As a result, menstrual cramps and bleeding may be more severe than normal as a result of this.
The signs of adenomyosis change during the menstrual cycle as estrogen levels rise and decrease, affecting the uterine lining’s shedding.
After menopause , when a woman’s estrogen levels decline, symptoms disappear or improve.
Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis: Which is worse?
Although both may be unpleasant, endometriosis is more likely to result in infertility due to two mechanisms:
- Scarring the ovaries and tubes prevents an egg from descending for fertilization or sperm from swimming to fertilize the egg.
- Inducing inflammation leads to poor chemistry and malfunction in ovulation and fertilization.
Read Also – How to Choose the Best IVF Centre in Mumbai (in 2022)
How to differentiate between Endometriosis vs. Adenomyosis?
Inside vs. Outside:
Endometriosis is a condition in which the same cells that line the uterus, or womb, grow outside of it.
The growth can affect neighboring organs such as your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bladder. As a result, it may make it difficult for you to conceive.
Adenomyosis occurs when the same cells that border the uterus develop deep into and strengthen the muscular wall of the uterus.
As a result, it doesn’t travel any farther than the uterus.
Symptoms
Even when the uterine lining develops in the wrong place, it functions. It thickens as your monthly cycle approaches, then bleeds when your hormones tell you that you aren’t pregnant.
Endometriosis irritates and swells the tissues around the uterus, causing scarring. For example, you may have seen the following:
- Pain in the stomach: The most prevalent symptom is this. It may be worse around the time of your period
- Back or leg discomfort, as well as pain during or after sex
- Menstrual bleeding that is excessive or painful
- While peeing or pooping, you may experience discomfort
- Nausea, vomiting, or tiredness
When you have adenomyosis, the lining of your womb will get thicker and larger, although endometriosis will often not cause this. Instead, the uterus’s enlargement may:
- Apply pressure to your rectum and bladder
- Change the way your uterine muscles contract
- Periods become unpleasant and heavy
Menstrual bleeding may cause anemia in both of these disorders. This indicates that your blood is deficient in iron . Thus, iron supplementation may be beneficial.
Diagnosis:
It might be difficult to determine if you have endometriosis, adenomyosis, or both.
Endometriosis:
Endometriosis may be detected with ultrasonography. Larger amounts of endometrial tissue outside the uterus may be seen using an MRI, while smaller patches may be missed. Surgery is the only way to confirm for sure whether you have it.
Your physician can check for endometrial tissue in your abdomen this way (outside your uterus). Small bits may be taken out for a lab test to verify the diagnosis if any are found.
Adenomyosis:
When you press on your tummy, your uterus may feel larger than usual and painful. An ultrasound or an MRI may diagnose adenomyosis.
Yet, you may not realize you have it until your uterine tissue is analyzed in a lab after a hysterectomy.
If you want to consult about Endometriosis, then you can visit Dr. Jay Mehta, Dr. Jay Mehta is one of the best Endometriosis Specialists in Mumbai .
What is the treatment for Endometriosis vs. Adenomyosis?
Endometriosis and adenomyosis have comparable treatments since they both affect the uterus. Treatments are also different depending on the severity of the disease .
Both endometriosis and adenomyosis have symptoms that may be treated with pain relievers and anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals that lower blood flow and cramps during menstruation and reduce pelvic discomfort.
Hormone medicines, such as birth control pills, may manage both adenomyosis and endometriosis.
Endometriosis may be treated with hormone replacement therapy as well. These therapies may become more intensive, and some women may need surgery to reduce their problems.
Endometriosis may be treated through surgeries that remove the lesions created by the disease.
The endometrium, the uterine lining, may be removed in adenomyosis by endometrial ablation.
Depending on the patient’s symptoms , a hysterectomy (total removal of the uterus) may be done to cure both endometriosis and adenomyosis.
Read Also – What Is The Success Rate Of IVF On The First Try?
Conclusion
Both adenomyosis and endometriosis can be uncomfortable in the long run. But, both illnesses are progressing but are curable and do not pose a life-threatening hazard.
A better discomfort and symptom reduction result may be achieved with early diagnosis and therapy.
FAQs
Can you have both Adenomyosis and Endometriosis at the same time?
Endometriosis and adenomyosis are not the same things. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial cells (the uterine lining) are found outside the uterus;
But, it may happen. It is called adenomyosis when these cells exist or expand into the uterine wall.
Endometriosis does not cause excessive bleeding, even though both may cause discomfort. Adenomyosis affects 40% to 50% of women who also have endometriosis.
Which is more serious, Adenomyosis or Endometriosis?
While both disorders are significant, Endometriosis has a greater impact on fertility. As a result, you may live a normal, happy life with study and honest conversations with your doctor.
