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Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• What are uterine growths?
• What are uterine fibroids?
• What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
• How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for uterine fibroids?
• Surgery for uterine fibroids
• Other medical treatment for uterine fibroids
• What are the complications of uterine fibroids?
• What is adenomyosis?
• What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?
• How is adenomyosis diagnosed?
• How is adenomyosis treated?
• What are uterine polyps?
• What are the symptoms of uterine polyps?
• How are uterine polyps diagnosed and treated?
• Patient Comments: Uterine Growths - Treatments
• Patient Comments: Uterine Growths - Symptoms
• Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
• Uterine Growths Index

Adenomyosis may not produce any symptoms, although some women may experience:

• excessive bleeding,
• painful menstrual periods,
• bleeding between periods, and
• painful intercourse.

The true diagnosis of adenomyosis is only possible with actual microscopic examination of uterine tissue. This means that it is ultimately diagnosed after hysterectomy. Sometimes the results of a physical examination and/or ultrasound examination may suggest the presence of adenomyosis.

Pain medications are used to relieve the cramping pain of adenomyosis. Currently, the only effective treatment for adenomyosis is a hysterectomy, meaning removal of the uterus. This requires a recovery period and carries the risk of surgery and anesthesia, as described above (see complications of an operation for fibroids). The decision as to whether or not to have a hysterectomy depends on the severity of the symptoms and the overall health of the patient. Controlling the menstrual cycle through hormonal contraception (the pill) or use of other hormones may provide some symptom relief.

Polyps of the uterus are benign overgrowths, or bulges, of the normal tissue lining the uterus into the uterine cavity. Polyps may also be found in the uterine cervix. Polyps are usually attached to the underlying uterus by a base or stalk, and they vary in size. Polyps only rarely contain cancerous cells. They are most common in women in their 40's and are rare in women under 20 years of age.

Uterine polyps may not produce any symptoms. However, some women may experience:

• irregular vaginal bleeding,
• bleeding after intercourse, or
• heavy menstrual bleeding.