In this Article

• What are uterine growths?
• Uterine fibroids
• What are uterine fibroids?
• What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
• If uterine fibroids are benign, why are they the reason for so many hysterectomies?
• What are the complications of uterine fibroids?
• How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for uterine fibroids?
• Surgical removal of uterine fibroids
• Surgery for uterine fibroids
• Complications of uterine fibroid surgery
• Other medical treatment for uterine fibroids
• Adenomyosis
• What is adenomyosis?
• What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?
• How is adenomyosis diagnosed?
• How is adenomyosis treated?
• Uterine polyps
• What are uterine polyps?
• What are the symptoms of uterine polyps?
• How are uterine polyps diagnosed and treated?
• Uterine Growths Glossary
• Uterine Growths Index

Adenomyosis

What is adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is the growth of uterine tissue from one particular layer of the uterus (the endometrial glands) into the "wrong" layer (the muscle layer, called the myometrium). It is a benign condition, but it can enlarge the uterus presenting as a growth. Adenomyosis is similar to endometriosis, which is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus (endometrial cells), in a location outside of the uterus. In adenomyosis, the abnormal growth of endometrial cells occurs within the muscular layer of the uterus.

The cause of adenomyosis is not well understood. Some researchers believe that previous surgeries on the uterus (including Cesarean births) can cause the endometrial (uterine lining) cells to spread and grow in an abnormal location (the muscular layer of the uterine wall). Another possibility is that adenomyosis arises from tissues in the uterine wall itself that may have been deposited there during development of the uterus.

Adenomyosis is more common after childbirth.

What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?

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

• excessive bleeding,

• painful menstrual periods,

• bleeding between periods, and

• painful intercourse.

How is adenomyosis diagnosed?

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.

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