Adenomyosis is a benign, non-life threatening condition, but if you suffer with its painful effects, all you want is relief. Unfortunately it can be confused with uterine fibroids and other conditions, so it can be difficult to diagnose without proper medical attention.
One of the newer treatments for Adenomyosis is UAE, or Uterine Artery Embolization. How does its effectiveness stack up against other treatments?
What Is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis occurs when the endometrial tissue lining the uterus moves into the muscle wall of the uterus. As a result, the lining of the uterus becomes thicker, which can cause the uterus to double or even triple in size.
It is believed that hormones like estrogen trigger the condition since its symptoms go away after menopause. Female levels of estrogen go down in the first year after menopause and the symptoms dissipate as well.
Signs You May Have Adenomyosis
Many of the symptoms of this condition are similar to fibroids, so getting a conclusive diagnosis can be difficult.
Symptoms typically include:
- Heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle
- Prolonged cramping
- Blood clots
- Longer cycles
- Spotting between cycles
- Bloating
UAE And Other Treatments For Adenomyosis in Miami, FL
Let’s begin by stating that the only cure for Adenomyosis is a hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus. For those patients not ready to embrace that extreme treatment, there are other ways to get relief.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and how close a woman is to menopause, she may wish to discuss with her OBGYN DOCTOR which treatments may be best.
- Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help with the pain and reduce the blood flow. The Mayo Clinic advises to start the medication several day prior to the beginning of the cycle.
- Taking birth control pills and other hormones is another treatment frequently used.
- Endometrial Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the lining, but its success depends on how deeply the tissue has penetrated into the wall of the uterus.
- UAE or Uterine Artery Embolization is a technique commonly used to treat uterine fibroids.
UAE for Adenomyosis
Performed similarly, particles are injected into the uterine artery to block the blood flow to the specific problem area. The goal is to deprive the tissue of both blood and oxygen so it the condition will abate. The procedure involves an overnight stay in the hospital.
More recently doctors have begun using three types of particles: smaller, normal and larger particles thereby increasing its effectiveness rate to 80%. In either case UAE seems to be an excellent short term option.
Speak to your OBGYN at South Florida Women’s Care today to learn about about the best treatment options for your Adenomyosis.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/adenomyosis-symptoms-causes-treatments#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adenomyosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369143
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/703820_11
https://www.healthline.com/health/adenomyosis