Have you ever felt excruciating menstrual pain that interfered with your activities? If yes, watch out for adenomyosis, a medical condition that can attack the female reproductive organs.
Adenomyosis is the abnormal growth of uterine tissue into the muscle wall of the uterus. This causes the uterus to thicken and enlarge, causing discomfort, heavy menstrual bleeding, and excruciating menstrual pain.
Although adenomyosis can cause disturbing symptoms, This condition is not dangerous and is not fatal. Usually, adenomyosis It is only detected when the symptoms are severe. In this article, we will discuss in more depth about adenomyosis, starting from the causes, symptoms, to how to overcome them. Let's see the full explanation!
What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition in which tissue endometrium, which normally lines the inside of the uterus, actually grows inside myometrium, namely the muscular wall of the uterus. This abnormal growth causes the uterus to thicken and enlarge, even reaching two to three times its normal size.
As a result, women with adenomyosis often experience severe menstrual pain and abnormal menstrual bleeding. Bleeding can be very heavy and prolonged, even causing anemia.
Adenomyosis the exact cause is not yet known, but is thought to be related to hormonal and genetic factors. This condition occurs more often in women aged 30-50, especially those who have given birth.
Symptoms of Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis often goes undetected because the symptoms are vague or even non-existent. However, some common symptoms that may appear include:
- Very heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).
- Intense abdominal pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea).
- Irregular menstruation.
- Pelvic pain.
- Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility).
- Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
- Abdomen feels bloated or full (adenomyosis belly).
- Enlargement of the uterus which can cause pain or pressure in the lower abdomen.
How to Treat Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis, a condition in which uterine tissue grows into the muscle wall of the uterus, can cause pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. How to deal with it varies, depending on the severity of symptoms, birth history, and desire to have children in the future.
For those with mild symptoms, simple steps such as soaking in warm water, using a warm compress, and taking pain relievers such as paracetamol can help relieve complaints.
However, if the symptoms are severe or there is heavy menstrual bleeding, consultation with a gynecologist is an important step. The doctor will provide appropriate treatment, such as:
1. Painkillers
Doctors can prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as mefenamic acid to help relieve pain.
2. Hormone Therapy
This therapy is useful for patients who experience heavy bleeding and unbearable pain during menstruation. One example is birth control pills.
3. Endometrial Ablation
This procedure aims to destroy the uterine lining that is experiencing adenomyosis. However, endometrial ablation is only effective if the adenomyosis is not too deep in the uterine muscle.
4. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
HIFU uses special ultrasound waves to destroy endometrial tissue.
5. Adenomyomectomy
This operation is performed to remove adenomyosis tissue. Adenomyomectomy is an option if adenomyosis cannot be removed by other methods.
6. Uterine Artery Embolization
This procedure aims to inhibit blood flow to the adenomyosis area, so that its size decreases and complaints subside. Embolization is performed on patients who cannot undergo surgery.
7. Hysterectomy
Removal of the uterus is performed if adenomyosis cannot be treated by other means. Hysterectomy is only recommended for patients who no longer wish to become pregnant.
For women, understanding adenomyosis and its risks is very important. To help reduce the possibility of developing adenomyosis, apart from adopting a healthy lifestyle, it is important to always have the health of your reproductive system checked regularly, especially if you experience the symptoms mentioned previously.
References:
https://www.halodoc.com/kesehatan/adenomiosis
https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/apa-itu-adenomiosis
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