Adenomyosis Specialist Melbourne
Specialist care for adenomyosis, aiming to restore comfort and quality of life.
Are Heavy, Painful Periods Affecting Your Life?
Living with ongoing pelvic pain or heavy periods can take a real toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. For many women, adenomyosis is the hidden cause behind these symptoms, often going undiagnosed.
At Create Health, our specialist gynaecologists take the time to listen, investigate, and provide clarity. With expertise in women’s health and our minimally invasive approach to gynaecology, we aim to relieve your symptoms, improve your wellbeing, and help you feel like yourself again.
What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis occurs when the lining of the uterine cavity (or endometrium) grows into the muscle wall of the uterus (or myometrium).
It can cause an enlarged uterus, which may put pressure on the lower abdomen and lead to discomfort or tenderness. This tissue can also thicken, break down, and bleed during menstruation, leading to painful and heavy periods.
Adenomyosis Symptoms
Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. However, common adenomyosis symptoms include:
- Heavy periods (menorrhagia)
- Severe menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pelvic pressure or fullness
- Difficulty conceiving
- Fatigue
- Anaemia
Our Adenomyosis Treatment Options
As diagnosing adenomyosis can be challenging due to its symptoms overlapping with other gynaecological conditions (like endometriosis and fibroids), your specialist will likely perform diagnostic tests to potentially identify the root cause of your problem after examining you. The most common test ordered is a pelvic ultrasound scan, and sometimes may include an MRI.
After diagnosis, treatment aims to relieve pain and improve quality of life. Potential options include:
- Pain management (including pharmacological and non-pharmacological options)
- Hormonal therapy (such as combined oral contraceptives or progesterone-only preparations)
- Hysterectomy (which typically cures severe adenomyosis, but will also mean that you are unable to fall pregnant)
Endometrial ablation is not recommended in patients with adenomyosis as it can worsen pain, even if it relieves heavy menstrual bleeding
Your Adenomyosis Questions Answered
What causes adenomyosis?
Unfortunately, despite it being relatively common (about 20 to 35% of women have it), the cause of adenomyosis is still unknown. It seems to become more common with increasing age and after childbirth.
What is the difference between adenomyosis and endometriosis?
While both conditions involve abnormal uterine tissue growth, they occur in different locations. Adenomyosis occurs when tissue grows within the muscle wall of the uterus, whereas endometriosis occurs when tissue grows outside of the uterus altogether (usually affecting the ovaries, bowel, bladder, and other pelvic organs). The symptoms can overlap, and many people with adenomyosis also have endometriosis (and vice versa).
Can adenomyosis be removed without a hysterectomy?
Due to the way adenomyosis typically grows in the uterine muscle, surgical removal without completely removing the uterus is challenging. Occasionally, the growth is contained to one area or lump (known as an adenomyoma), which may be removed while leaving the rest of the uterus intact. This does not, however, prevent it from recurring.
Can adenomyosis affect my fertility?
Yes. While some women can conceive naturally and may not even know they have adenomyosis before falling pregnant, others do experience difficulties conceiving. It also increases the risk of miscarriage. If you are concerned about adenomyosis and your fertility, speak with your specialist.
Why Create Health?
Multiple Clinic Locations
With clinics located in Mount Waverley, East Melbourne and Berwick, our specialists also consult in Malvern, Moorabbin, and regional Victoria.
Multilingual Team
We can consult in nine languages (including Mandarin, English, Arabic, and Punjabi) for your comfort and understanding.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
We offer both laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery, which are believed to improve recovery times and minimise scarring.
You Don’t Have to Live With Adenomyosis Pain and Discomfort
If you have been living with pelvic pain or heavy bleeding, you don’t have to keep wondering what’s wrong. Our caring specialists at Create Health will take the time to understand your symptoms, aiming to provide an accurate diagnosis and guide you through your treatment options.
Reach out to book an appointment and take the first step towards potential relief.