Adenomyosis Treatment in Charlotte North Carolina

Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis:
What 's the Difference?

Adenomyosis and endometriosis are both conditions where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows in places it shouldn 't, but they affect different areas of the body:

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows within the muscular wall of the uterus, causing the uterus to become enlarged and painful. This often leads to heavy menstrual bleeding, severe cramps, and a feeling of pelvic pressure. While some conservative surgical treatments exist, they are less well studied and should only be performed by experienced surgeons in relatively rare scenarios, particularly when fertility preservation is a goal. Removal of the uterus and adenomyosis may be an option in the right patient.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis happens when this tissue grows outside the uterus, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic organs. It can cause chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, and infertility. Unlike adenomyosis, endometriosis is primarily a surgically treated disease, with excision surgery being the gold standard for symptom relief and disease management.

Both conditions often coexist, and while they share symptoms, their treatments, and impact on fertility may differ. Patients with either condition may benefit from medical therapy, hormonal suppression, anti-inflammatory strategies, physical therapy, and other supportive treatments tailored to their symptoms and reproductive goals.