What is Adenomyosis?
Image of adenomyosis 
Image of the 3 different types of adenomyosis Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis (ah-den-o-my-o-sis) occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium).
Types of adenomyosis
Focal: As the name indicates, focal adenomyosis is adenomyosis in one particular site of the uterus.
Adenomyoma: adenomyoma is a form of focal adenomyosis, but it is more extensive.
Diffuse: Unlike the other two classifications, diffuse adenomyosis is spread throughout the uterus.
Causes of adenomyosis
The exact cause of adenomyosis is unknown.
There are several theories about what causes this condition.
They include:
invasive growth of endometrial cells into the uterine muscle — this may be due to an incision made in the uterus during surgery (like a caesarean delivery) or during normal uterine functioning.
uterine inflammation that occurs after childbirth — this may break the usual boundaries of the cells that line the uterus.
extra tissues in the uterine wall, which are present before birth and grow during adulthood.
stem cells in the myometrium, or uterine muscle wall.
Symptoms
About 1 in 3 people with adenomyosis don’t have signs or symptoms. It can also affect other aspects of a woman’s life including her general physical health and emotional wellbeing. Some people experience:
Painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea).
Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).
Pelvic pain with or without severe cramping.
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia).
Enlarged uterus.
Bloating or fullness in your belly (adenomyosis belly).
Pain during sexual intercourse.
Pain related to bowel movements.
How is adenomyosis diagnosed?
Healthcare providers often suspect adenomyosis based on your symptoms and one or more of these tests:
Pelvic exam: During a pelvic exam, your provider may notice that your uterus has gotten larger, softer or is painful to the touch.
Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of your pelvic organs. These images can sometimes show thickening of your uterine wall.
Imaging scans: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can show uterine enlargement and thickening of certain areas of your uterus.
How is adenomyosis managed or treated?
These treatments can ease pain, and help with heavy bleeding and other symptoms:
Pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Hormonal medications: Certain hormonal medications can help with menstruation and abnormal bleeding. Options include birth control pills, injection and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD).
Non-hormonal medication: Medications like tranexamic acid can reduce the amount of vaginal bleeding.
Hysterectomy: This surgery removes your uterus. After a hysterectomy, you won’t have a menstrual cycle or be able to get pregnant.