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Adenomyosis
- See a specialist in as little as 24 hours
- Fast access to tests and adenomyosis treatment
- Leading consultant gynaecologists and multidisciplinary teams
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ADENOMYOSIS AT HCA HEALTHCARE UK
Why choose us?
Adenomyosis can make your periods more uncomfortable but it’s often difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are shared with a lot of other conditions. So a clear diagnosis is important. Our leading consultant gynaecologists and dedicated women's facilities can provide the clarity and high-quality care you need.
We have extended appointments for women’s health, so you’ll have time to discuss your symptoms and concerns in full. Alternatively, our One-Stop Gynaecology clinics can fully investigate your reproductive health in one convenient visit. We’re experts in women’s healthcare, so you’ll be in safe hands.
We have extended appointments for women’s health, so you’ll have time to discuss your symptoms and concerns in full. Alternatively, our One-Stop Gynaecology clinics can fully investigate your reproductive health in one convenient visit. We’re experts in women’s healthcare, so you’ll be in safe hands.
Adenomyosis is a gynaecological condition that happens when the lining of your womb (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscle in the wall of your womb. This can thicken and enlarge your womb and cause painful, heavy periods, along with other symptoms. It coincides with endometriosis in around 80% of cases.
Adenomyosis can impact anyone who has periods. It’s not a life-threatening condition but it can still have a big impact on your everyday life. Thankfully, there are effective ways to treat it.
Adenomyosis can impact anyone who has periods. It’s not a life-threatening condition but it can still have a big impact on your everyday life. Thankfully, there are effective ways to treat it.
Every patient is different, but some of the most common symptoms of adenomyosis are:
- Painful periods
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Bloating or fullness (caused by your uterus enlarging)
- Pain during sex
- Back pain
You can have adenomyosis without experiencing any of these symptoms. If you do experience them, they typically go away naturally after the menopause.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, or you might not have any symptoms at all but get diagnosed with adenomyosis after a gynaecological check-up. Whatever your circumstances, we can help.
We don’t yet fully know what causes adenomyosis. It's possible you might be more at risk if you’ve:
- Given birth before
- Had surgery on your uterus, such as a caesarean section, fibroid removal, or dilation and curettage (D&C)
If you experience any symptoms, or get diagnosed with adenomyosis, our experts are here to help. They’ll talk to you about your experiences, carry out all the necessary investigations and give you a clear idea about your condition.
Adenomyosis often gets confused with endometriosis or fibroids, because they all affect the womb, and have a lot of similar symptoms, such as painful or heavy periods.
However, endometriosis and fibroids are both distinct conditions, and they require different treatment.
- Endometriosis is where cells similar to the cells in the lining of your womb grow in other places, such as your ovaries or fallopian tubes (rather than the muscle of your womb).
- Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of muscle and tissue that develop in or around your womb.
900
adenomyosis and endometriosis patients treated in the UK each year
4
BCGE-accredited centres
26
expert adenomyosis and endometriosis consultants
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ADENOMYOSIS TESTS AND SCANS AT HCA UK
Expert testing and fast results
Getting an accurate diagnosis is important, because adenomyosis can often look very similar to other conditions. Your consultant gynaecologist will talk to you about your symptoms and give you a physical exam to check for bloating, swelling or tenderness.
Then you’ll have some imaging scans so they can see your reproductive organs in detail. They’ll be looking to see if your womb’s thicker or larger, and to rule out other conditions like endometriosis.
The tests they recommend might include:
- A pelvic exam
- A stomach exam
- An MRI scan
- An ultrasound scan
All your tests will happen at the same appointment, and you’ll get your results within 48 hours. Your consultant will talk you through them, give you an accurate diagnosis and discuss any treatment or next steps.
Adenomyosis treatments at HCA UK
If you’re diagnosed with adenomyosis, there are ways to treat it that can stop or reduce your symptoms. If your symptoms are mild, and you’re near the typical age for the menopause (49-51), it might be best to just wait for your symptoms to end naturally.
Your consultant gynaecologist and multidisciplinary team might recommend other options, depending on your age and your specific condition.
Those might include:
- Hormonal medications
- Non-hormonal medications
- Adenomyosis surgery
Hormonal medications such as the contraceptive pill or the coil can help with painful or heavy periods. Non-hormonal medication can help with inflammation or to reduce bleeding and make your periods less heavy. Adenomyosis surgery to remove all or part of your womb will only be recommended as a last resort.
Whatever your condition, you'll be treated with expertise and care in our dedicated women’s health facilities.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
FAQs
Having heavy, painful periods every month can have a distressing impact on your life. Adenomyosis isn’t life-threatening, but it can be hugely disruptive, so we recommend getting expert care and advice so you can live more comfortably.
If it isn’t treated, that heavy bleeding can increase your risk of chronic anaemia, because if you lose too many red blood cells, it can lead to tiredness and affect your health in other ways too.
If it isn’t treated, that heavy bleeding can increase your risk of chronic anaemia, because if you lose too many red blood cells, it can lead to tiredness and affect your health in other ways too.
There’s ongoing research exploring how adenomyosis might affect fertility or increase the risk of birthing complications. Many women with adenomyosis are still able to get pregnant and give birth as normal.
However, there’s a chance that it can affect your fertility whether or not you’ve had children already or are undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). If you're thinking about having a child, our fertility experts can help you understand your situation and options moving forward.
No, adenomyosis doesn’t lead to or cause cancer.
Adenomyosis can lead to pain in your lower back, even though it’s not a primary symptom. Back pain can happen because pain from your pelvis is actually felt in your spine instead, which is called referred pain. Just like other adenomyosis symptoms, this pain might get worse around the time of your period.
“Not enough focus is given to women-specific issues such as endometriosis. We’re committed to improving women’s access to care, making their experiences of healthcare more positive, and getting better outcomes for as many women as we can.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.