What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a common yet under-recognised benign (non-cancerous) condition of the uterus, where endometrial tissue (normally lining the uterine cavity) migrates into the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium). This trapped tissue thickens and bleeds with every menstrual cycle, causing heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and severe period pain (dysmenorrhoea).
Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis
While similar to endometriosis, adenomyosis occurs within the uterine muscle rather than outside the uterus. The two conditions frequently coexist, with studies suggesting up to 80–90% overlap. Both can cause debilitating symptoms, significantly impacting quality of life. Endometriosis causes period pain; adenomyosis causes heavy menstrual bleeding in addition to period pain.
Symptoms and Progression
Adenomyosis is an oestrogen-dependent condition, meaning symptoms tend to worsen over time until menopause. Common symptoms include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Pelvic pressure or bloating
- Pain during intercourse
Why “Wait and See” Is Often Not Enough
Due to its progressive nature, delaying treatment for adenomyosis can lead to worsening symptoms and decreased quality of life. Medical treatments such as:
- Tranexamic Acid (for HMB),
- NSAIDs (for pain),
- Hormonal therapy (e.g. pills or implants),
may provide short-term relief but do not address the underlying cause.
Is Mirena IUD Effective for Adenomyosis?
The Mirena (levonorgestrel IUD) may reduce bleeding and pain, but its effectiveness in adenomyosis is variable. Studies show a 56% patient satisfaction rate at 12 months, and its performance is limited in uteri larger than 150ml.
Why We Don’t Recommend Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial ablation is not recommended for adenomyosis The ablation destroy only few millimetre thickness of lining of uterus. It can worsen pain by sealing off bleeding glands within the myometrium, increasing the risk of trapped blood and worsening cramps.
Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE): A Non-Surgical Alternative to Hysterectomy
Historically, hysterectomy was considered the only definitive treatment for adenomyosis. However, many women seek alternatives to avoid the invasiveness, risks, and long-term effects of uterus removal.
UAE (Uterine Artery Embolisation) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment that offers an effective solution for women with adenomyosis who wish to avoid hysterectomy.
Key Benefits of UAE for Adenomyosis:
- Performed under local anaesthesia and sedation
- Only one night in hospital
- One week of recovery
- 90% overall patient satisfaction
- Up to 95% hysterectomy avoidance rate in our experience
- Preserves the uterus
UAE works by blocking the blood supply to the adenomyotic tissue, causing it to shrink and symptoms to subside over time.
Expert Adenomyosis Treatment in Sydney
At Sydney Fibroid Clinic, we specialise in non-surgical fibroid and adenomyosis treatments. Led by experienced interventional radiologists, we offer personalised care and cutting-edge procedures like UAE to help women regain control over their health—without resorting to hysterectomy.
👉 Learn more about adenomyosis treatment options in Sydney:
https://www.sydneyfibroidclinic.com.au/adenomyosis/adenomyosis-treatment/
👉 Discover how UAE offers a non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy:
https://www.sydneyfibroidclinic.com.au/adenomyosis/adenomyosis-faqs/
Watch our YouTube Channel on adenomyosis:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ili6rM054Qs&t=23s&ab_channel=SydneyFibroidClinic