Adenomyosis

Alternative names:

adenomyoma; endometriosis interna

Symptoms:

• prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding (50% of patients)
• menstruation, painful
  • new onset of menstrual cramping
  • becomes increasingly worse (20% of patients)

Note: In some cases, the woman may not have any symptoms.

Signs and tests:

Pelvic examination may reveal an enlarged, slightly softened uterus and/or uterine tenderness

• An abdominal X-ray that is taken after ingestion of contrast (a dye-like material that is visible on X-ray) may be diagnostic.
• An intrauterine wall sample may be necessary for pathological evaluation.
• An abdominal MRI could be useful, but the cost precludes its routine use.