Treatment for adenomyosis can be done by using medications or by surgical procedures to remove excess tissue or the entire uterus. The type of treatment varies according to the woman's age and the severity of the symptoms, and in the mildest cases only the use of medications is recommended.
It is important that the treatment of adenomyosis be done according to the guidance of the gynecologist, otherwise there may be progression of symptoms and increase the chances of complications in a future pregnancy.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment for adenomyosis is done according to the symptoms presented by the woman and age, being the most used forms of treatment:
- Use of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen or ketoprofen, to reduce inflammation of the uterus and relieve abdominal cramps. The gynecologist is usually indicated 3 days before the menstrual period and maintained until the end of the cycle;
- Use of hormonal remedies, such as the contraceptive pill with progesterone or with estrogen, which prevents menstruation and, therefore, prevents intense pain. Hormonal medications may be taken in the form of tablets or used as a vaginal ring, IUD or contraceptive patch, for example.
- Surgery in which excess endometrial tissue can be withdrawn into the uterus when it is not yet widely penetrated into the uterine muscle. In more severe cases, when the adenomyosis causes constant pain or heavy bleeding, the doctor may indicate the definitive removal of the uterus, without having to remove the ovaries.
Thus, depending on the woman's age, the doctor will select the most appropriate form of treatment for the woman's life goals, since women who are still planning to become pregnant should not be treated with hormonal remedies or surgery to remove the uterus, for example.
If the woman wishes to become pregnant, the adenomyosis must be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications during pregnancy, such as ectopic pregnancy, difficulty in embryo fixation and abortion, and it is important to follow the obstetrician during pregnancy. Learn more about adenomyosis.
Signs of improvement
Signs of amelioration of adenomyosis occur about 3 weeks after initiation of treatment, and a decrease in menstrual cycle and pain during sexual intercourse and during the menstrual cycle may be seen, in addition to reduced menstrual blood flow.
Although there is a decrease in symptoms, it is important to follow the treatment until the doctor's advice is taken to stop the use of medication.
Signs of worsening
Signs of worsening occur when treatment is not done correctly, with symptoms increasing and worsening of the woman's condition, and total removal of the uterus may be necessary, as there may be severe pain and bleeding, for example. See what happens after the uterus is removed.
Can Adenomyosis Cause Infertility?
Adenomyosis usually does not interfere with fertility, however, as the disease progresses, the process of attaching the embryo to the uterine wall may become more difficult, making it difficult for the woman to become pregnant. In addition, adenomyosis is often accompanied by endometriosis, which may hinder pregnancy.
