If you have been unable to conceive, conditions inside your uterus, such as having scar tissue or adenomyosis, may be affecting your fertility. These conditions make it difficult for an embryo to implant, causing fertilized eggs to be lost.
Uterine Scar Tissue
Also referred to as intrauterine adhesions, scar tissue on the endometrial lining of your uterus may occur due to injury or infection. The scarring can be mild with thin stretchy bands of scar tissue or more severe with thick bands. Severe scarring can cause complete destruction of the inside of the uterus. Many women don’t know they have uterine scarring until they have trouble conceiving.
What causes intrauterine adhesions?
The most common cause of uterine scarring is a previous uterine surgery. You may have scarring due to a dilation and curettage (D&C), surgical removal of fibroids, cesarean sections, or endometrial ablation. Less commonly, infection of the endometrial uterine lining can cause scarring.
Treating Scar Tissue
Hysteroscopy is a surgical procedure used to remove scar tissue from your uterus. Following the surgery, a balloon catheter will be placed inside your uterus temporarily to keep the uterine walls from touching in order to prevent further scar tissue from forming. Medication may also be prescribed to prevent new scar tissue.
What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue inside the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. It is most common in middle-aged women and women with children.
Types of Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis can present in three different ways: focal adenomyosis, a focal adenomyoma and diffuse adenomyosis.
Focal
Focal adenomyosis is in one particular spot of the uterus.
Adenomyoma
Adenomyoma is a form of focal adenomyosis, but it results in a larger uterine mass or benign tumor.
Diffuse
Diffuse adenomyosis is spread throughout the uterus.
Symptoms of Adenomyosis
Many women with adenomyosis experience no symptoms, but the condition can cause:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bloating
- Severe cramping
- Abdominal pressure
- Infertility
Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis vs. Fibroids
Adenomyosis is easily confused with endometriosis and fibroids. While they are all pelvic growths, they vary based on location and makeup. Adenomyosis growths are only inside the uterus while endometriosis growths occur outside the uterus on other areas in the pelvis. Uterine fibroids grow inside the uterus, but they are well-defined benign tumors while adenomyosis is a less-defined mass of cells.
What is the best treatment for Adenomyosis?
Treatment for adenomyosis varies depending on your symptoms, their severity, and your desire to bear children.
In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications or birth control can be used to treat the symptoms of adenomyosis. But if you’re looking for a treatment that improves fertility, laparoscopic surgery is your best option.
Laparoscopic surgery is used to treat focal adenomyosis and adenomyoma by removing the harmful growths while keeping your uterus intact. If you suffer from severe diffuse adenomyosis, you may require a hysterectomy. This procedure removes your uterus or a part of it, and therefore should only be used as a last resort.
Treatment is Available
If you experience abnormally heaving or light periods or if you have had severe abdominal cramps, it’s time to have an exam. At Inovi, Dr. Stephan Krotz will evaluate your unique symptoms and perform a physical exam to diagnose any abnormal growths. Once you have the proper diagnosis, we can help develop the right treatment plan for you. Call us today at 713-401-9000 to schedule.