The Fertility Center of Las Vegas

Adenomyosis can cause an enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods

Many people know about endometriosis, but they haven’t heard of adenomyosis. Like endometriosis, the condition involves the abnormal growth of the tissue that normally lines the uterus. However, instead of growing outside of the uterus, the tissue grows in the muscular wall of the uterus.

This uterine tissue thickens and breaks down during the menstrual cycle, but it has nowhere to go. This can result in an enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods. There is also evidence that this condition can cause infertility. Thankfully, our Las Vegas fertility center can often help.

How do doctors diagnose adenomyosis?

This condition and endometriosis are similar because some women with these conditions have severe pain and others have none. The patients who experience pain may have severe menstrual cramping, chronic pelvic pain or pain during sex. They may also have heavy or prolonged periods. Additionally, the uterus might become enlarged and tender.

Patients who notice these symptoms should visit our Las Vegas fertility center. Our doctors will start by taking a medical history. They will then perform a pelvic exam to check for a tender and enlarged uterus. The doctor may also order an ultrasound of the uterus or an endometrial biopsy.

What are the treatment options for this condition?

If our Las Vegas fertility center team finds a patient has adenomyosis, they may recommend birth control pills to control the heavy bleeding and pain. They may also suggest over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen for pain management.

For patients who want to attempt pregnancy, our doctors may suggest in vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without the use of a gestational surrogate. A surrogate can carry the pregnancy and deliver the baby if the patient is unable to do so due to adenomyosis.

If you want to explore your fertility treatment options, The Fertility Center of Las Vegas can help. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more.