The Fertility Center of Las Vegas

Endometriosis versus Adenomyosis

Endometriosis versus adenomyosis: What’s the difference?

Endometriosis versus adenomyosis: What’s the difference?

Two very common conditions can affect fertility and cause painful cramps, heavy periods, bloating, painful sex, and a feeling of pressure in your belly. You may be wondering about the differences between endometriosis versus adenomyosis, which are similar in some ways, but very different in others. The good news is, our Las Vegas fertility clinic can diagnose and treat both.

Differences between endometriosis versus adenomyosis

Each menstrual cycle, your body builds up a uterine lining made of endometrial tissue, then sheds it during your period. Both endometriosis and adenomyosis involve the uterine lining growing in areas where it isn’t supposed to.

With adenomyosis, the endometrial tissue begins to grow into the muscular wall of the uterus. This causes abnormal thickening, which can lead to the hallmark painful cramps and heavy bleeding during your period. These thick areas can be detected by ultrasound performed at our Las Vegas fertility clinic.

Some women may be at higher risk for developing adenomyosis.

  • Those who have been pregnant before
  • Women who have had a C-section
  • Women who have had a myomectomy surgery

Adenomyosis can interfere with fertility if it changes the shape of the uterus, which can make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterine lining.

Endometriosis is more likely to create fertility challenges. It happens when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, such as in the abdominal cavity or around the ovaries or fallopian tubes. This can cause blockages that prevent the eggs in your ovaries from traveling where they need to go to achieve pregnancy.

At our Las Vegas fertility clinic, a pelvic exam and ultrasound scan can usually detect this condition. Some women may need a more detailed study, such as an MRI or laparoscopic exam. Sometimes, we discover that women have endometriosis and adenomyosis at the same time.

Effective treatment at our Las Vegas fertility clinic

If you’ve been struggling with excessive abdominal pain or cramping, heavy periods and bloating, effective treatment is available to relieve symptoms and make it possible to have a baby if you are ready to. Treatment is different for endometriosis versus adenomyosis.

With adenomyosis, hormone therapy can make symptoms manageable, and minimally invasive surgeries are available to reduce the physical effects on your uterus and make it possible to become pregnant.

For endometriosis, hormone therapy can also help, and we may suggest laparoscopy to remove the endometrial tissue from areas where it’s not supposed to be. If you want to have a baby, this procedure can remove the blockages that may be interfering with your ability to conceive.

If you’re not sure if you’re struggling with endometriosis versus adenomyosis, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to our Las Vegas fertility clinic to get the diagnosis and treatment you need.

Contact us to make an appointment to talk about your concerns.

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