Adenomyosis – An Overview

Adenomyosis is a benign uterine disorder in which there is a pathological presence of endometrial glands and stroma in the myometrium. Symptoms can include abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, or infertility; one-third of women, however, remain asymptomatic.1 2 Since many of these symptoms also occur in other gynecological diseases such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids, which often co-exist with adenomyosis, making a clinical diagnosis can be difficult. In the past, adenomyosis was only diagnosed on histopathology after a hysterectomy. With the combination of a patient's risk factor profile, clinical symptoms, and imaging diagnostic tools such as transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), clinicians are able to identify adenomyosis in a non-invasive way.1 3 4 5 The diagnosis of adenomyosis has been increasing in young women of reproductive age and conservative treatment is essential in those who prefer to maintain fertility.1 5 Since adenomyosis greatly impacts quality of life, it is important for clinicians to properly diagnose and treat these women to optimize clinical outcome.