Menstrual cramps, dyspareunia and infertility are the most common symptoms of the two problems affecting the female reproductive system.
According to data from ANVISA (National Association for Health Surveillance), about 10% of Brazilian women are affected by endometriosis or adenomyosis, two diseases that affect the female reproductive system. This is the same rate of women affected worldwide.
Although they have similar characteristics, adenomyosis and endometriosis are not the same. Among the common symptoms of these conditions are: menstrual cramps, pain in sexual intercourse and infertility.
Although they are different diagnoses, these two conditions occur due to the abnormal growth of the endometrium, a layer that lines the interior cavity of the uterus and is shed during the menstrual period.
THE Dr. Mariana Rodrigueza gynecologist who specializes in gynecological endoscopy and treatments aimed at regenerative gynecology, explains that both conditions can be discovered through physical exams and imaging, such as pelvic MRI and ultrasound.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 10-15% of women of reproductive age.
According to Mariana Rodrigues, the problem occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus inside returns through the tube, falls into the abdominal cavity and, due to an immune deficiency, ends up adhering to other organs and behaving as if it were still inside. of the uterus, bleeding every cycle.
In addition to menstrual cramps, dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), infertility and difficulty urinating/stools are part of the symptoms of endometriosis.
To treat gynecological disease, it is necessary to evaluate its severity, the intensity of pain and the problem of infertility, according to the doctor. Depending on the case, surgery or the use of hormones may be indicated.
However, healthy lifestyle habits are also important for coping with endometriosis, including exercising, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and adopting an anti-inflammatory diet.
What is Adenomyosis?
In adenomyosis, endometrial tissue invades the myometrium, the middle layer of the uterus, where there is also atypical tissue growth, according to the gynecologist. “Adenomyosis is the infiltration of the endometrium, which is the tissue that covers the uterus from the inside, into the myometrium, which is the musculature of the uterus,” he explains.
With dysfunction in ectopic tissue growth, small sacs appear in the myometrium, causing severe cramping and heavy menstrual flow.
“Despite these characteristics, adenomyosis is benign, as there is no possibility of it evolving into cancer,” says the specialist.
The main symptoms of this pathology are increased menstrual flow, colic and impact on fertility. “For patients who still want to become pregnant, treatment is based on hormone therapy. In the case of patients who already have definite offspring, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) can be performed,” says Dr. Mariana.
Just like with endometriosis, a healthy and balanced lifestyle also plays a relevant role in the treatment of adenomyosis.
What are the differences?
In summary, while endometriosis is linked to the endometrium, the lining that internally covers the uterus, adenomyosis is linked to the myometrium, the thickest layer responsible for contractions when a child is born.
“The main difference between them is uterine bleeding. While endometriosis does not affect menstrual flow, adenomyosis greatly increases menstrual bleeding and in severe cases, the woman has daily uterine bleeding that is difficult to control,” explains Dr. .
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the two diseases can coexist, i.e. they can be found together in the same patient.
fertility
In both diseases there is a change in fertility, but it can happen for different reasons. “In endometriosis, this occurs due to blocked fallopian tubes, due to reduced ovarian reserve, which is the amount of follicles in the ovary, or due to inflammation of the pelvic environment. In adenomyosis, the infertility can occur due to the large amount of intrauterine inflammatory process, making the uterus an inhospitable environment for pregnancy,” reports the gynecologist.
However, the doctor points out that not all women who have been diagnosed with the problems face infertility. “50% of patients who have infertility suffer from endometriosis or adenomyosis. Importantly, there is a clinical and non-surgical treatment that makes pregnancy possible for these women,” she concludes.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
