Adenomyosis and Infertility: Fertility-Sparing Treatment Options

Adenomyosis is a uterine condition where the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This condition can cause severe pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and cramping during periods. Adenomyosis can also affect a woman’s fertility, making it difficult to conceive.
Does adenomyosis cause infertility? What is the connection between them?
The exact link between adenomyosis and infertility is not clearly understood. Still, experts believe that the condition may cause inflammation in the uterus, and cause changes in the shape and structure of the uterus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Hence it can cause difficulty in conception or make embryo implantation difficult. Though it is not necessary that every woman with adenomyosis cannot conceive, adenomyosis is still linked to causing infertility.
Complications associated with adenomyosis include:
- Infertility or difficulty in conceiving
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Anemia due to excessive bleeding
- Enlarged uterus
How to understand that I have adenomyosis: Symptoms of adenomyosis
Adenomyosis symptoms may or may not be noticeable. However, in most cases, gynecologists or fertility experts find these common symptoms in women who are diagnosed with adenomyosis.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Pain during intercourse
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Back pain during periods
How is adenomyosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of adenomyosis involves a physical exam, ultrasound, MRI, or a uterine lining biopsy. If you experience any symptoms of adenomyosis, consult Dr. Partha Das to discuss the best treatment options for you.
Fertility treatments for adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a condition that can cause fertility problems in women. It can make it harder to conceive naturally and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with adenomyosis, or you are struggling to conceive, then the doctor may give treatment to modulate adenomyosis and then IVF:
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): For conceiving with adenomyosis
IVF is a type of fertility treatment that involves fertilizing eggs with sperm in a lab and then transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus. IVF is a good option for women
with adenomyosis who are struggling to conceive, as it bypasses the extra distance sperm has to travel through the fallopian tubes, which can be obstructed or damaged in women with adenomyosis.
Other fertility treatments such as IUI and ICSI can also be recommended depending on the adenomyosis condition and ability of conception. Recent guidelines recommend freezing of eggs or embryos and then treating the adenomyosis with medications before transferring the embryo back to the uterus. This approach maximizes chances to some extent.
During adenomyosis, there is inflammation in the uterus that can cause treatment in pregnancy or lead to miscarriage or complicated gestation. Treatment modalities could be as follows:
Medications
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists temporarily shrink the adenomyotic lesion in uterus.
- Pain relievers ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain
Or
Contraceptive device
Hormonal medications such as birth control pills, progestin-only pills, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) to help reduce heavy bleeding and pain
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)
Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that cuts the blood supply to the uterus, which can help to shrink adenomyosis lesions. It is recommended when women who are not trying to conceive but want to reduce the symptoms of adenomyosis.
In severe cases of adenomyosis, surgery, such as a hysterectomy or removal of the adenomyosis-affected tissue, is considered a last-resort treatment option.
Adenomyosis may be a complex condition creating multiple complications. Dr. Partha Das is a highly experienced fertility expert who has provided effective adenomyosis treatment and helped women conceive. He provides individualized treatment plans, considering factors such as the severity of the disease, the patient’s age, and their desire for future pregnancies.
Researching and choosing a doctor with the right qualifications, experience, and patient-centered approach is essential to get the best possible care and outcomes for adenomyosis. Choose Dr. Partha Das to treat adenomyosis infertility and get good news for life.