Adenomyosis is a gynaecological condition characterised by the growth of endometrial tissue inside the muscular wall of the uterus. This condition can cause the uterine walls to thicken and lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, and an enlarged uterus.
Special precautions are necessary to manage symptoms and prevent complications so that the impact on your quality of life is minimised. Here are essential guidelines to follow.
Do
Consult a specialist
Seeking guidance from a gynaecologist or specialist in adenomyosis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment. They can differentiate adenomyosis from other conditions with similar symptoms, such as fibroids, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
An accurate diagnosis is important to ensure you receive the correct treatment for your condition. The specialist can then recommend appropriate therapies tailored to your symptoms and health status.
Adhere to medication
Taking prescribed medications as instructed by your gynaecologist is essential for managing symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pain associated with adenomyosis. Consistent adherence ensures that your body receives the correct dose of medication at the appropriate intervals.
Medications like pain relievers and hormonal therapies also work best when taken consistently. They help regulate hormone levels, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Inconsistent adherence can compromise treatment outcomes, leading to inadequate symptom relief and potentially prolonging discomfort.
Eat healthy
A diet rich in fruits, leafy greens, whole grains, and proteins is fundamental for supporting overall health and managing adenomyosis symptoms effectively. By incorporating foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as those containing omega-3 fatty acids, you can further enhance your well-being and potentially alleviate discomfort associated with the condition.
Exercise regularly
Engage in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga to improve circulation, reduce stress, and alleviate pelvic discomfort associated with adenomyosis. Consult your gynaecologist before you start a new exercise regimen.
Manage stress
Stress can exacerbate symptoms of adenomyosis. To promote relaxation and emotional well-being, practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness.
Keep a symptom diary
Maintain a diary of your symptoms, including pain levels, menstrual cycles, and any triggers. Creating a symptom diary is a proactive approach that empowers you to track and communicate your experiences with adenomyosis effectively. By recording detailed information about your symptoms, you provide valuable insights for both yourself and your healthcare team.
Don’t
Ignore symptoms
Ignoring symptoms associated with adenomyosis, such as pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, or discomfort during intercourse, can have severe consequences to your health.
Adenomyosis is a progressive condition. Ignoring symptoms allows the condition to worsen over time, potentially leading to increased severity of symptoms and more extensive damage to the uterine tissue.
Promptly reporting symptoms to your healthcare provider allows for early detection and diagnosis of adenomyosis. Early intervention will prevent the progression of the condition and improve treatment outcomes.
Skip appointments
Regular follow-up appointments with your specialist are essential for monitoring your condition and adjusting treatments as necessary. Skipping appointments can delay the effective management of adenomyosis.
Overexert yourself
Avoid activities that strain your pelvic area or cause excessive physical exertion, as these can aggravate symptoms of adenomyosis. Listen to your body and prioritise rest when needed.
Use unverified treatments
Resisting the temptation to seek out unverified treatments or supplements for adenomyosis is crucial for safeguarding your health and well-being. While exploring alternative therapies or cheaper options is tempting, these may not be backed by scientific evidence and pose risks to your health.
Some unverified treatments, including herbal supplements and alternative therapies, may also interact with prescribed medications or hormonal therapies. These interactions can diminish the effectiveness of your prescribed treatment or worsen symptoms, highlighting the importance of consulting your healthcare provider before trying new therapies.
Delay treatment
Delaying treatment for uterine adenomyosis can have significant implications for your health and well-being. While feeling fearful or uncertain about seeking medical help is understandable, seeking treatment promptly is crucial. Early diagnosis allows for prompt initiation of treatment, which can effectively manage symptoms and prevent adenomyosis from progressing.
Treatment options for adenomyosis
Managing adenomyosis involves a multifaceted approach tailored to the severity of symptoms and the patient’s fertility goals. In Singapore, women with adenomyosis have access to various treatment options, ranging from conservative medical therapies to surgery.
Conservative treatment
Pain medication: Effective pain management is key to adenomyosis treatment. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can help alleviate pelvic cramps and pain.
Hormonal therapies: Hormonal therapies aim to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce heavy bleeding, and alleviate pain associated with adenomyosis. Hormonal methods may include using birth control pills or administering progestin injections.
Surgical treatment
Surgery may be the best course of action for severe cases of uterine adenomyosis or cystic adenomyosis.
Laparoscopic surgery: Minimally invasive surgery to remove adenomyotic tissue can be effective for symptom relief while preserving the uterus. This approach results in less scarring, quicker recovery, and a lower complications risk than open surgery.
Hysterectomy: For women who have completed childbearing and suffer from severe, debilitating symptoms, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be the best option. While a hysterectomy eliminates adenomyosis, it also removes the possibility of future pregnancies. This option is typically considered when other treatments are ineffective and the patient’s quality of life is significantly impacted.
Adenomyosis treatment in Singapore
Proper medical guidance and lifestyle adjustments can effectively manage adenomyosis. By following these essential guidelines, women can empower themselves to take control of their health and well-being.
Dr T C Chang is a gynaecologist in Singapore who looks after patients with adenomyosist. He focuses on preserving fertility and reducing recovery times. His approach emphasises personalised treatment plans that consider individual symptoms, lifestyle factors, and reproductive goals.
Schedule a consultation with Dr Chang to find out more about adenomyosis treatment.