Our medical team
Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can cause severe abdominal pain and make it harder to get pregnant. Endometriosis can start at a female's first menstrual period and last until menopause.
How does endometriosis affect your fertility?
In endometriosis, cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body. These cells react to the menstrual cycle each month and also bleed. However, there is no way for this blood to leave the body. This can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a woman's life in a number of ways, including:
- Chronic pain
- Fatigue/lack of energy
- Depression/isolation
- Problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships
- An inability to conceive
- Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments
How can endometriosis be diagnosed and treated?
Definitive diagnosis of endometriosis can only be made by laparoscopy. This involves a key-hole medical procedure where a telescope is inserted into the abdomen under anaesthesia.
Ultrasound scanning is another diagnostic tool.
Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis. At Bourn Hall, we offer a variety of treatments in order to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the chances of conception.
As a treatment for endometriosis, surgery can be used to alleviate pain and improving fertility by removing the endometriosis, dividing adhesions or removing cysts.
What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the womb. In a way similar to endometriosis, this tissue continues to respond to the hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle and thickens, breaks down and bleeds.
Adenomyosis and endometriosis are similar but distinct disorders. They have some symptoms in common but they affect separate parts of the woman. They may need different treatments.
How does adenomyosis affect your fertility?
Adenomyosis is sometimes called a ‘silent’ condition because it may go undiagnosed for a long time. Sometimes it may cause no symptoms or very little discomfort. However, symptoms of adenomyosis include:
- Extended or heavy menstrual bleeding
- Severe menstrual cramps or sharp pelvic pain during your period
- Recurring pelvic pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pressure or sensitivity around your lower abdomen (due to an enlarged womb)
How can adenomyosis be diagnosed and treated?
At Bourn Hall, we use pelvic imaging such as ultrasound and MRI to detect signs of adenomyosis. We also offer a variety of treatments in order to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the chances of conception.
