What Are the Causes of Uterine Fibroids

What is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a gynecological condition where the inner lining of the uterus, also known as endometrial tissue, grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during a woman’s menstrual cycle and causes the uterus to expand to double or even triple its normal size. The menstrual cramps and bleeding are usually much more intense than a regular period. 

This condition affects the reproductive tract, and it commonly occurs during the childbearing years and sometimes beyond. Most women receive a diagnosis between the ages of 32-38 years. Women who have carried at least one pregnancy to term are at a higher risk of developing adenomyosis. It is often misdiagnosed as uterine fibroids, but the two conditions are not the same.

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Symptoms of Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis symptoms can start out mild and barely noticeable and increase in severity, affecting your period, fertility, and quality of life. About a third of women do not experience any symptoms at all. In other cases, they can be very painful and debilitating. Common symptoms of adenomyosis are:

Common Symptoms

  • Painful periods
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Abdominal pressure or bloating
  • Enlarged uterus
  • Pelvic pain 

Risk Factors of Adenomyosis

Although experts aren’t sure exactly what causes adenomyosis, most women who have the condition are late in their childbearing years, between the ages of 35 and 50. Other factors that may increase your risk of developing adenomyosis include:

Common Risk Factors

  • Longer exposure to estrogen
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Previous uterine surgery, such as C-section, fibroid removal, or a D&C (dilation and curettage)
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Adenomyosis Causes

Unfortunately, the cause of adenomyosis isn’t known. However, the condition is most often diagnosed in women later in their childbearing years and tends to resolve shortly after menopause. Some studies suggest that certain hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, may be a factor. Other theories about the causes of adenomyosis include:

Common Causes

  • Fetal development
  • Inflammation during uterine surgery
  • Invasive tissue growth
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Adenomyosis vs. Uterine Fibroids

The differences between adenomyosis and uterine fibroids can cause confusion. Adenomyosis is endometrial tissue that grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. On the other hand, uterine fibroids are benign tumors made up of fibrous tissue and smooth muscle cells that develop in or on the walls of the uterus. Both conditions often occur during a woman’s childbearing years and present similar symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pain.

Fibroids can vary in size from a pea to as large as a melon and may grow individually or in clusters. Fibroids have the potential to damage surrounding organs, and both fibroids and adenomyosis can impact your infertility. If you are unsure whether you’re dealing with adenomyosis or uterine fibroids, it’s important to keep track of all your symptoms. This will help your doctor provide an accurate diagnosis and get you the proper treatment as early as possible.

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Adenomyosis Diagnosis

The first step in diagnosing adenomyosis is to schedule an appointment with your OBGYN who will take your medical history and perform a physical and pelvic examination. If you feel any tenderness, or if the uterus is slightly enlarged, your doctor may consider additional testing. Adenomyosis can be challenging to distinguish from other reproductive tract conditions since the symptoms are very similar. At American Fibroid Centers, our affiliated physicians are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating adenomyosis using state-of-the-art technology and techniques, such as:

Diagnostic Tests & Screenings

  • Ultrasound
  • MRI
  • Endometrial biopsy

Uterine Artery Embolization

The American Fibroid Centers’ affiliated physicians offer high-quality and comprehensive care for patients suffering from adenomyosis in New York and New Jersey. They proudly perform Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), a minimally invasive-image guided procedure, to improve painful symptoms caused by adenomyosis. Although UAE is most commonly used to treat symptomatic fibroids, it is also an effective treatment for women with adenomyosis. UAE is done in a safe and comfortable outpatient setting, and it is used to preserve the uterus and eliminate the need for traditional surgery. 

During the UAE procedure, an affiliated Interventional Radiologist at American Fibroid Centers uses ultrasound to guide a needle and catheter into the larger artery in the leg (femoral artery), or a small artery in your wrist (radial artery). The catheter is then guided through the uterus where embolic beads are injected into the uterine arteries to displace the endometrial tissue causing adenomyosis. Since no hospital stay is required, you will be able to return home a few hours after the procedure, and you can expect a full recovery within two weeks. Between three and six months after, most patients experience relief from their symptoms and menstruation returns to normal.

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What to Expect from Your Adenomyosis Treatment

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Less invasive than traditional surgery
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Preserves the uterus
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No hospital stay required
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Relief from painful symptoms

Adenomyosis FAQ

What is the Difference Between Adenomyosis and Endometriosis?

Adenomyosis and endometriosis are similar but separate conditions. The main difference is where and how the endometrial tissue (endometrium) is displaced. Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial lining is present outside of the uterus. With adenomyosis, the uterine lining grows into the uterine muscle. Both can cause very painful periods and, in some cases, infertility. Because they are so similar, it is common for patients to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. Instead of dealing with the pain, discuss your symptoms with your doctor as soon as possible.

Why is Early Diagnosis of Adenomyosis Important?

Adenomyosis is a progressive reproductive tract condition that usually affects women who have given birth at least once. However, it can make conceiving the first time or subsequent times very difficult. Pregnant women who have adenomyosis are at a higher risk of miscarriage or preterm labor. Early diagnosis of the condition is important to plan for and effectively manage any complications that may arise. Schedule a consultation with an affiliated physician at American Fibroid Centers to get diagnosed and treated for adenomyosis today.

Can Adenoymosis Lead to Infertility?

At this time, researchers do not yet know whether adenomyosis alone can lead to infertility. However, it is common for patients with the condition to have decreased fertility rates, and in some cases, infertility. According to the Japan Society of OB/GYN, adenomyosis may be linked to a miscarriage rate of 50%, a preterm birth rate of 24.4%, and a fetal retardation rate of nearly 12%. Adenomyosis affects a woman’s ability to conceive after the first child, and it often occurs together with endometriosis, so infertility treatments may be needed.

Our Adenomyosis Specialists

Our affiliated physicians in NJ and NY offer treatment for adenomyosis to help women gain relief from their painful and debilitating symptoms. All of our procedures are performed in a comfortable outpatient setting using state-of-the-art technology and diagnostic techniques. When you schedule a consultation with an affiliated physician at American Fibroid Centers, they will walk you through each step of your care plan and answer any questions you may have.

Our Adenomyosis Centers in NY & NJ

American Fibroid Centers has five locations in West Orange, NJ, Queens, Brooklyn, Fishkill, and Harlem, NY to diagnose and treat patients with adenomyosis. When you choose to work with one of our affiliated physicians, you will be met with the utmost care and compassion. Find your nearest location in NY or NJ to learn more about adenomyosis or schedule a consultation today!

Brooklyn, NY
71, Carroll Street, New York, 11231
(833) 833-3973
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Queens, NY
28-18, 31st Street, New York, 11102
(833) 833-3973
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Fishkill, NY
60, Merritt Boulevard, Fishkill, New York, 12524
(833) 833-3973
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Harlem, NY
505, East 116th Street, New York, New York, 10029
(833) 833-3973
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West Orange, NJ
347, Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey, 07052
(833) 833-3973
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What Our Patients Are Saying

Learn more about our patients’ experiences at American Fibroid Centers.

You really need to identify who you are when texting.
Lt P
Lt P
17:01 21 Jun 23
Very professional and informative
Kieran McDonald
Kieran McDonald
21:48 12 Jun 23
Dr. Abadir and his staff are wonderful.
debdefran
debdefran
21:28 03 May 23
Wonderful staff very kind very thorough no waiting♥️. I’ve never been to a doctors office and treated with so much respect.. I’m looking forward to my next appointment 😇
Denise Sciarra
Denise Sciarra
16:16 17 Mar 23
The staff could not have been friendlier! I was treated so well and my procedure was a huge success!
Darcy Sala
Darcy Sala
14:44 28 Feb 23
Very friendly and hard working people. Excellent doctor and team!!!Thanks for being so helpful and encouraging!
finda jackson
finda jackson
13:37 03 Feb 23
Great experience very through staff are extremely helpful and friendly no wait time I highly recommend.
william cardoza
william cardoza
15:05 12 Sep 22
A doctor who listens, smart and personable, I liked him.
sherry svec
sherry svec
21:38 16 May 22
Went there for the first time didn’t have to fill out paperwork which constantly asked the same question. Nurses were friendly didn’t have to come back a second time to have test done did it rite then, doctor explain everything set up appointment to have procedure done and I’m very confident in the doctor
GARY DINI
GARY DINI
12:23 25 Jan 22
Excellent service. Dr. Abadir and staff were attentive and thoughtful. All communication regarding my visit were clear and concise and they took the time to listen and address all of my questions. Great visit!
dennis bernstein
dennis bernstein
14:50 21 Jan 22
I thank you very much you took good care I feel great I am very happy with you and I will be back .
Maleta Ford
Maleta Ford
14:24 02 Sep 21
Super friendly and communicative. Efficient staff in the office. A unique experience for a doctors office. Dr Abadir was concise and effective in his exam and explanations
William Silsdorf
William Silsdorf
19:56 07 Jun 21
I found the staff Extremely cordial and professional. Dr. Abidir took his time and explained what procedures needed to be doneAnd why he recommended them to establish a diagnosis.Dr. Abidir was reassuring and listened to and answered all of my questions.So far I am very pleased with the endo vascularProgram here.Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
20:39 17 May 21
Pleased with staff and doctor is very compassionate
Jose Quinones
Jose Quinones
23:57 15 Mar 21
Thank you to you and your great staff.Bill Baratta
Rita Baratta
Rita Baratta
15:07 26 Jan 21
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From the Experts

Get to know more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and care of Uterine Fibroids.

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