The symptoms of adenomyosis and fibroids are very similar. Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors growing in or on the uterine wall. Adenomyosis is less of a defined mass of cells within the uterine wall. An accurate diagnosis is needed to choose the right treatment for each. Let’s find out more about adenomyosis and fibroids and how to determine the difference.
Common Symptoms Make It More Difficult to Diagnose
Painful and heavy periods are symptoms of both these abnormal menstrual disorders.
Other common symptoms include the following:
- Painful, heavy, and prolonged periods
- Enlarged or tender uterus
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic pressure and bloated abdomen
- Incontinence
- Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant
Some differences include leg pain and blood clots with adenomyosis, whereas urination issues, weight gain, and fatigue occur with fibroids.
Finding an experienced physician like Dr. Asulin in Englewood, NJ is critical to determine if you have one or both of these disorders.
How They Are Different
Adenomyosis is a benign disorder where tissue that normally lines the uterus grows inside the muscle wall of the uterus. This causes the uterus to become thicker or even double/triple in size.
Many doctors don’t know what causes adenomyosis but it affects 12 to 58% of females between the ages of 40 and 50. Another common denominator includes women who have had at least one pregnancy and have been diagnosed with endometriosis or fibroids.
Fibroids are smooth non-cancerous growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus and it affects women between the ages of 35 to 54. Fibroids can be different sizes and grow at different rates making them large enough to cause discomfort and pain.
The risk of fibroids is higher in women who have never given birth, however the risk of adenomyosis is lower in those who have never given birth.
The Fertility Issue
Besides the debilitating symptoms both of these disorders have in common, the other issue for women is how they affect fertility. For a woman wanting to give birth, getting the proper diagnosis will direct the right treatment. Some women have no trouble getting pregnant while others will suffer for years.
Both can lead to labor and delivery complications.
Request an Appointment
Contact Dr. Yitzhack Asulin at (201) 308-5591 if you are experiencing any combination of fibroids or adenomyosis symptoms to get a correct diagnosis and the right treatment.
