What is internal endometriosis of the uterus?

One of the most mysterious and insidious diseases in gynecology is endometriosis. Experts still do not understand the mechanisms of its occurrence. One of the varieties of this pathology is the internal endometriosis of the uterus. It is interesting that some women do not show themselves, but others cause a lot of suffering and deprive the joy of motherhood.

When a gynecologist finds a woman with this pathology, she usually has a question: What is endometriosis of the uterus and what are its consequences? With adenomyosis, endometrial (mucosal) cells of the uterus penetrate into the myometrium (muscle layer). During the cycle under the influence of hormones, they undergo changes and are rejected during menstruation.

However, the myometrium is not adapted for this, so hemorrhages, swelling and inflammation occur. At the same time, its functioning is disrupted. Internal endometriosis of the uterus is accompanied by an increase in its size, in addition, it acquires a globular shape.

Symptoms of adenomyosis:

• Painful, prolonged and profuse menstruation;

• Pronounced premenstrual syndrome;

• Miscarriage of pregnancy ;

• Spotting before and after menstruation;

• infertility.

However, internal endometriosis is a disease that can not manifest itself, then it does not require treatment. Many women live with him all their lives, without even realizing it, they do not bother, and they give birth to healthy children.

Quite often adenomyosis is accidentally diagnosed with a planned ultrasound. To ladies with such pathology it is desirable to plan pregnancy after consultation at the gynecologist-endocrinologist and to be observed at it or him.

Experts believe that the main cause of adenomyosis is the imbalance of the main female hormones. This pathology occurs with a high level of estrogen or a low concentration of progesterone. Therefore, hormonal therapy is used for its treatment.

Also, doctors are sure that heredity, surgical manipulations on the uterus, constant stress, inflammation, mud baths, prolonged exposure to the sun, immune disorders and a number of other factors play a certain role in the onset of adenomyosis. Women with this disease are not recommended to overheat, as this may contribute to its progression.

Internal endometriosis of the uterus is diagnosed by gynecological examination, ultrasound, hysterosalpingography and hysteroscopy. A doctor during a two-handed examination can detect an enlarged uterus before menstruation and a decrease in her size after.

During ultrasound with adenomyosis, the specialist sees a diffusive thickening of the myometrium and an inhomogeneous cellular structure of the affected wall. With the nodular form of the disease, it detects a node with a non-uniform structure.

Hysterosalpingography for the diagnosis of adenomyosis is performed from 7 to 9 day of the cycle. During this period, the severed endometrium does not prevent the penetration of the radiopaque substance introduced into the uterus through the vagina into the endometriotic passages. This manipulation also allows you to check the patency of the fallopian tubes.

During hysteroscopy with adenomyosis, the gynecologist sees multiple or single holes in the region of the lateral walls and bottoms of a linear, oval or round shape. During this study, a special optical device is inserted into the uterine cavity through the cervical canal.

For the treatment of adenomyosis use hormonal drugs. In preparation for pregnancy and the initial stage of the disease, gestagens are used. If the patient does not plan to have a baby in the near future, she will be offered oral oral contraceptives or the Mirena intrauterine system.

In more severe forms and in the premenopausal, drugs that cause an artificial menopause are more often prescribed. If hormone therapy does not work, then they resort to surgery.

A very good method of treatment of adenomyosis is pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes in the body and the absence of menstruation. At this time, the foci of endometriosis regress.

So, the internal endometriosis of the uterus may not manifest itself, but some women seriously worry about it, and then require treatment. This disease can hinder the conception and bearing of a child. In addition, menstruation can become very painful, plentiful and prolonged, causing anemia and lowering the quality of life.