

In the past, it was diagnosed only by examining tissue samples, for example after uterine surgery.Īdenomyosis causes the uterus to become enlarged, so your doctor will perform a physical exam to feel whether your uterus is swollen or tender. AdenomyosisĪdenomyosis is difficult to diagnose. To rule out other possible causes of pelvic pain, your doctor may order a urine test, pregnancy test, Pap test, or vaginal swabs. The doctor will examine you physically and likely order imaging tests. If you have symptoms, such as pelvic pain, your doctor will take your medical history and ask you about your symptoms: If you don’t have symptoms, your first diagnosis may occur when your doctor is treating you for another problem. How do doctors tell them apart when diagnosing? a blood relative with endometriosis (this increases your risk sevenfold)ĭecreased risk for endometriosis is associated with:.higher alcohol and caffeine consumption.shorter menstrual cycle (less than the typical 28-day cycle).Higher risk for endometriosis is associated with: Studies of an adenomyosis association with smoking and ectopic pregnancy have mixed results. depression and higher use of antidepressants.having had surgery of the uterus, such as dilation and curettage.being treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer.Higher risk for adenomyosis is associated with: More studies are needed because some results are inconsistent. Researchers have identified some risk factors associated with adenomyosis and endometriosis. What are the similarities and differences in risk factors? Some suggested explanations combine two or more of these theories. Your lymph system may carry endometrial-like cells to other areas.Problems with the body’s hormone system and estrogen may transform embryonic cells in your abdomen into endometrial-like cells.Immune system problems may cause a failure to find and regulate straying endometrial-like tissue in both adenomyosis and endometriosis.Menstrual blood that goes astray through the fallopian tubes (retrograde menstruation) may leave endometrial-like tissue in the pelvis or other areas.They can then grow outside of their usual location in adenomyosis and endometriosis. Stem cells might be activated by injury to endometrial tissue.Estrogen production is involved in this process.

Adenomyosis and endometriosis may result from tissue injury and repair (TIAR) after trauma to the uterus.But researchers have identified likely mechanisms and risk factors. The exact causes of adenomyosis and endometriosis aren’t known. A 2017 study of 300 women diagnosed with adenomyosis between 20 found that 42.3 percent also had endometriosis. You can have one or both of these disorders. It usually occurs with adolescents and people of reproductive age. This may cause pain and may affect fertility. There they follow the menstrual cycle, bleeding monthly. The tissue is commonly found on the ovaries, supporting ligaments of the uterus, and in the cavities of the pelvis. In endometriosis, the endometrial-like cells grow outside the uterus. It usually affects older people, and it’s recently been associated with infertility. The uterus wall thickens and may cause pain and heavy bleeding. These misplaced cells follow the menstrual cycle, bleeding monthly. In adenomyosis, endometrial-like cells grow within the muscles of the uterus. But they develop differently and have some different symptoms. Compare them to the examples of use in medical terms.Adenomyosis and endometriosis are both disorders of the endometrial tissue that lines the inside of the uterus.Consider common English language words that begin with the same prefixes.Start by reviewing the most common prefixes.A good technique to help with memorization is the following: Many prefixes that you find in medical terms are common to English language prefixes. It is important to spell and pronounce prefixes correctly. The prefix alters the meaning of the medical term.

Prefixes are located at the beginning of a medical term.
