Endometriosis and Adenomyosis, are they the same?

[cbradbury]

Hey everyone,

I recently had an internal ultrasound as part of the beginning of my investigation into endometriosis and the woman was absolutely amazing - she found 2 things. Firstly, she said my copper coil was embedded into my uterus, so I need to have that removed (which actually got me a referral to a gynae). She told me despite my coil being misplaced, that shouldn't cause ovary pain, it would be more of a cramping pain in the middle of my pelvis, which I don't get at all. Secondly, she said my womb lining looks slightly rough for someone who is 23, which may be a sign of Adenomyosis.

Does this mean I have something separate to endo, or are they the same thing? I have no idea how long I'll be waiting to have my coil removed at the gynae, but I fear I will be told to remove the coil and ''see how I get on'' without it - even though I know my body and I know it's not the coil causing the pains I'm having.

Can anyone share any advice around Adenomyosis, or how I approach the next steps?

Thank you,

Char xx

[BloomingMarvellous]

Hiyah ! They don’t know whether they are the same or not as far as worked out thus far. They are however sometimes both found. I have both. The thinking is endometrial tissue buried or more recently question marks as to whether it’s displaced bone marrow stem cells doing their thing . Fundamentally the magical mystery tour. I use anti inflammation supplements, diet and self care and may need a hysterectomy after a nasty bout of obstruction currently dealt with by D&C . Good luck.

[Arty09]

Hey there. I have both endometriosis and adenomyosis. They are two different conditions but often occur together and adenomyosis if often referred to as the ‘evil sister’ of endometriosis. Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus. Adenomyosis is when the lining of the womb grows within the muscle tissue of the uterus, hence why the symptoms of it are located in uterus area, central pain, cramping and heavy feeling and sometimes heavy bleeding. There is lots of information online and knowledge is power so I would recommend finding out as much as you need to help you when attending future appointments etc. Adenomyosis can be seen on MRI and sometimes on ultrasound so perhaps this could be a next step. Nancy’s nook on Facebook has lots of information. Also Instagram can be a good place for up to date info. I have learned more there than from any gp or gynaecologist unfortunately! Me myself and endometriosis is a good account with accurate information. Best of luck! Xx

[Ukechick]

HiI also have both and the pain is different to endo I find.

Mine were found when I had ovarian surgery.

For years after I kept getting ovary pain and thought my ovarian cyst had grown back. Every time they scanned me and said nope....all fine. The pain is likely coming from your uterus....so adeno pain.

I used to get specific stabbing pains right up through my vagina and cramping pain that was different to period pain yet similar. Difficult to explain.

Now as I'm getting older my endo pain is worse cyclically....it's a strange as I don't bleed at all.

I've often thought of getting a tens machine to help with the pain.

Sadly I was told that really apart from the mirena coil ( which I have and it did help) there aren't any treatments for it other than hysterectomy.

It's all about management and lifestyle.

Xx