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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Adenomyosis and Endometriosis?

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Adenomyosis and endometriosis are both conditions related to the uterine lining, but they have distinct differences:

Adenomyosis:

  • Involves abnormal tissue growth into the uterine muscle.
  • Symptoms include painful periods, painful sex, chronic pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, heavy menstrual periods, and infertility.
  • The uterus may soften and enlarge, causing the abdomen to feel swollen.

Endometriosis:

  • Involves endometrial-type tissue growth outside the uterus.
  • Symptoms include pelvic pain (particularly during a person's period), unusual bleeding patterns, heavy periods, and infertility.
  • The growth of endometrial tissue can cause irritation and swelling in nearby tissues, leading to scarring.

Both conditions can cause pelvic pain, unusual menstrual bleeding, and heavy periods. They often respond well to hormonal birth control, which may be the first line of treatment if a person is suspected to have either condition. While it is possible for a person to have both conditions simultaneously, they are separate and distinct from one another.

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  • What is the Difference Between Adenomyosis and Endometriosis?
  • Comparative Table: Adenomyosis vs Endometriosis

    • Comparative Table: Adenomyosis vs Endometriosis

    Adenomyosis and endometriosis are two distinct uterine conditions that share some similarities but also have key differences. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

    Feature Adenomyosis Endometriosis
    Location of Abnormal Tissue Growth Abnormal tissue grows deep into the uterine muscle. Abnormal tissue grows outside the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bladder.
    Causes Infertility Not directly mentioned as a cause of infertility, but can contribute to subfertility. Can cause infertility due to the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
    Symptoms Heavy periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, lower abdominal pain or tenderness, leg pain, pelvic pressure, abdominal bloating/swelling, and blood clots in the pelvis and legs. Painful menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, back pain, painful sexual intercourse, intestinal pain, painful bowel movements, painful urination during menstrual periods, bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods, digestive problems (diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and bloating), and blood in the stool or urine (rare).
    Diagnosis Diagnosed through medical history, pelvic examination, and imaging such as transvaginal ultrasound. Diagnosed through medical history, pelvic examination, and imaging such as transvaginal ultrasound.
    Treatment Often responds well to hormonal birth control. Treatment options may vary depending on the severity of the condition. Often responds well to hormonal birth control. Treatment options may vary depending on the severity of the condition.

    Both conditions can cause pelvic pain, unusual menstrual bleeding, and heavy periods. However, endometriosis involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, while adenomyosis involves the growth of endometrial tissue deep into the uterine muscle.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.