In brief
Adenomyosis can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, severe cramping, chronic pelvic pain, and fatigue that significantly impacts daily life. For many years, women with severe adenomyosis were often advised to undergo hysterectomy - even when they hoped to avoid major surgery or preserve the uterus.
Many women are searching for relief from heavy bleeding and pelvic pain – without major surgery or uterus removal
Why Can Adenomyosis Affect Quality of Life So Much?
Many women describe feeling as though their menstrual cycle “takes over their lives.”
Symptoms may include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pelvic pressure or bloating
- Fatigue or anemia related to blood loss
- Difficulty functioning during menstruation
- Reduced quality of life
For some women, symptoms gradually worsen over time.
Is Hysterectomy Always Necessary?
Not always.
In the past, hysterectomy was one of the main treatment options for severe Adenomyosis. Today, however, additional options exist, including hormonal therapies, medications, and minimally invasive procedures. For some women, embolization may provide symptom relief while helping avoid major surgery.
What Is Adenomyosis Embolization?
Adenomyosis embolization is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. During the procedure, a tiny catheter is inserted through a small artery in the wrist or groin and guided to the uterine arteries using advanced imaging guidance. Tiny particles are then injected to reduce blood flow to the areas affected by adenomyosis.
The goal is to decrease abnormal tissue activity and improve symptoms.
Who May Be a Candidate for This Treatment?
The procedure may be appropriate for women experiencing:
- Symptomatic adenomyosis
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Significant pelvic pain
- Symptoms that do not improve with medication
- A desire to avoid hysterectomy
Treatment suitability is determined after medical evaluation and imaging studies.
What Are the Advantages of a Minimally Invasive Approach?
- No open surgery
- No large incision
- Uterus preservation
- Relatively quick recovery
- Short hospital stay
- Faster return to daily activities
- Lower procedural risk compared to major surgery in selected patients
What Is Recovery Like?
Most patients return home within a short period after the procedure. Pelvic cramping or discomfort may occur during the first few days, but symptoms are usually manageable with medication. Many women resume normal activities within several days.
What Is the Difference Between Adenomyosis and Endometriosis?
Many women confuse Adenomyosis with Endometriosis.
- In adenomyosis, endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus
- In endometriosis, endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus
- The two conditions can sometimes occur together.
Suffering from heavy bleeding, severe cramps, or adenomyosis?
A minimally invasive treatment option without hysterectomy may be available. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Adam Farkas at Jerusalem Vascular Institute to learn whether adenomyosis embolization may be right for you.
