In brief
Adenomyosis can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, and a significant reduction in quality of life. Many women seek effective treatment options that can relieve symptoms while avoiding hysterectomy or major surgery.
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, Severe Cramps, and Chronic Pelvic Pain
What Is Adenomyosis Embolization?
Adenomyosis embolization is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin and guided to the uterine arteries using advanced imaging technology. Tiny particles are then delivered to selectively reduce blood flow to the areas affected by adenomyosis. By reducing blood supply to the diseased tissue, the procedure may help decrease inflammation, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.
Who May Benefit from This Treatment?
Adenomyosis embolization may be considered for women who experience:
- Symptomatic adenomyosis
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Anemia related to excessive menstrual bleeding
- Symptoms that persist despite medical treatment
- A desire to avoid hysterectomy
Suitability for treatment is determined through clinical evaluation and imaging studies.
Benefits of Adenomyosis Embolization
- No hysterectomy
- No open surgery
- No large surgical incision
- Preservation of the uterus
- Short hospital stay
- Faster recovery compared with major surgery
- Rapid return to daily activities
- Significant reduction in bleeding and pain in appropriately selected patients
How Is the Procedure Performed?
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and, when appropriate, light sedation. A small catheter is advanced into the uterine arteries under real-time imaging guidance. Embolization particles are then carefully delivered to reduce blood flow to the affected areas. The procedure generally takes between one and two hours, depending on individual anatomy and treatment complexity.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
During the first few days after embolization, patients may experience:
- Pelvic cramping
- Mild pelvic discomfort
- Fatigue
- Symptoms similar to menstrual cramps
These symptoms are usually temporary and can typically be managed with medication. Most patients return to normal daily activities within several days.
Is Adenomyosis Embolization Effective?
Clinical studies and real-world experience have demonstrated significant symptom improvement for many women suffering from adenomyosis-related heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and severe menstrual cramps. Results vary from patient to patient, depending on disease severity and individual factors.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Adam Farkas specializes in advanced minimally invasive treatments for vascular and pelvic conditions. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s symptoms, imaging findings, and personal goals, with a focus on achieving symptom relief while avoiding unnecessary surgery whenever possible.
If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, severe menstrual cramps, or chronic pelvic pain caused by adenomyosis, adenomyosis embolization may be a minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Adam Farkas to determine whether this treatment may be appropriate for
Frequently asked questions
Can embolization help avoid hysterectomy?
In selected patients, adenomyosis embolization may provide meaningful symptom relief and help avoid hysterectomy.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia and sometimes light sedation. Temporary discomfort after treatment is common and is usually manageable with medication.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Most patients require only a short hospital stay and may return home the same day or the following day, depending on recovery.
How long does it take to see results?
Many patients notice gradual improvement over the weeks and months following treatment.
