Endometriosis and adenomyosis, two diseases gain visibility

Even lesser known is adenomyosis: a condition which resembles endometriosis in both pain and invasiveness. And this is something we want to talk about, because why the f*ck do we women know so little about this?

Let’s start with the basics

It may sound boring to start by giving the definitions, but it's absolutely necessary. Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue resembling endometrium is located outside the uterus. For example, the tissue can be found near the ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, bladder, or the intestines. The pieces of tissue also react to the menstrual cycle and therefore start to bleed every month. This can cause pain, bowel problems, pain during sex, and fertility problems. 

The cells end up in the wrong place

Adenomyosis is a chronic condition as well. The cells from the endometrium end up in places where they don’t belong. The difference with endometriosis is, however, that they settle in the muscle wall of the uterus, instead of places outside the uterus, as is the case in “regular” endometriosis. The muscle layer, therefore, becomes a kind of menstrual sponge. 

The difference between endometriosis and adenomyosis is the place where the irregular cells are found. Adenomyosis is confined to the uterus, which is why the condition is also known by the name endometriosis interna. As many as 10% of women suffer from endometriosis/adenomyosis during their fertile phase. It’s quite strange that so little is known about such a widespread condition. We do know this: you are usually born with the condition and it is, therefore, genetic. And we should add, adenomyosis is also influenced by hormones just as endometriosis. 

Adenomyosis can cause pain during menstruations, chronic abdominal pain, and fertility issues. 

Endometriosis and adenomyosis: quite painful and invasive. Make sure that you and your symptoms are taken seriously and get proper treatment. 

Do you want to read more about endometriosis? You can read Charlie’s (23) experience here.

We are in this together!