Dr. Hardee on Differences in Fibroids, Adenomyosis and Endometriosis

When you experience troubling symptoms such as heavy periods and pelvic pain, it can be tough to determine if you have uterine fibroids, adenomyosis or endometriosis. After all, the three conditions share many common symptoms. Plus, endometriosis and adenomyosis are notoriously hard to diagnose. In fact, many women diagnosed with endometriosis or uterine fibroids are actually suffering from adenomyosis. You can learn more about this condition from our very own Dr. Eric Hardee on FOX 26 Houston:

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Or, for more information on all three conditions, and their differences, keep reading the post below!

Fibroids, Adenomyosis and Endometriosis: Similarities and Differences

Before we discuss the similarities and differences between these conditions, here's a quick definition of each. Uterine fibroids are almost always benign tumors that form in or attached to your uterus, on its interior and/or exterior.  Varying in size and number formed, they can cause many disruptive symptoms.

Adenomyosis is a condition characterized by endometrial tissue growing into your uterine muscles. And, with endometriosis, uterine tissue leaves the uterus, developing on other organs in your body.

Now, all three conditions can cause pelvic pain and heavy periods, as we mentioned above. As such, one condition is often mistaken for another. Yet, with proper diagnosis (often delivered after an ultrasound or even an MRI), treatment can be directed appropriately. And relief is available, without surgery or the need for a hysterectomy.

Treating Fibroids, Adenomyosis with Artery Embolization

While our fibroid experts in Houston do not treat endometriosis, we can provide non-surgical relief for both adenomyosis and fibroids How is this possible? Thanks to interventional radiology procedures, we can shrink fibroids and the growth of endometrial tissue in the uterus via artery embolization. During this procedure, we block blood flow to the uterine artery. Afterward, women with fibroids experience shrinking of their tumors. And women with adenomyosis experience noticeable symptom relief. Ready to see if UAE is your solution for period and pelvic pain? Click here to request an appointment with our interventional radiologists in Houston!