Words by Jo Barry // Photo by Valeria Nikitina
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Adeno-what?”, you’re not alone. That was my reaction when I first heard about adenomyosis. It wasn’t until I started talking to other women that I realised just how common it actually is, and yet, it’s rarely discussed. While conditions like endometriosis are finally getting the spotlight, adenomyosis is still lurking in the shadows, leaving women to suffer in silence.
What Exactly is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis happens when the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus starts to grow into the uterine muscle. This causes inflammation and an enlarged uterus, leading to heavy periods, chronic pelvic pain, and, sometimes, fertility issues.
For me, it was a constant battle. It’s not just the physical pain but the emotional toll it takes when you’re trying to explain to doctors why you’re struggling. The worst part? Adenomyosis is often mistaken for other conditions, like endometriosis, or brushed off as “just bad period pain.” It’s frustrating. But it’s time to get adenomyosis the proper attention and care it deserves.
Adeno vs. Endo: Why They’re Not the Same Thing
You’ve probably heard of endometriosis, and you might be wondering how it compares to adenomyosis. Both conditions involve endometrial-like tissue, but while adenomyosis grows into the uterine muscle, endometriosis grows outside the uterus.
The symptoms can overlap – pain, heavy bleeding, fertility issues – but the treatment options are different. Yet, many women find themselves being treated as if both conditions are the same. That’s why it often takes years to get the proper diagnosis. I underwent numerous tests and doctor visits, and honestly, it was exhausting. It shouldn’t have to be that way.
Why Adenomyosis Gets No Love
Here’s a hard truth: adenomyosis doesn’t get the same research, funding, or attention as other women’s health conditions. Despite affecting millions of women, it remains largely in the shadows. This lack of awareness affects everything, from how it’s diagnosed to the treatment options available.
Too often, I’ve been told my pain was “normal” or “just part of being a woman.” We’re expected to push through debilitating symptoms while feeling like no one truly understands our experience. Meanwhile, other conditions are getting more attention, more funding, and more solutions. Women with adenomyosis are left feeling invisible.
The Fight For Proper Care
Getting a proper diagnosis is one of the biggest hurdles for women with adenomyosis. Due to a lack of awareness, it can take years to get the right diagnosis – and sometimes, it doesn’t happen at all. The symptoms are often dismissed as “bad periods” or mistaken for other conditions like endometriosis. The frustration of going through tests, trials, and endless waiting can feel isolating.
Once diagnosed, treatment options are still limited. Unlike endometriosis, which has a variety of treatment options, adenomyosis often necessitates a drastic solution: hysterectomy. But not every woman with adenomyosis wants or needs a hysterectomy. We deserve more options, more research, and more personalised care.
Finding Relief Amidst the Pain
While we wait for better treatments, many women are finding relief through methods like heat therapy. If you’re dealing with adenomyosis, devices like the rae Heat Pad have become a game changer. Targeted heat helps soothe the deep pelvic pain that comes with flare-ups, offering much-needed comfort during those painful episodes.
It’s not a cure, but it’s a small win when you’re dealing with pain. rae has made such a difference for me, and I’ve heard from countless other women who swear by it.
More Research, More Options
We can’t keep putting this off, research needs to happen now. Without it, women with adenomyosis will continue to struggle without proper care. We need studies to better understand the condition, explore treatment options beyond hysterectomy, and, ultimately, improve women’s lives.
We also need to amplify awareness. The more we talk about adenomyosis, the more we can push for the recognition it deserves. The medical community needs to start listening to the women living with this condition day in and day out. Our pain shouldn’t be dismissed.
And, most importantly, we need more treatment options. Women deserve better than just one drastic solution. From medications to alternative therapies, the possibilities are endless, but they won’t happen without investment. Let’s explore new options and find what works best for our bodies.
