If you have ever experienced bloating or a sensation of ‘fullness’ in your stomach, it might be a sign of a common condition that could require a hospital visit. The NHS advises that this could be a symptom of adenomyosis.
Adenomyosis occurs when the lining of the womb (uterus) begins to grow into the muscle of the womb’s wall, known as the myometrium. While there is no cure, treatments are available to manage the symptoms.
The sensation of ‘fullness’ is different from the feeling of being full after eating, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as pelvic pain. But why might a hospital visit be necessary?
What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?
Some individuals with adenomyosis may have no symptoms, while others experience a range of symptoms, either occurring all at once or spreading over days, weeks, or months.
Some symptoms of adenomyosis affect your periods, such as:
- painful periods
- heavy bleeding during your period
Other symptoms can happen any time of the year include:
- Pelvic pain (discomfort in the lower abdomen)
- Bloating, heaviness, or a sense of fullness in the abdomen
- Pain during intercourse
Is adenomyosis serious?
Yes, it can be. For many, it causes severe pain that can be disabling. You should seek urgent medical attention if your pelvic or period pain is unusually intense or more severe than normal, and painkillers haven’t provided relief.
How do you treat adenomyosis?
If you need any tests or treatment, you may need to go to hospital such as for a hysterectomy, or surgery to remove the lining of your womb (endometrial ablation).
Other treatment options that do not require surgery include:
- medicines such as tranexamic acid or NSAIDs
- the IUS (intrauterine system, also called Mirena or hormonal coil), which thins the womb lining, making your periods lighter and less painful
- other types of hormonal contraception if you cannot or do not want to have an IUS, such as the progestogen-only pill, the combined pill or the contraceptive patch
The NHS cautions you should see a GP if:
- your periods become more painful, heavier or irregular
- you have pain during sex
- heavy periods are affecting your life or you’ve had them for some time
- you’ve been feeling bloated for a while (about 3 weeks)
- you bleed between periods or after sex