Adenomyosis

You don’t have to live with chronic pain or uncertainty. Dr. Meyer provides expert, minimally invasive care for women with adenomyosis and other complex gynecologic conditions.

Take the next step toward answers, relief, and personalized care.

What Is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a gynecologic condition in which endometrial tissue—the inner lining of the uterus—grows into the muscular wall of the uterus (the myometrium). This misplaced tissue thickens and bleeds during the menstrual cycle, just like normal endometrial tissue, but has no way to exit the body. The result is an enlarged, often painful uterus, and in many cases, significant disruptions to a woman’s quality of life. Previously considered a condition that only affects women over 40 or those who have had children, adenomyosis is now being increasingly diagnosed in younger patients, including those with infertility and painful periods.

Common Symptoms of Adenomyosis

  • Symptoms can range from mild to debilitating and often mimic those of other pelvic disorders like fibroids or endometriosis. This overlap frequently leads to delayed or incorrect diagnosis.
    Key symptoms include:
    • Heavy menstrual bleeding
    • Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
    • Chronic pelvic pain or pressure
    • Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
    • Enlarged or tender uterus
    • Infertility or difficulty conceiving
    In some women, adenomyosis may be silent—causing no symptoms at all—while others experience life-altering pain and fatigue.

What Causes Adenomyosis?

The exact cause is still under investigation, but several theories exist:
  • Invasion of endometrial cells into the uterine muscle
  • Formation of new endometriosis cells inside the uterine muscle
  • Invasion of endometrial cells into the uterine muscle after microtrauma
  • Invasion of endometrial cells from retrograde menstruation
Adenomyosis is often found alongside other conditions like endometriosis and fibroids, making it part of a broader group of estrogen-driven gynecological disorders.

Types of Adenomyosis

There are two main presentations of adenomyosis:
  • Diffuse Adenomyosis: The endometrial tissue is spread throughout the uterine muscle, making the entire uterus enlarged and boggy.
  • Focal Adenomyosis (Adenomyoma): A localized collection of adenomyotic tissue, often resembling a fibroid on imaging.
Dr. Raanan Meyer carefully distinguishes between these types during diagnosis, as they require different treatment strategies.

How Is Adenomyosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing adenomyosis can be challenging because its symptoms overlap with other common gynecologic conditions. Many women are misdiagnosed or told their symptoms are “normal.” Dr. Meyer uses a combination of the following:
  • Detailed symptom history
  • Pelvic exam (may reveal an enlarged, tender uterus)
  • Transvaginal ultrasound (specialized imaging can show a thickened uterine wall or myometrial cysts)
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging is highly effective for visualizing the extent and type of adenomyosis)
  • Diagnostic laparoscopy, when symptoms are unclear or overlap with other conditions
Adenomyosis cannot be definitively confirmed without a tissue biopsy—often only available after hysterectomy or adenomyomectomy. However, advanced imaging techniques and clinical expertise make accurate diagnosis possible in most cases without removing the uterus.

Conservative vs. Definitive Treatment Options

The ideal treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the type of adenomyosis, and whether fertility preservation is a goal.
Non-Surgical Options:
  • Hormonal therapy: Birth control pills, progestins, GnRH agonists, and hormonal IUDs can reduce symptoms by suppressing estrogen.
  • NSAIDs: For pain management during menstruation.
  • Uterine artery embolization (UAE): Blocks blood flow to affected tissue, but may not be effective for all types and is not ideal for women seeking to preserve fertility.
However, for many patients with persistent pain or fertility concerns, medical therapy is not enough.

Advanced Surgical Treatment with Dr. Meyer

Dr. Raanan Meyer specializes in fertility-sparing surgical management of adenomyosis, using advanced robotic and laparoscopic techniques to remove or reduce adenomyotic tissue while preserving uterine function.

Adenomyomectomy (Focal Resection)

For women with localized adenomyosis (adenomyomas), Dr. Meyer performs precise excision of the lesion through a minimally invasive approach. This technique removes the diseased tissue while preserving the uterus—offering pain relief and improving fertility potential.

  • Fertility preservation
  • Symptom relief without hysterectomy
  • Minimal blood loss
  • Short hospital stay and faster recovery
Laparoscopic or Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy

For women with severe or diffuse adenomyosis who have completed childbearing and wish for definitive relief, a hysterectomy may be the most effective option. Dr. Meyer performs hysterectomy using minimally invasive techniques, ensuring reduced scarring, quicker recovery, and lower complication rates.

Fertility Considerations

Adenomyosis has been linked to impaired embryo implantation and poor IVF outcomes. For women pursuing fertility treatments, managing adenomyosis before embryo transfer may improve chances of pregnancy. Dr. Meyer collaborates closely with reproductive endocrinologists and tailors each treatment plan to support fertility, using:
  • Surgical removal of focal disease
  • Hormonal suppression before assisted reproduction
  • Fertility-sparing timing and incisions during surgery

Why Choose Dr. Raanan Meyer

Dr. Meyer brings deep expertise in advanced gynecologic surgery and a strong commitment to patient-centered care. He is known for:
  • Precision excision techniques
  • Fertility-preserving approaches
  • Minimally invasive surgery for quicker recovery
  • Multidisciplinary coordination for complex cases
  • Clear, compassionate communication
Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on anatomy, symptoms, reproductive goals, and long-term health outcomes.

Is It Time to Get a Second Opinion?

If you’ve been told that your symptoms are “normal,” or have tried medical treatments without success, it may be time to explore a more expert, surgical evaluation. Dr. Meyer offers consultations for women across a range of ages and life stages, whether you’re trying to conceive, considering surgery, or simply seeking relief.