Uterine adenomyosis: pathogenesis, diagnostics, symptomatology and treatment

Abstract

Objective: To summarize the current knowledge about pathogenesis, diagnostics, symptomatology and the treatment of adenomysis.

Design: Review article.

Setting: The Centre of Assisted Reproduction, ISCARE I.V.F., Prague.

Methods: Analysis of literature and current studies.

Results: This article reviews etiology, diagnostics and classification of adenomyosis, medical and surgical management options and the fertility implication of adenomyosis.

Conclusion: Uterine adenomyosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands in myometrium and usually manifests by pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding or infertility. Although adenomyosis and endometriosis share a number of features, they are considered to be two different entities. Recent improvements of imaging techniques such as transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging have affected the detection of adenomyosis. Adenomyosis has a negative impact on IVF results.

Keywords: adenomyosis; in vitro fertilization; infertility; pathogenesis; therapy.