Adenomyosis: End Heavy, Painful Periods
Dr. Bruce Semo at Irys Medical Center offers hormonal IUD (80% relief), UAE (90% success), or hysterectomy in Nairobi. Relief Starts Here.
What Is Adenomyosis?
What It Is
The cells that line the womb (endometrium) grow deep into the muscle wall (myometrium), causing the uterus to swell.
Who It Affects
Very common, affecting up to 1 in 5 women, typically those between 30 and 50 years old who have had children.
Key Takeaway
It is a benign (non-cancerous) condition, but it is a major cause of painful periods and heavy bleeding.
Symptoms: Heavy & Painful Periods
Menorrhagia (Heavy Bleeding)
- Soaking pad or tampon hourly or more frequently
- Bleeding more than 7 days or irregularly
- Passing large blood clots (the size of a shilling coin or larger)
- Risk of Iron Deficiency Anemia due to chronic blood loss
Dysmenorrhea (Severe Pain)
- Intense, knife-like cramps that disrupt daily activities
- Pain that begins days before the period starts
- Pain radiates to the lower back and inner legs
- Often requires strong pain medication (NSAIDs) with limited relief
Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Constant pelvic pressure or feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
- Persistent abdominal bloating and discomfort
- Pain or tenderness during sexual intercourse (Dyspareunia)
- Pain or urgency when using the bladder or bowels
Causes & Risk Factors (For Adenomyosis)
Trauma / Childbirth
- Linked to damage of the junction between the uterine lining and muscle
- Postpartum inflammation (inflammation after delivery) is a key theory
- History of C-section scar or multiple D&C procedures
Hormonal Dependence
- The condition is highly Estrogen-driven (relies on estrogen to grow)
- Prevalence is highest in women 35–50 years old
- Symptoms improve significantly or resolve completely post-menopause when estrogen levels drop
Symptoms: Heavy & Painful Periods
Menorrhagia (Heavy Bleeding)
- Soaking pad or tampon hourly or more frequently
- Bleeding more than 7 days or irregularly
- Passing large blood clots (the size of a shilling coin or larger)
- Risk of Iron Deficiency Anemia due to chronic blood loss
Dysmenorrhea (Severe Pain)
- Intense, knife-like cramps that disrupt daily activities
- Pain that begins days before the period starts
- Pain radiates to the lower back and inner legs
- Often requires strong pain medication (NSAIDs) with limited relief
Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Constant pelvic pressure or feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
- Persistent abdominal bloating and discomfort
- Pain or tenderness during sexual intercourse (Dyspareunia)
- Pain or urgency when using the bladder or bowels
Causes & Risk Factors (For Adenomyosis)
Trauma / Childbirth
- Linked to damage of the junction between the uterine lining and muscle
- Postpartum inflammation (inflammation after delivery) is a key theory
- History of C-section scar or multiple D&C procedures
Hormonal Dependence
- The condition is highly Estrogen-driven (relies on estrogen to grow)
- Prevalence is highest in women 35–50 years old
- Symptoms improve significantly or resolve completely post-menopause when estrogen levels drop
Diagnosis at Irys
| Method |
Accuracy |
Cost (Approx.) |
Key Notes |
| Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS) |
70–80% |
KES 3,000 |
First-line investigation; shows classic "honeycomb" or asymmetrical thickening. |
| MRI Pelvis |
90–95% |
KES 15,000 |
Considered the Gold Standard for defining the junctional zone (JZ). |
| Hysteroscopy |
Confirmatory |
KES 25,000 |
Internal camera view; allows directed biopsy to rule out other issues. |
Treatment Options
Hormonal IUD
80% relief
5-year protection
No surgery
UAE
90% success
Day case
Fertility preserved
Hysterectomy
100% cure
Last resort
Family complete
Fertility & Adenomyosis
Risk
30% reduced implantation
Miscarriage ↑
Solution
Treat before IVF
UAE + IUD
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)
Procedure
- Catheter via groin
- Blocks blood to adenomyosis
- Tissue shrinks 40–60%
Outcomes
- 90% symptom relief
- Discharge same day
- Back to work in 1 week
Hysterectomy: Definitive Cure
Only if: Family complete | Symptoms severe | Other treatments failed
Types: Laparoscopic (keyhole) | Vaginal | Abdominal
Dr. Bruce Semo’s Adenomyosis Clinic
Every Tuesday & Thursday at Irys:
- Free ultrasound screening
- Hormonal IUD insertion
- UAE same-week
- Fertility counseling
- Follow-up in 6 weeks
- Anemia management
“No woman should suffer in silence.”
Book Adenomyosis Consult
Myths vs. Facts
Myth: "Adenomyosis = Endometriosis"
Fact: Different locations. Adenomyosis is inside uterine muscle.
Myth: "Only hysterectomy works"
Fact: IUD & UAE help 80–90%.
Myth: "It’s normal period pain"
Fact: Debilitating pain needs treatment.
