You’ve been feeling “off” lately. Maybe it’s more trips to the bathroom than usual, a stubborn case of constipation, or a persistent bloat that makes your favorite jeans feel like a tight squeeze. Despite a healthy diet, your digestion just isn’t cooperating. Pregnancy isn’t part of the equation, yet the physical discomfort feels very real.

Many women spend months—even years—ruling out IBS or colitis, only to find the culprit isn’t in their digestive tract at all. Often, an ultrasound reveals a lesser-known uterine condition called adenomyosis.

What Is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a benign (non-cancerous) condition that occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (the endometrium) begins to grow into the muscular wall of the uterus.

According to medical research, between 20% and 65% of women in the U.S. may be affected by this condition. Because its symptoms often mimic other issues, it frequently goes undiagnosed or is mistaken for uterine fibroids.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Sharp, knife-like pelvic cramps
• Severe, prolonged menstrual bleeding (often with large blood clots)
• Pain during intercourse
• Chronic constipation and frequent urination
• Protruding abdomen (the “adenomyosis belly”)
• Fatigue caused by anemia from heavy blood loss

What Causes Adenomyosis?

While the exact cause of adenomyosis remains a subject of ongoing research, several factors are believed to play a role:

• Hormonal Influence: The growth of endometrial tissue is fueled by estrogen.
• Uterine Inflammation: Inflammation of the uterine lining, perhaps following surgery (like a C-section) or childbirth, may trigger the displacement of cells.
• Developmental Origins: Some experts believe endometrial tissue is deposited in the uterine muscle when the uterus is first formed in the fetus.

Adenomyosis and Stomach Problems: Why the Bloat?

It is common for women to feel like their body is out of control due to digestive issues. Adenomyosis can cause nausea, mild to severe constipation, and bloating because the condition causes the uterus to double or even triple in size.

This enlargement puts immense pressure on surrounding organs, including the bladder, intestines, and rectum. When the uterus expands, it physically restricts the space for your digestive system to function normally, leading to that “full” or “heavy” feeling in the gut.

• Constipation, mild to severe 
• Nausea caused by intense, sharp pain or constipation 
• Frequent urination 

Adenomyosis enlarges the uterus which can affect the bowels by putting excess pressure on your surrounding organs like the bladder, intestines, and rectum.  

Digestive issues with adenomyosis are quite common, and women often feel like their body is out of control. Symptoms like these can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you’re out in public.  

What is “Adenomyosis Belly”?

In severe cases, the thickening of the uterine wall causes a protruding abdomen nicknamed “adenomyosis belly.” This bloating can resemble a pregnancy of three to six months. Beyond the physical discomfort, this can impact a woman’s self-esteem and confidence in social or intimate relationships.

How is Adenomyosis Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing unusual cycles or unexplained bloating, a healthcare professional typically uses the following to reach a diagnosis:

• Pelvic Exam: To check for an enlarged or tender uterus.
• Ultrasound: To visualize the thickening of the uterine walls.
• MRI: This is often the “gold standard” for distinguishing adenomyosis from fibroids.

Adenomyosis vs. Fibroids: What’s the Difference? 

While they share symptoms, they are distinct conditions. Fibroids are solid, muscular tumors that grow in or on the uterus. Adenomyosis is a diffuse “invasion” of tissue into the uterine muscle itself.

Notably, 80% of women with adenomyosis also have other uterine issues, and about 50% have co-existing uterine fibroids.

While adenomyosis and fibroids share similarities, they are distinct conditions. Fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the uterus, while adenomyosis involves endometrial tissue growing into the uterine wall. 

Condition	Adenomyosis	Uterine Fibroids
Pain Type	Sharp, “knife-like,” and often nauseating.	Dull, heavy aching; waves of intense cramping.
Uterine Shape	The entire uterus tends to enlarge symmetrically.	The uterus may become “lumpy” or irregular in shape.
Bleeding	Typically very heavy and prolonged.	Heavy bleeding, often accompanied by pelvic pressure.

Can You Get Pregnant With Adenomyosis?

Many women worry about fertility. While adenomyosis can make conception more challenging due to inflammation and changes in the uterine lining, it is still possible to get pregnant. If you are planning a family, it is vital to discuss specialized treatment options that preserve the uterus and improve the uterine environment for a healthy pregnancy.

“How Do I Cure My Adenomyosis?”

While a hysterectomy was once the only “cure,” modern medicine offers several safe and effective alternatives. At Fibroid Fighters, we believe in educating women about all their options, including:

• Hormonal Therapies: To manage estrogen levels and reduce symptoms.
• Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) also called UFE: A minimally invasive procedure that cuts off the blood supply to the affected tissue, causing it to shrink.
• Myomectomy: If fibroids are also present, removing them may alleviate significant pressure.

Give us a call at 855.455.5262 to learn more about treatment. You can also contact us online. We look forward to helping answer your questions about adenomyosis or fibroids and help get you back to a healthier, more active life. active life.