Adenomyosis

15 December 2025

Adenomyosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb (endometrium) grows into the muscular wall of the womb (myometrium). This can make the uterus enlarged and tender, and is a recognised cause of heavy, painful periods and chronic pelvic pain.

Symptoms often overlap with endometriosis and fibroids, so accurate diagnosis is important to guide treatment.

At The New Foscote Hospital in Banbury, our consultant gynaecologists offer thorough assessment of pelvic pain and menstrual problems, supported by on-site ultrasound and MRI scanning to investigate conditions such as adenomyosis, endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts.

Symptoms

Some people with adenomyosis have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often include:

Heavy periods – sometimes with clots, or periods lasting longer than usual
Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) – pain may be severe and interfere with daily activities
Chronic pelvic pain – ongoing pain or pressure in the lower tummy
Bloating, heaviness or fullness in the pelvis
Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
Pain when opening bowels in some cases
Tiredness or anaemia related to heavy bleeding

These symptoms can have a major impact on quality of life, work, relationships and fertility.

Who Is Affected?

Adenomyosis can affect anyone who has periods, but is more commonly diagnosed in people:

Aged 30–50
Who have had children
Who have had previous uterine surgery (for example, caesarean section or fibroid surgery)

It often co-exists with endometriosis or fibroids, which can add to pain and bleeding problems.

Diagnosis At The New Foscote Hospital

Because adenomyosis shares symptoms with other gynaecological conditions, a careful, stepwise approach is essential.

Your pathway at The New Foscote Hospital may include:

Consultant gynaecology assessment

Detailed discussion of symptoms, menstrual history and any impact on daily life
Abdominal and pelvic examination where appropriate

Ultrasound and MRI scanning

Transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound to assess the uterus, endometrium, ovaries and exclude other causes such as large fibroids or cysts
MRI pelvis where needed, to provide high-resolution images of the womb muscle and junctional zone, helping to confirm adenomyosis and distinguish it from fibroids or deep endometriosisNCBI+5The New Foscote Hospital+5Pelvic Pain+5

Additional tests

Blood tests (for example, to check for anaemia due to heavy bleeding)
Hysteroscopy or other procedures where clinically appropriate, performed in our on-site theatres as part of your personalised treatment planThe New Foscote Hospital+2The New Foscote Hospital+2

Your consultant will explain the findings clearly, including whether adenomyosis, endometriosis, fibroids or a combination is contributing to your pain and bleeding.

Treatment & Symptom Management

Treatment is tailored to your symptoms, age, fertility wishes and other health conditions. Options your consultant may discuss include:

Medications

Pain relief such as anti-inflammatory tablets (NSAIDs)
Medicines to reduce heavy bleeding (for example, tranexamic acid)
Hormonal treatments, including:
- Combined contraceptive pill
- Progestogen-only tablets or injections
- Hormonal intrauterine system (e.g. Mirena), which can reduce bleeding and pain for many people

Minimally invasive procedures

Depending on your individual situation and consultant recommendation, options may include:

Hysteroscopic or endometrial procedures to treat heavy bleeding in selected cases
Surgery for co-existing fibroids or other pelvic pathology where appropriateThe New Foscote Hospital+2Bupa Finder+2

Definitive surgery

For some people with severe symptoms who have completed their family, hysterectomy (removal of the womb) may be discussed as a definitive treatment, usually after other options have been considered and in line with national guidance.

Where highly complex surgery is required, your consultant can coordinate care with regional specialist centres while continuing follow-up at The New Foscote.

Chronic Pelvic Pain – A Joined-Up Approach

Chronic pelvic pain can have several overlapping causes, including adenomyosis, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic floor problems and bladder or bowel conditions.Pelvic Pain+2Pelvic Pain+2

At The New Foscote Hospital, our gynaecology team:

Looks beyond a single diagnosis to consider the whole picture
Uses on-site imaging (ultrasound and MRI) to identify or exclude underlying causes
Works with you on a personalised treatment plan, which may include pain management strategies, hormonal treatments, surgery where appropriate, and onward referral for physiotherapy or psychological support if needed.

When To Seek Help

You should consider seeing a specialist if you have:

Period pain that stops you doing normal activities
Heavy bleeding, especially if you pass clots or become anaemic
Pelvic pain that is present for more than six months
Pain during sex, or pain when opening bowels
A family or personal history of endometriosis, fibroids or adenomyosis and worsening symptoms

Seek urgent medical advice (GP, NHS 111 or A&E) if you have sudden severe pain, very heavy bleeding, dizziness or collapse.

Private Assessment For Adenomyosis & Pelvic Pain In Banbury

You may benefit from seeing a consultant gynaecologist at The New Foscote Hospital if you:

Have ongoing heavy, painful periods
Experience chronic pelvic pain that is affecting daily life
Have suspected or previously diagnosed adenomyosis, endometriosis or fibroids and want a comprehensive review
Have had an ultrasound elsewhere and been advised to consider MRI for further clarification

How to arrange an appointment

Ask your GP or existing specialist to refer you to The New Foscote Hospital
Insured and self-pay patients are both welcome; our team can help with guide prices and insurer authorisation

For more information or to book:

Make An Enquiry

Our aim is to listen carefully, investigate thoroughly and create a treatment plan that genuinely improves your symptoms, comfort and quality of life.

Aaron