Endometriosis and Adenomyosis

Endometriosis and adenomyosis are painful conditions in which tissue like that of the womb lining grows where it shouldn’t

Endometriosis develops when this tissue grows outside the uterus; for example, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder, or pelvic wall. Adenomyosis occurs when tissue grows within the muscular wall of the uterus. Both conditions cause significant pain, disruption to daily life and fertility problems. You can have one or both conditions at the same time. 

In the UK, adenomyosis affects one in 10 women. Research from Endometriosis UK found that there are currently 1.5 million women in the UK diagnosed with endometriosis. 

At LivingCare, our clinicians provide investigations, treatment options, and ongoing support for women experiencing symptoms of endometriosis or adenomyosis across our locations in Sheffield and Leeds.

How Assessment for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Works

Diagnosing pelvic health conditions requires a combination of clinical assessment, imaging and laboratory tests. Because symptoms can overlap with those of other conditions, detailed investigations help identify the underlying cause and guide the right treatment pathway.

Your clinician will begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history and previous investigations or treatments. They may provide advice on lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. 

From there, they may recommend diagnostic tests to understand better what is happening within the pelvic organs.

Investigations and assessments may include:

Pelvic examination
A physical examination where the doctor checks the pelvic organs, including the vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries.

Blood tests
Blood tests create a picture of hormone levels, thyroid function, fertility markers and general health.

Pelvic ultrasound scan
This scan creates images of the pelvic organs, including the uterus, cervix, ovaries and bladder.

Transvaginal ultrasound scan
A specialised pelvic scan uses a small probe inside the vagina to create clearer pelvic organ images.

Pelvic MRI scan
MRI scanning produces highly detailed images of the pelvis using magnets and radio waves. This can help assess the uterus and surrounding tissues in more detail.

Point of care testing

We aim to bring you the newest innovations in women’s health, exploring options which might include diagnosis through saliva or menstrual blood testing. As soon as new technologies are available, we will let you know.

What Can Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Assessment Do?

Assessment and investigation can help identify the cause of symptoms such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or fertility difficulties. By identifying the underlying condition, your clinician can develop a personalised plan for symptom management and ongoing care.

Your clinician may recommend further scans and investigations if you experience:

• Pelvic pain or chronic pelvic discomfort
• Pain during sex
• Heavy or painful periods
• Irregular bleeding
• Digestive symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea or constipation during periods
• Fatigue linked to menstrual cycles
• Difficulty becoming pregnant

Investigations can also help identify related conditions such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility issues.

What to Expect When Receiving an Endometriosis or Adenomyosis Assessment in Sheffield and Leeds

At LivingCare, we’ve designed the patient pathway to provide clear answers and coordinated care quickly. 

Before Your Appointment
‍Before your consultation, you may need to complete a questionnaire detailing your symptoms, menstrual cycle and medical history. Bringing details of any previous tests or scans can also help your clinician understand your situation more quickly.

During Your Appointment
‍During your consultation, your clinician will discuss your symptoms in detail and may perform a pelvic examination if appropriate.

Depending on your symptoms, they may recommend further investigations, such as blood tests, ultrasound scans, or MRI scans, to provide a clearer picture of your condition.

After Your Appointment
‍Once you have had any further tests and investigations, your clinician will review the results and discuss the findings with you. If required, they can refer you to an appropriate specialist for further treatment. 

Benefits and Outcomes of Early Assessment

Symptoms of endometriosis and adenomyosis are painful, worrying and sometimes debilitating. Early investigation can help identify pelvic health conditions sooner and find appropriate management and treatment. 

Tests and scans can also find problems earlier, before they become serious and guide the right treatment.

How to Recover from Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Investigations 

Recovery time varies depending on the investigations carried out and the underlying condition. Most diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and ultrasound scans, require little to no recovery time.

Why Choose LivingCare for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Assessment?

LivingCare provides fast access to specialist pelvic health investigations and expert-led care. Patients can book appointments without a referral, with options to self-pay or use private medical insurance.

Our clinician-led service uses advanced diagnostic equipment to support accurate investigation and assessment. With convenient locations across Sheffield and Leeds, LivingCare offers rapid access to appointments so you can begin investigating your symptoms and create a management or treatment plan without delay.

References

• ‍NHS
• ‍Endometriosis UK