Naga Munchetty’s agonising womb condition explained – and the tell-tale signs YOU might have it

BBC presenter Naga Munchetty today opened up about her struggles with the debilitating womb condition adenomyosis.

She told listeners on BBC Radio 5 Live how she suffered a flare-up of her adenomyosis over the weekend, which got so bad that her husband called an ambulance for her. 

But what is adenomyosis? How is it caused? 

And what makes it different to endometriosis? 

Here MailOnline breaks down everything you need to know about the condition.  

BBC presenter Naga Munchetty today opened up about her struggles with the debilitating womb condition adenomyosis

She told listeners on BBC Radio 5 Live how she suffered a flare-up of her adenomyosis over the weekend, which got so bad that her husband (pictured above in April) called an ambulance for her

She told listeners on BBC Radio 5 Live how she suffered a flare-up of her adenomyosis over the weekend, which got so bad that her husband (pictured above in April) called an ambulance for her

What is adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a condition that causes the lining of the womb – the endometrium – is found deep in the muscular wall of the womb.

The displaced tissue continues to act normally — thickening, breaking down and bleeding — during each menstrual cycle.

This can result in an enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods.

It can affect the whole womb or just one part of the womb.

While adenomyosis is not a life-threatening condition, the symptoms can have a big impact on your day-to-day life, so it’s important to seek support.

What are the symptoms? 

Common symptoms include heavy, painful or irregular periods, pre-menstrual pelvic pain and feelings of heaviness or discomfort in the pelvis. 

Less frequent symptoms can also involve pain during sexual intercourse. 

Speaking to Endometriosis UK, consultant gynaecologist Liza Ball noted that this pain after sex ‘can last for hours or even a day’. 

Other symptoms could include pain related to bowel movements, according to North Bristol NHS Trust. 

It is also possible to have adenomyosis but experience no symptoms – around a third of women experience few or no symptoms. 

How is the condition caused?

It’s not known exactly why adenomyosis happens.

But the NHS notes it is ‘likely’ that women with adenomyosis ‘have a predisposition due to their genes, immune system and hormones’. 

Adenomyosis is not an infection and it is not contagious. Symptoms generally stop after the menopause.

How common is it?

The condition is believed to affect around 10 per cent of women in the UK, making it just as prevalent as endometriosis.

It is more common in women aged 40 to 50 years and those who have been pregnant before. 

Adenomyosis does not appear to decrease the chance of pregnancy.

However it has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth. 

The BBC Breakfast presenter (pictured with co-host Charlie Sayt) said on BBC Radio 5 Live: 'The pain was so terrible I couldn't move, turn over, sit up. I screamed non-stop for 45 minutes'

The BBC Breakfast presenter (pictured with co-host Charlie Sayt) said on BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘The pain was so terrible I couldn’t move, turn over, sit up. I screamed non-stop for 45 minutes’

What makes it different to endometriosis? 

Both endometriosis and adenomyosis occur when the lining of the uterus – known as the endometrium – grows out of place.

But there are major differences between the two. 

In endometriosis, tissue invades areas outside of the uterus. 

What are the warning signs of adenomyosis and how does it differ to endometriosis? 

Common symptoms include heavy, painful or irregular periods, pre-menstrual pelvic pain and feelings of heaviness or discomfort in the pelvis. 

Less frequent symptoms can also involve pain during sexual intercourse. 

Speaking to Endometriosis UK, consultant gynaecologist Liza Ball noted that this pain after sex ‘can last for hours or even a day’. 

Other symptoms could include pain related to bowel movements, according to North Bristol NHS Trust. 

In endometriosis, the rogue tissue invades areas outside of the uterus. 

While the extent of the growth varies from patient to patient, it can affect areas such as the bladder, bowel, ovaries, and even the lungs. 

Adenomyosis, on the other hand, causes the rogue tissue to bury inside the muscular wall of the uterus.

It is possible to suffer from both conditions at the same time.

While the extent of the growth varies from patient to patient, it can affect areas such as the bladder, bowel, ovaries, and even the lungs. 

Adenomyosis, on the other hand, causes the rogue tissue to bury inside the muscular wall of the uterus.

It is also possible to suffer from both conditions at the same time.

People with endometriosis ‘are more likely to have adenomyosis’, consultant gynaecologist Liza Ball noted. 

How is it diagnosed? 

The condition is typically diagnosed by carrying out a pelvic examination, where a doctor will look at the vulva, vagina and cervix. 

As it is an intimate examination, the doctor who performs it will have another person a chaperone – present, the NHS advises. 

You can also ask for a female doctor to carry the exam out or if one us unavailable, a female health professional may also carry it out. 

Doctors may also perform a transvaginal ultrasound scan and/or an MRI to investigate the symptoms. 

This can also help rule out any other health conditions.

How can it be treated? 

Different options are available to treat adenomyosis, depending on the symptoms experienced. 

Patients and doctors may choose to do nothing if symptoms are mild, the woman is trying for a pregnancy or nearing menopause. 

But treatments can include anti-inflammatory medication to help relieve mild pain or treatment during your period to help reduce the amount of menstrual blood loss. 

Alternatively, hormone treatments such as the contraceptive pill may reduce pain and heavy or painful bleeding.

It can also cause a temporary menopause.

A hysterectomy – removal of the womb – could cure the condition in those who not wish to become pregnant. 

It may also be possible to inject tiny particles into blood vessel in the groin with the aim of blocking off the blood supply to the adenomyosis, causing it to shrink.

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