Tests for adenomyosis

A clinician may suspect the condition from heavy or painful periods, ongoing pelvic pain and tenderness or enlargement of the womb. Ultrasound is commonly used to look for characteristic changes and to assess other possible causes.

The appointment usually begins with your bleeding pattern, pain, pregnancy possibility, contraception, medicines and fertility plans. With consent, a clinician may examine the abdomen and perform a pelvic examination to assess tenderness, womb size and other findings.

Pelvic ultrasound may be performed across the abdomen or with a slim internal probe. An internal scan often provides a closer view of the womb and ovaries. MRI can offer further detail when ultrasound is unclear, when conditions overlap or when treatment planning requires a clearer map.

Blood tests cannot show adenomyosis itself, but they may check for anaemia when bleeding is heavy. Pregnancy testing or infection tests may be relevant when symptoms and circumstances point to those possibilities.

Bring notes on cycle dates, bleeding amount, clots, pain location, pain outside periods and previous treatments. Include earlier scan reports and list medicines or hormonal contraception. Ask beforehand whether your bladder should be full for an abdominal ultrasound.

You can decline or pause an examination or internal scan. Tell the team about pregnancy possibility, severe discomfort, previous trauma or accessibility needs so they can explain alternatives and adapt the procedure where possible.

Seek urgent assessment for sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, severe dizziness, chest discomfort, breathlessness, or very heavy bleeding accompanied by weakness. Bleeding and pain with a positive pregnancy test also need urgent evaluation.

Arrange a prompt consultation if periods become progressively heavier or more painful, pelvic pain continues between periods, bleeding appears after sex or between cycles, or fatigue affects normal activity. Testing should respond to the symptom pattern, not simply confirm a suspected label.

Ask which scan is most suitable, what the report does and does not show, and whether fibroids or endometriosis could also explain symptoms. Clarify whether additional imaging would change treatment and how each option fits your pregnancy plans.