Medically reviewed by Edward Tavel, MD, Medical Director · Last reviewed 23 August 2026
Adenomyosis is a condition of the uterus where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus, called the endometrium, begins to grow into the muscular wall of the uterus. This misplaced tissue continues to act as it normally would during the menstrual cycle — it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds — which can cause the uterus to become enlarged and lead to uncomfortable symptoms. It is a benign (non-cancerous ) condition, but its symptoms can meaningfully impact a person’s day-to-day quality of life.
Many individuals with adenomyosis experience symptoms such as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, severe menstrual cramps, and chronic pelvic pain. Pain during intercourse is also a common complaint, and the enlarged uterus can sometimes cause a feeling of pressure or bloating in the lower abdomen. That said, it is also possible for some people with adenomyosis to have few or no symptoms at all, with the condition only discovered when a pelvic exam or imaging reveals an enlarged, tender uterus.
An MRI is a particularly valuable tool for identifying adenomyosis. It provides detailed images of the uterine tissues, allowing doctors to clearly see the thickening of the uterine wall and the presence of endometrial tissue within the muscle. This helps to distinguish adenomyosis from other conditions with similar symptoms — such as uterine fibroids — and provides a clear picture for discussing appropriate management and treatment options.
References
- Adenomyosis – Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic. Published December 20, 2025. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adenomyosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369138
- Adenomyosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Published January 30, 2023. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14167-adenomyosis
- Schrager S, Yogendran L, Marquez CM, Sadowski EA. Adenomyosis: Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2022;105(1 ):33-38.
Frequently asked questions
Is adenomyosis cancer?
No. Adenomyosis is a benign condition in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows into its muscular wall. It is not cancerous, though its symptoms can meaningfully affect day-to-day quality of life.
What are the main symptoms?
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, severe menstrual cramps and chronic pelvic pain are common, as is pain during intercourse. An enlarged uterus can also cause a feeling of pressure or bloating in the lower abdomen.
Can you have adenomyosis without symptoms?
Yes. Some people have few or no symptoms at all, and the condition is only discovered when a pelvic exam or an imaging study reveals an enlarged, tender uterus.
How is adenomyosis told apart from fibroids?
MRI shows the uterine tissues in enough detail to see thickening of the uterine wall and endometrial tissue within the muscle. That distinguishes adenomyosis from uterine fibroids, which can cause similar symptoms but are managed differently.
Does adenomyosis need treatment?
That depends on how much it is affecting you. Because the condition is benign, management is guided by symptoms rather than by the finding itself.
If anything in your own report is unclear, that is best discussed directly. Call MRI Wellness at 1-833-WELLMRI and we can help you understand what it describes and arrange a review if that is needed.
Sources
A whole-body MRI at MRI Wellness looks at the brain, spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis in a single session, without radiation or contrast dye. No referral is needed.
