Dysmenorrhea and Adenomyosis

This chapter reviews ultrasound findings related to primary dysmenorrhea and adenomyosis. Dysmenorrhea is defined as the presence of painful cramps of uterine origin during menstruation and constitutes one of the most common problems in women of all ages and races. Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as menstrual pain without organic uterine or pelvic disease. Adenomyosis is a uterine benign condition defined as the presence of endometrial glands in the myometrium. Risk factors for adenomyosis include multiparity, termination of pregnancy, cesarean section delivery, early menarche, obesity, short cycles, uterine curettage, and women's age. The treatment of adenomyosis depends on symptoms such as pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, and fertility problems. Adenomyosis is a relatively common benign uterine disease causing pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, and fertility problems. Transvaginal ultrasound is considered as the first-line imaging technique for diagnosing adenomyosis.