Naga Munchetty’s agonising womb condition explained – and the tell-tale signs YOU might have it
She is the calm, collected and authoritative voice of BBC Breakfast.
But behind her polished appearance, Naga Munchetty has spent years battling a little-known ailment that sometimes left her screaming in pain.
The 48-year-old broadcaster has talked about her decades-long battle with adenomyosis – a uterine condition similar to endometriosis – the pain of which is so severe that her husband has had to call an ambulance for her on weekends.
But what is adenomyosis? How is it caused? What are the symptoms? And how is it different from endometriosis?
Here MailOnline breaks down everything you need to know.
BBC presenter Naga Munchetty today spoke about her struggle with the debilitating uterine condition adenomyosis
She told listeners on BBC Radio 5 Live how she had a flare-up of her adenomyosis over the weekend, which got so bad her husband (pictured above in April) called an ambulance for her
It is not known exactly why adenomyosis occurs. But the NHS notes it’s ‘likely’ that women with adenomyosis have ‘a predisposition due to their genes, immune system and hormones’
What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the lining of the uterus – the endometrium – buries deep into the muscle wall of the uterus.
The displaced tissue continues to function 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 uterus or just part of the uterus.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms include heavy, painful, or irregular periods, premenstrual pelvic pain, and feelings of heaviness or discomfort in the pelvis.
Less frequent symptoms may also be accompanied by pain during intercourse.
Speaking to Endometriosis UK, consultant gynecologist Liza Ball noted that this pain “can last for hours or even a day” after sex.
Other symptoms may include pain related to bowel movements, according to North Bristol NHS Trust.
About a third of women experience few or no symptoms.
Symptoms generally stop after menopause.
How is the condition caused?
It is not known exactly why adenomyosis occurs.
But the NHS notes that it’s ‘likely’ that women with adenomyosis have ‘a predisposition because of their genes, immune system and hormones’.
Adenomyosis is not an infection and is not contagious. It is benign or not cancerous.
Most studies investigating the condition are currently assessing treatments and techniques to remove the cells that reside deep within the muscle of the uterus.
How often does it occur?
The condition is believed to affect around 10 percent of women in the UK, making it as common as endometriosis.
It is more common in women ages 40 to 50 and older those who have been pregnant before.
Adenomyosis does not seem to reduce the chance of pregnancy.
However, it has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and preterm birth.
The BBC Breakfast presenter (pictured with co-presenter Charlie Sayt) said on BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘The pain was so terrible I couldn’t move, turn around, sit up. I screamed non-stop for 45 minutes’
What makes it different from 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 the uterus.
While the rate of growth varies from patient to patient, it can affect areas such as the bladder, intestines, ovaries, and even the lungs.
Adenomyosis, on the other hand, causes the rogue tissue to burrow into the muscle wall of the uterus.
It is also possible to suffer from both conditions at the same time.
Some women have both conditions.
How is it diagnosed?
It can take years to get a diagnosis because symptoms and severity can vary from woman to woman.
The condition is usually diagnosed by performing a pelvic exam, in which a doctor will look at the vulva, vagina, and cervix.
Doctors may also perform a transvaginal ultrasound and/or an MRI to investigate symptoms.
This can also help rule out other health problems.
An NHS spokesperson told MailOnline today: ‘NHS staff should support women with adenomyosis and we strongly encourage any woman concerned about their health to speak to their GP.
‘Symptoms of adenomyosis include chronic pelvic pain that often occurs prior to menstruation and is accompanied by heavy menstrual bleeding and deep pain during sex.
They added: ‘GPs should keep up to date with the latest NICE guidance on this condition so that rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment can be carried out.’
How can it be treated?
Treatment varies depending on the symptoms, but also on other factors such as age, desire to have children and preservation of fertility and views on surgery.
Patients and doctors may choose to do nothing if symptoms are mild, the woman is trying to conceive, or is approaching menopause.
Alternatively, hormone treatments can reduce pain and bleeding or induce temporary menopause.
A hysterectomy — removal of the uterus — can cure the condition in women who don’t want to preserve their fertility.
It may also be possible to inject small particles into a blood vessel in the groin with the aim of cutting off the blood supply to the adenomyosis, causing it to shrink.