She is the calm, composed and authoritative voice of BBC Breakfast.
But behind her polished exterior, Naga Munchetty has battled for years a little-known ailment that at times has her screaming in pain.
The 48-year-old broadcaster opened up about her decades-long battle with adenomyosis – a uterine condition similar to endometriosis – the pain of which was so severe her husband had to call an ambulance for her over the weekend.
But what is adenomyosis? How is it caused? What are the symptoms? And what is the difference to endometriosis?
Here, MailOnline breaks down everything you need to know.
BBC presenter Naga Munchetty today opened up about her struggles with the debilitating uterine condition adenomyosis
She told listeners on BBC Radio 5 Live how she suffered a flare-up of her adenomyosis over the weekend that got so bad her husband (pictured above in April) called an ambulance for her
It is not known exactly why adenomyosis occurs. However, the NHS notes that it is “likely” that women with adenomyosis “have a predisposition because of their genes, immune system and hormones”.
What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the lining of the uterus – the endometrium – burrows deep into the muscular wall of the uterus.
The displaced tissue continues to behave normally throughout each menstrual cycle—thickening, breaking down, and bleeding.
This can lead to an enlarged uterus and painful, heavy menstrual bleeding.
It can affect the entire uterus or just part of the uterus.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms include heavy, painful, or irregular menstrual periods, premenstrual pelvic pain, and pelvic heaviness or discomfort.
Less common symptoms can also include painful 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 could include pain associated with bowel movements, according to the North Bristol NHS Trust.
About a third of women experience little or no symptoms.
Symptoms generally stop after menopause.
How is the condition caused?
It is not known exactly why adenomyosis occurs.
However, the NHS notes that it is “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 noncancerous.
Most studies looking at this condition are currently investigating treatments and techniques to remove the cells that are deep in the uterine muscle.
How common is it?
The condition is thought to affect around 10 per cent of women in the UK, making it as common as endometriosis.
It is more common in women aged 40 to 50 those who have been pregnant before.
Adenomyosis does not appear to reduce 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-presenter Charlie Sayt) said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “The pain was so terrible I couldn’t move, turn or sit up.” I screamed non-stop for 45 minutes.
What is the difference to endometriosis?
Both endometriosis and adenomyosis occur when the lining of the womb, called the endometrium, slips.
But there are major differences between the two.
In endometriosis, tissue invades areas outside the uterus.
While the extent 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 unwanted tissue to burrow into the muscular wall of the uterus.
It is also possible to have both diseases at the same time.
Some women suffer from both conditions.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis can take years because symptoms and severity can vary from woman to woman.
The condition is typically diagnosed through a pelvic exam, during which a doctor examines the vulva, vagina, and cervix.
Doctors may also do a transvaginal ultrasound and/or an MRI to examine symptoms.
This can also help rule out other health problems.
An NHS spokesman told MailOnline today: “NHS staff should support women suffering from adenomyosis and we strongly encourage any woman who is concerned about her health to speak to her GP.”
“Symptoms of adenomyosis include chronic pelvic pain, which often occurs before 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 prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatments can be provided.”
How can it be treated?
Treatment varies based on symptoms, as well as other factors such as age, desire to have children and fertility preservation, and beliefs about 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 relieve pain and bleeding or cause a temporary menopause.
A hysterectomy—the 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 tiny particles into a blood vessel in the groin to cut off the blood supply to the adenomyosis and shrink it.
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