Adenomyosis Specialist Perth
Dr Sean Copson is a Perth gynaecologist with advanced training in adenomyosis surgery. Caring expert in minimally invasive surgery and adenomyosis treatment in Perth.
Adenomyosis Specialist Perth
Expert care for adenomyosis from a leading gynaecological surgeon
If you’re living with painful, heavy periods or chronic pelvic pain, you may have adenomyosis, a commonly misunderstood condition that affects many women. Adenomyosis symptoms are often under-recognised or mislabelled as endometriosis or fibroids, leaving women without clear answers or effective adenomyosis treatment.
As a minimally invasive gynaecological surgeon in Perth, I provide accurate adenomyosis diagnosis and personalised adenomyosis management. Whether your goal is symptom control, fertility preservation, or definitive surgical treatment, I offer evidence-based options tailored to you.
My focus is patient-centred care, so you feel heard, informed and supported at every stage of your treatment journey.
What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium). This leads to inflammation, uterine thickening and pain, particularly during menstruation.
Unlike endometriosis — where tissue grows outside the uterus — adenomyosis is confined to the uterine muscle. However, it still responds to hormonal changes, causing swelling, bleeding within the muscle and significant pain.
There are two main forms:
- Diffuse adenomyosis, affecting much of the uterine wall
- Focal adenomyosis (adenomyoma), where disease is localised
Adenomyosis may occur alone or alongside endometriosis or fibroids, which can complicate diagnosis and management.
Common adenomyosis symptoms
Adenomyosis symptoms vary between women, but commonly include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Severe or worsening period pain (dysmenorrhoea)
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic pressure, bloating or heaviness
- Fatigue and iron deficiency anaemia
- Difficulty falling pregnant or infertility
“If your symptoms have been dismissed as “normal periods” but continue to worsen, assessment by an adenomyosis specialist in Perth is important.”
Dr Sean Copson
Adenomyosis Specialist Perth
What causes adenomyosis?
The exact cause of adenomyosis is not fully understood. Contributing factors may include:
Hormonal influences
estrogen and inflammation
Prior uterine surgery
including caesarean or curettage
Increasing age
women aged 30–50
Co-existing conditions
such as endometriosis or fibroids
Adenomyosis diagnosis
Accurate adenomyosis diagnosis can be challenging, as symptoms often overlap with other pelvic conditions.
At my Perth practice, diagnosis typically involves:
- Detailed medical history, including bleeding patterns, pain, fertility goals and prior treatments
- Transvaginal ultrasound, performed by an experienced sonographer, which may show a bulky uterus, asymmetry or myometrial cysts
- Pelvic MRI, particularly useful for complex cases or in people who do not wish to have a transvaginal ultrasound
"Laparoscopy does not diagnose adenomyosis directly but may be recommended to assess for coexisting endometriosis."
Dr Sean Copson
Adenomyosis Specialist Perth
Adenomyosis treatment Perth
How do I treat adenomyosis?
Every woman I see is different, so I take a personalised approach to help you get the best outcome. Depending on your symptoms, goals, and life stage, you might benefit from one or more of the following strategies.
Adenomyosis treatment options
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Adenomyosis treatment depends on symptom severity, fertility goals and whether uterine preservation is desired.
Medical and non-surgical treatment for adenomyosis
Some women benefit from working with pelvic health physiotherapists, psychologists, or dietitians experienced in managing chronic pain and hormonal conditions.
Hormonal treatment for adenomyosis
Hormonal therapies aim to reduce bleeding and pain by suppressing hormonal stimulation of adenomyotic tissue. Options include:
- Mirena® (IUD for adenomyosis)
- Combined oral contraceptive pills (often used continuously)
- Progestogen-only medications
"Hormonal therapy for adenomyosis in Perth is tailored to your symptoms and reproductive plans."
Dr Sean Copson
Adenomyosis Specialist Perth
Adenomyosis medication and pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Targeted pain relief strategies
- Treatment of iron deficiency when present
These options form the foundation of adenomyosis management for many women not ready to have a hysterectomy.
Adenomyosis treatment Perth
Surgical Treatment for Adenomyosis
Surgery may be considered when medical management is insufficient.
Uterine-sparing surgery for adenomyosis
In selected women with focal disease who wish to preserve fertility, options may include:
- Adenomyomectomy (removal of a localised adenomyoma)
This procedure is technically demanding and best performed by a surgeon experienced in minimally invasive adenomyosis surgery in Perth.
In women who no longer desire fertility but wish to retain their uterus, options may include:
- Endometrial ablation: While this is not a treatment for the pain associated with adenomyosis, it can be very effective to manage the heavy bleeding associated with adenomyosis. It is a very straightforward day procedure with excellent outcomes
Hysterectomy for adenomyosis
A hysterectomy is the only curative treatment for adenomyosis. It may be recommended when:
- Symptoms are severe and ongoing
- Fertility is no longer desired
- Non-surgical treatment for adenomyosis has failed
This procedure is technically demanding and best performed by a surgeon experienced in minimally invasive adenomyosis surgery in Perth.
The vast majority of these can be performed as a laparoscopic hysterectomy, offering a minimally invasive approach, less pain, better cosmesis and faster recovery.
Recovery after adenomyosis surgery
Recovery after adenomyosis surgery depends on the procedure performed:
Laparoscopic hysterectomy
Laparoscopic hysterectomy: most women return to daily activities within 2–4 weeks
More complex
More complex or uterine-sparing surgery: recovery may take 4–6 weeks
Endometrial ablation
Endometrial ablation is a day procedure and recovery is immediate
Holistic and lifestyle-based adenomyosis management
Many women benefit from combining medical treatment with supportive lifestyle measures. These may include:
Diet
Diet for adenomyosis focused on reducing inflammation
Exercise
Exercise for adenomyosis pain, such as walking or swimming
Yoga
Yoga for adenomyosis and pelvic relaxation
Acupuncture
Adenomyosis and acupuncture for pain modulation
Stress Relief
Stress management and lifestyle changes for adenomyosis
How do I treat adenomyosis?
Advanced gynaecological surgery for chronic pelvic pain
I am fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic surgery through the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society (AGES), this is the highest level of training in Australia for complex benign gynaecological surgery. I also consult at King Edward Memorial Hospital — Western Australia’s only tertiary referral centre for complex gynaecological care.
This training allows me to provide:
- Accurate adenomyosis diagnosis
- Comprehensive adenomyosis management
- Laparoscopic adenomyosis surgery in Perth, including hysterectomy
- Coordinated multidisciplinary care when adenomyosis coexists with endometriosis or fertility concerns
Your care is always tailored to your individual goals — whether conservative management, fertility planning or definitive surgical treatment.
Don’t live with adenomyosis symptoms in silence
Severe period pain and heavy bleeding are not normal. If you suspect adenomyosis or are still searching for answers, expert care can make a real difference.
Ask your GP for a referral to Dr Sean Copson — an adenomyosis specialist in Perth with advanced expertise in diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can adenomyosis be cured naturally?
No. There is no proven natural cure. Symptoms can often be managed with hormonal treatment, medication and lifestyle changes.
Q. How to manage adenomyosis without surgery?
Many women achieve good control with hormonal therapy, pain relief and holistic measures.
Q. Does surgery help adenomyosis pain?
Yes. Surgery, particularly hysterectomy, is highly effective, in fact hysterectomy is the only cure for adenomyosis.
Q. What is the best treatment for adenomyosis?
The best treatment depends on symptoms, age and fertility goals.
Q. What to expect after adenomyosis surgery or hysterectomy
Most women experience significant improvement in pain and bleeding.
Q. How long does it take to recover from adenomyosis surgery?
Recovery varies, but laparoscopic surgery usually allows return to normal activities within a few weeks.
Q. Is adenomyosis the same as endometriosis?
No. They are different conditions but commonly occur together.
Q. Can adenomyosis cause infertility?
Adenomyosis may affect fertility, particularly when severe or associated with endometriosis.
Information for GPs and referring doctors
When to refer a patient with suspected adenomyosis
- Heavy bleeding or dysmenorrhoea unresponsive to first-line therapy
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Fertility concerns
Differentiating adenomyosis from endometriosis
- Adenomyosis: cylical pain and heavy bleeding
- Endometriosis: extra-uterine disease and cyclical or non-cyclical pain
Role of imaging in adenomyosis diagnosis
- High-quality pelvic ultrasound as first-line
- MRI where transvaginal ultrasound is not appropriate
Hormonal and non-hormonal options before referral
- Hormonal therapy (COCP, progesterone only pills, Mirena IUD)
- Pain management
- Iron deficiency treatment
Indications for hysterectomy or laparoscopic referral
- Persistent symptoms despite optimal medical management
- Significant impact on quality of life
- Completed fertility