Final answer:
Adenomyosis is the growth of endometrial tissue into the uterine muscle, causing pain and heavy bleeding. Diagnosis often combines symptom reporting, physical examinations, and imaging, with definitive diagnosis possibly requiring laparoscopy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adenomyosis is a medical condition characterized by the growth of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, into the muscle wall of the uterus. This condition can cause painful menstruation and heavy bleeding. The essentials of diagnosis generally involve self-reported symptoms and a physical examination. Imaging techniques such as ultrasonography can support the diagnosis, but a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis, a related condition where endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus, typically requires a laparoscopy - a surgical procedure where a camera is inserted into the abdomen to visually inspect the endometrial tissue.