Uterine Polyps

What are uterine polyps?

Uterine polyps are growths that occur in the lining of your uterus (endometrium). They form from an overgrowth of endometrial tissue and attach to the uterine lining by a thin stalk. 

Polyps can be oval or round and vary in size from a few millimeters to the size of a golf ball or larger. They are usually noncancerous but can cause problems in menstruation and fertility.

What are the risk factors for endometrial polyps?

Hormonal factors appear to play a role in polyp development, as these growths are sensitive to estrogen. Risk factors for developing uterine polyps include:

• Being obese
• Taking breast cancer medications
• Having high blood pressure
• Going through menopause

One complication of uterine polyps is infertility. Removing polyps might increase your chances of becoming pregnant in the future. In rare occasions, polyps can be cancerous.

What are the symptoms of uterine polyps?

Various symptoms may indicate the presence of uterine polyps. Examples include:

• Infertility
• Bleeding after menopause
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Irregular bleeding at unpredictable intervals

Some women with uterine polyps are symptom-free. If you experience infertility or abnormal menstrual bleeding of any kind, check in with your gynecologist to determine if uterine polyps or another more serious gynecological condition is the cause.

What methods can diagnose uterine polyps?

Your doctor uses hysteroscopy or transvaginal ultrasound to diagnose uterine polyps. Hysteroscopy involves inserting a thin telescope into your uterine cavity, which allows your gynecologist to look inside.

Once a polyp gets removed, your doctor sends it to a laboratory for analysis. This step is important to rule out cancer.

What is the treatment for uterine polyps?

If you have uterine polyps, your provider might recommend one of the following treatment options:

Watchful waiting

Sometimes uterine polyps resolve on their own over time. Therefore, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting before taking further action.

Medications

Hormone medications might reduce symptoms associated with polyps.

Polyp removal

Surgical polyp removal often happens during a hysteroscopy. Your gynecologist inserts instruments through a hysteroscope to remove the polyps and send them to a lab for evaluation.

What happens after polyp removal?

After polyp removal, the growths can sometimes reappear in the future. If laboratory analysis reveals that a polyp is cancerous, your doctor might recommend a hysterectomy, or removal of your uterus.

If you suspect you have uterine polyps, don’t wait to report your symptoms. Call Rockville Gynecology today or use the online scheduler.