Uterine Polyps, which are small, grape-like growths of the lining (cavity) of the uterus are common among reproductive age women. They occur in the inner lining (endometrium) of the uterus . They are attached to the endometrium by a thin stalk or a broad base and extend inward into the uterus. Uterine polyps are usually noncancerous, but they may cause problems with periods (menstruation) or fertility. The polyps may be round or oval, and range in size from a few millimeters (the size of a sesame seed) to a few centimeters (the size of a golf ball), or larger. There may be one or several polyps present. Uterine polyps are more likely to develop in women who are between 40 and 50 years old than in younger women. Uterine polyps can occur after menopause but rarely occur in women under 20 years old.

Your chances of developing uterine polyps may increase if you are overweight or obese, diagnosed with hypertension / diabetes or are taking tamoxifen, a drug that is used to treat breast cancer or estrogen replacement therapy in menopause. The exact reason that polyps form is unknown, but swings in hormone levels may be a factor. Estrogen, which plays a role in causing the endometrium to thicken each month, also appears to be linked to the growth of uterine polyps. Fibroids, adenomyosis and polyps are common causes of uterine bleeding. Uterine polyps and bleeding is very common.

Uterine Polyp Treatment

During your gynelogical examination cervical polyps or rarely vaginal polyps may be detected. Both of them can be painlessly removed during your examination at office setting. A cervical or vaginal polyp rarely turns out to be cancer.

What is a Polyp? Is Polyp Cancerous? Uterus Polyp Symptoms and Treatment

Uterine polyps symptoms are irregular bleeding and thick endometrial lining. Endometrial polyp bleeding causes irregular menstruation. Uterine polyps bleeding are usually uterine spotting. Uterine polyps usually bleed at midcycle. Uterine polyps bleeding after intercourse happens when the polyps protrude through the cervix in the vagina. Uterine polyps do not cause pain. Infertility is another symptom related to polyps.

Endometrial Polyp

Uterine polyps rarely occur in postmenopausal women. Endometrial polyp after menopause can cause postmenopausal bleeding or endometrial polyp after menopause is incidentally found at transvaginal ultrasound. Uterine polyps after menopause are removed by hysteroscopy to exclude malignancy. Uterine polyps can be endometrial cancer finding.

Diagnostic Tests

Transvaginal ultrasound: Endometrial thickness may suggest polyp but it requires further evaluation

Sonohysterography: this is a related procedure that may be performed after the transvaginal ultrasound. A sterile fluid is introduced into the uterus through a thin tube called a catheter. The fluid causes the uterus to expand, providing a clearer image of any growths within the uterine cavity during the ultrasound procedure.

Hysteroscopy: this may be used to either diagnose or treat uterine polyps. During this procedure, a doctor inserts a long, thin tube with a lighted telescope (hysteroscope) through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. The hysteroscope allows the surgeon to examine the inside of the uterus. Hysteroscopy is sometimes used in combination with surgery to remove the polyps.

As mentioned above, hysteroscopy is used to remove uterine polyps. Hysteroscopy and polypectomy is a common surgery applied in gynecology. Polyp removal is performed on the 6-10 th days of the cycle. Uterine polyp removal during period is not recommended. The bleeding obscures the view of the camera. D&c for polypectomy is not preferred. The polyp cannot be removed completely unless hysteroscopy is performed. Hysteroscopy for polypectomy is the best surgical intervention for removal of polyps.

Uterine Polyp

Endometrial polyp removal by hysteroscopy is same day surgery. Polypectomy does not harm the womb. Hysteroscopy and polyp removal can be performed by office or operative hysteroscopy. Hysteroscopic visualization and removal of the polyp is preferred over blind curettage as the latter may miss small polyps.

Hysteroscopy polyp removal is not painful. Hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy can be performed by office hysteroscopy with or without anesthesia. Uterine polyp removal by local anesthesia is also possible.

Hysteroscopy uterine polyp removal sometimes necessitates operative hysteroscopy. Operative hysteroscopy polypectomy is performed by resectoscope. When operative hysteropscopy is used, it usually performed under anesthesia. Endometrial polypectomy procedure is cutting the polyp into pieces and then removing the polyp out of the uterine cavity. Hysteroscopic polypectomy procedure ends when the whole polyp is removed from the uterine cavity. Uterine polypectomy procedure does not cause pain after the procedure.

Hysteroscopic polypectomy cases can be discharged on the same day of surgery.

Bleeding after polyp removal from uterus does not last long. Bleeding after hysteroscopy polypectomy may last up to one week.  Bleeding after hysteroscopy and polypectomy is light bleeding. Heavy bleeding after uterine polyp removal is not observed.

There’s no sure way to prevent uterine polyps. Polyps can come back, so it’s important to get regular gynecological check-up examinations if you’ve had treatment.

Polyp Removal Cost

First period after hysteroscopy polypectomy is expected on 30 -35 days after the procedure. Uterine polyp and endometrial polyp removal cost is not too high. Polyp removal prices in Turkey range from 1000 to 1300 dollars on average.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a uterine polyp, and what does it mean for my health?

A uterine polyp is a growth or small mass that develops in the lining of the uterus. While most uterine polyps are noncancerous, they can cause symptoms and potentially affect fertility.

What are the common symptoms of uterine polyps?

The most common symptoms of uterine polyps include abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular periods, bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, and occasionally, difficulty getting pregnant.

How are uterine polyps diagnosed?

Uterine polyps are typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or hysteroscopy. A healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach for you.

Are uterine polyps cancerous?

The majority of uterine polyps are noncancerous (benign). However, in rare cases, a polyp may contain abnormal cells or be associated with other uterine conditions that could increase the risk of cancer. A biopsy or removal of the polyp may be recommended to assess its nature.

Can uterine polyps affect my fertility?

Yes, uterine polyps can sometimes impact fertility. They can interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg or increase the risk of miscarriage. However, not all women with uterine polyps will experience fertility issues.

Can uterine polyps go away on their own?

In some cases, small uterine polyps may resolve on their own without treatment. However, larger polyps or those causing symptoms often require medical intervention to be removed.

Will the removal of uterine polyps improve my symptoms?

Yes, the removal of uterine polyps can often improve symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or fertility issues. However, the extent of symptom improvement may vary depending on individual factors.

Can uterine polyps come back after they are removed?

While uterine polyps can recur after removal, the likelihood of recurrence is relatively low. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider and routine screenings can help monitor your condition.