A woman’s womb is a fascinating organ, a place where life begins, and it plays a significant role in her reproductive health. It is susceptible to many painful conditions, most of which are misunderstood. Uterine polyp is one such condition, and the online discourse is rather confusing. So, today, we will discuss the condition, understand what triggers these polyps, the signs and symptoms to watch out for, and what to do if you are afflicted with it.
What is a uterine polyp?
Your uterus is lined with a soft and rich lining, also known as endometrium. The lining hardens during pregnancy, or when your body is preparing for it. However, in some cases, the lining can grow in one spot or have mushroom-like growths throughout the cavity. Usually, these uterine polyps or endometrial polyps are benign, but they can cause problems in a woman’s life. The size can vary, and they can attach themselves to the wall through a thin stalk (pedunculated polyps) or a thick base (sessile polyps). Other than these types of uterine polyps, we also encounter cervical polyps. These are different from uterine fibroids and rarely turn into cancerous entities.
What uterine polyps symptoms you should look out for?
Uterine polyps are silent, and women remain unaware for most of their lives. Unless they are suffering from these conditions as well, they will never seek a medical checkup or gynecological tests:
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
- Your periods become unusually heavy, requiring more frequent changes of sanitary pads, or lasting for an extended duration (menorrhagia).
- Your period cycle becomes unpredictable, with varying lengths between periods.
Bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding)
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding after intercourse (post-coital bleeding):
Difficulty Conceiving (Infertility Issues):
- Uterine polyps can act like a physical barrier, potentially interfering with the journey of sperm, the implantation of a fertilized egg, or even proper embryo development.
- If a woman experiences repeated miscarriages, uterine polyps can sometimes be a contributing factor.
- Unusual Vaginal Discharge
- Pelvic Pain
What factors trigger uterine polyps?
As of 2025, we still don’t know the precise causes of uterine polyps. However, our research indicates these can be the major contributors:
- Fluctuations in estrogen levels (natural or external issues) can lead to growth in endometrial tissue
- These are diagnosed in women in their 40s and 50s, in the postmenopausal period.
- We have seen a correlation between obesity and the formation of uterine polyps
- Some medicines, like tamoxifen (mainly used for breast cancer management), might cause these polyps as a side effect.
- Patients suffering from hypertension can suffer from these polyps
- Although less common, heredity can also play a role in this situation
What are the treatment options for uterine polyps?
As a gynecologist, it’s my responsibility to individualize the treatment for these uterine polyps. It will depend on whether they are symptomatic, your age, and your pregnancy goals. If they don’t show any symptoms, we might use a “monitoring” approach. However, if they are significantly larger, I might recommend removal, especially if you are experiencing infertility issues or recurrent pregnancy loss.
What are the uterine polyp removal surgeries?
Hysterectomy involves inserting a very thin, lighted telescope-like instrument called a hysteroscope through the vagina and cervix, directly into the uterus. The hysteroscope transmits clear images of the uterine lining to a monitor, allowing me to directly visualize the polyps, their size, and their exact location.
In polypectomy, once the polyps are identified and located, small specialized surgical instruments (such as graspers, scissors, or a resectoscope) are passed through the hysteroscope. These instruments are then used to carefully and precisely remove the polyps from the uterine wall. The removed tissue is collected and sent to a pathology laboratory.
However, for complete polyp removal, hysteroscopy is superior due to its direct visualization capabilities. In very rare and complex cases, if polyps are unusually large or associated with other severe uterine abnormalities, a laparoscopic approach might be considered, though it’s not the primary method.
What to Expect from Uterine Polyps Surgery
Before the Procedure
You will typically undergo a thorough medical evaluation, blood tests, a pelvic examination, and often a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) or a saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS)
Hysteroscopic polypectomy can be performed under various types of anesthesia, local, regional (like a spinal block), or general anesthesia.
During the Procedure
The actual hysteroscopic procedure time is usually short, ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the number and size of the polyps.
After the Procedure
Most women can go home on the same day, as it is an outpatient gynecological procedure. You might experience some light spotting or bleeding for a few days to a week, along with mild cramping similar to menstrual cramps. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage any discomfort.
Recovery
Most women recover quickly and can resume their normal activities, including work, within a day or two. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the pathology results from the removed polyp and monitor your recovery.
Is it possible to prevent uterine polyps?
If you are obese or have obesity in family history, focusing on weight management can be beneficial. Your lifestyle needs to include healthy eating habits and physical activity to reduce health concerns. You should attend regular pelvic exams to understand if you are at risk, even before you first experience the symptoms. Also, lastly, if you have underlying lifestyle problems, you must be extra careful.
Your reproductive health and quality of life may suffer due to the presence of uterine polyps. As your doctor, I strongly urge you to prioritize your health. Regular check-ups, prompt attention to any unusual symptoms, and seeking expert medical advice are essential steps towards ensuring every woman can lead a healthy and fulfilling life, free from the silent burden of uterine polyps. If you suspect you have uterine polyps or are experiencing any concerning symptoms, please consult a gynaecologist without delay.
About Dr. Pankhuri
Dr Pankhuri has over 16 years of experience treating uterine fibroids and gynecological isses. She has glowing recommendations from her patients, and is applauded for her knowledge, friendly composure, and expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are uterine polyps cancerous?
No, in the vast majority of cases, uterine polyps are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous. The chance of a polyp turning into cancer is very low, generally less than 1%. This risk slightly increases for women after menopause. That’s why any bleeding after menopause should always be checked by a doctor. We always send the removed polyp tissue to a lab for examination, just to be sure and give you peace of mind.
2. Can uterine polyps affect my chances of getting pregnant?
Yes, uterine polyps can certainly impact your fertility. Depending on their size and location, they can act as a physical barrier, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg or for a fertilized egg to successfully implant in the uterine lining. They can also interfere with the normal blood supply to the uterus. If you’re struggling to conceive or experiencing recurrent miscarriages, removal of polyps can significantly improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.
3. What is the main reason polyps grow?
The exact cause isn’t fully known, but the primary factor is believed to be hormonal fluctuations, especially an overgrowth of tissue due to excessive or prolonged exposure to estrogen. Factors like age (especially around menopause), obesity (as fat cells produce estrogen), and certain medications like Tamoxifen can contribute to these hormonal influences, promoting polyp formation in the uterus.
4. Will the polyp removal surgery be painful?
During the hysteroscopic polypectomy, you will be comfortable. The procedure is typically performed under anesthesia, either local, regional (like a spinal injection), or general anesthesia. After the procedure, it’s common to experience some mild cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, and light spotting for a few days. These can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients find the discomfort manageable.
5. How long does recovery take after polyp removal?
Recovery from hysteroscopic polypectomy is usually very quick. Since it’s a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure, most patients can go home the same day. You might have light bleeding or spotting and mild cramping for about a week. I generally advise avoiding strenuous activities and sexual intercourse for about one to two weeks to allow your uterus to heal completely. Most women feel well enough to resume their normal daily activities within a day or two.
6. Can polyps come back after they are removed?
Yes, unfortunately, uterine polyps can recur even after successful removal. The recurrence rate varies among individuals, but studies suggest it can be anywhere from 10% to 25%. This is why regular follow-up with your gynaecologist is important, especially if you experience a return of your original symptoms like abnormal bleeding. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including managing weight, can also help reduce the chances of recurrence.
7. Do I need to remove a polyp if it’s not bothering me?
If a polyp is small and not causing any symptoms like bleeding or fertility issues, your doctor might suggest regular monitoring. However, if symptoms develop, if the polyp is large, or if there’s any concern about its nature, removal is generally recommended.
